Krakow to Warsaw – Pilica cycle route
Warsaw or Krakow? Now you don’t have to choose, as there is a relatively unknown treasure linking these two cities, just waiting for cycle tourists to discover it.
A dense network of what was previously sandy or stony small country roads has now been newly paved, and the smooth asphalt roads with minimal traffic are perfect for a beautiful cycling holiday. That’s why we recommend Poland as a premier cycling destination, and the Pilica Cycle Path is a leisurely and simple week-long bike tour that starts in Krakow and ends in Warka near Warsaw.
Along the route, if you fancy something a bit different, there are sections of the river where you can rent a canoe & be driven a few miles upstream, so you can paddle back and enjoy the river from a different perspective!
Itinerary
Saturday arrival in Krakow, and your first overnight stay is in a centrally located hotel. After checking in, take time to stroll through Krakow and explore its historic city centre, or get a taste of its famous nightlife.
After the bus ride to Smolec, which takes approximately one hour, we get on our bikes at the top of a hill surrounded by medieval castle ruins.
The first kilometres are downhill through towards the source of the river. Continue past fish ponds, through a pretty town, with the same name as the river – Pilica – to your hotel in Zawada.
Today, flat and quiet roads run through shady forests for the most part, and you will hardly notice the kilometres flying by, on the longest leg of your tour.
The day ends in the small town of Przedborz, on the edge of Przedborz Landscape Park, a protected area with no fewer than 5 nature reserves.
Today, your route passes through tree-lined avenues, narrow fields, fragrant meadows, and gardens in full bloom.
Your hotel tonight is exceptional; it was once a Cistercian abbey, and was built on the extensive grounds of a castle that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Today starts along the shores of the reservoir, and there are many spots where you might be tempted to get off your bike, and go for a dip. Later on the route, the open air museum at Piliza is well worth a visit.
You’ll also pass the largest city on your route, Tomaszow, with 30,000 inhabitants. Despite its size, a network of car-free cycle paths takes allows you to easily and safely navigate the city, before continuing to Spala, a popular forest health resort.
Spala lies within a forested area that has been a popular hunting and recreational area since the 19th century, firstly with the Russian Czars, and later with Polish presidents. This area also has remnants of recent history – the colossal railway bunker at Konewki was the command post ‘Anlage Mitte’ of the German military during World War II.
Tonight you will stay in the small town of Nowe Miasto, at a guesthouse located on the bank of the river.
Your final day on the bike goes past Wysmierzyce which, with just 858 inhabitants, is considered to be the smallest town in Poland. This picturesque town has traditional wooden houses. Next, you will cycle through fields and orchards, before reaching Warka, close to Warsaw.
Your final night will be spent in the four-star hotel and horse breeding farm “Sielanka”, which translates as “idyllic land”.
Warsaw is only 60 km from Warka and is easy to reach with the hourly regional train. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
If you wish to extend your stay, the 30-40 km round-trip from Warka to Weichseltal and the Pilica estuary is highly recommended.
Alternatively, if you fancy a change of pace and scenery, why not spend your extra day exploring the Polish capital city of Warsaw.
Route overview
A very easy tour: About 70% is on asphalt and the rest on dirt roads. The landscape is flat or gently undulating.
Total distance cycled: 290 km
Route Map (for guidance only)
Our Krakow and Poland holidays routes may be subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX files are available for most of the cycling tours in Poland we offer. Please ask us for route details of our other cycling holidays in Poland.
What’s included
- 7 nights accommodation with shower / WC
- Breakfast and dinner
- Standard Bike hire
- Luggage transfers
- Transport from Krakow to Pilica Springs
- Detailed route maps/notes
Not included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Local daily taxes (payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water bottles
- Travel insurance
- Optional kayak trip(s)
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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