Krakow is one of the most sports-oriented cities in Poland. Both in terms of sports facilities, the number of clubs, as well as the success of players, it is at the forefront. The rhythm of sporting life has for years been set by two clubs: Cracovia and Wisła, but it cannot be said that everything takes place exclusively at their stadiums, located on both sides of the Błonia, or that the sporting life of Krakow is soccer only.
In fact, there is probably no sport that is not practiced in this city. You will find here clubs where both very popular and less known sports are practiced. Residents and visitors alike enjoy soccer, volleyball, horseback riding, canoeing, tennis, swimming, rugby, American soccer, golf, and baseball. In addition, they have opportunities for field hockey and skiing. All of this is made possible by functioning sports facilities that meet the most exacting standards.
An invention worthy of respect
Most people today, especially the younger generations cannot imagine life without modern technologies, the Internet, smartphones or super cars. There are also many people, especially businessmen, actors and travel-loving tourists, who cannot imagine life without airplanes and the right to fly around the world. Without this there would be no possibility to work, earn more money, visit the most interesting and beautiful places in this world. Not everywhere can be reached on foot, by car or any other means of transport, especially when the difference in kilometers is enormous. A plane is a plane. Surveys show that it is the safest means of locomotion and, we must admit, quite convenient, especially because relatively quickly you can get to your destination.
By plane to Krakow
Balice International Airport is located eleven kilometers from the city center of Krakow. This is the second airport, after Okecie in Warsaw, with the largest number of passengers passing through airport portals and paying attention to the number of air operations undertaken. The patron of the airport is a great man, the great Polish Pope John Paul II.
You can get to and from the airport using the city bus lines, while in 2004 a train connection from the airport to the city center was established. The train journey takes only 17 minutes. A military airbase was used as well as tracks that had been used in the past to transport fuel tankers. Many private carriers offer their services in this area. Both small cabs and large vans are constantly going back and forth, providing a comprehensive service to users. A particularly well-known company, Krakow Direct, offers cars of various sizes and also organizes tours around the city.
The most popular sporting events
Cracovia Marathon
An annually organized race of international scope, whose route runs through the most picturesque corners of the city. Cracovia Marathon is the most prestigious athletic event held in Krakow every year. Competitors and amateur athletes from around the world can take part in it.
Tour de Pologne
Tour de Pologne is a famous road cycling race, organized cyclically throughout Poland. One of the oldest cycling events in the world. Since 1993, the race has been fully professional, and since 2005 it has belonged to the elite ProTour cycle. The total length of the Tour de Pologne route is approximately 1200 kilometers.
The Three Mounds Run
An innovative and unique cross-country route should be emphasized, running through the city center (from Podgórze, through Vistula Boulevards and Salwator to Kościuszko Mound), which, by using three Krakow’s mounds, meets the requirements of mountain running imposed by the Polish Athletics Federation Commission on Mountain Running. At the same time, the route has extremely high tourist qualities. If you do not feel up to taking part in it, you can always participate only as a spectator!
New Year’s Eve Run in Krakow
Among all sports events organized during the year, this run stands out with its unique fun, specific atmosphere and multicolorfulness, which is guaranteed by unusual costumes of participants and unique timing. It can be a really cool adventure at the beginning of the new year!
Euro 2012 in Krakow
It’s been a while since this event, but there is a lot to remember! The city has been preparing for the European Football Championship “UEFA EURO 2012” for months. Although the matches were not played in the city, but Krakow prepared for the championships as well as other Polish cities. Due to the fact that three teams – England, the Netherlands and Italy – chose the capital of Malopolska as their training center, Krakow was officially recognized as the fifth Polish city of EURO 2012.
Krakow was perfectly prepared to receive a large number of guests. This city is visited by millions of guests every year. All thanks to the much-appreciated unique atmosphere of the historic city, excellent accommodation, proximity to the airport, extensive network of restaurants and clubs, dozens of cultural institutions and world-class events.
European Games in 2023 will be held in Krakow and Malopolska
Krakow has been designated as one of the venues to host the 2023 Games, which is a great honour for the city. Athletes will compete in 20 disciplines and additionally in at least two showcase disciplines. In Krakow we will see, among others: fencing, rugby 7, modern pentathlon, men’s volleyball, wrestling, judo, flat and slalom canoeing.
See something more
While visiting the city for the Olympics, I encourage everyone to visit the beautiful Old Town and all the monuments that have been preserved here! There is really nothing more pleasant than taking a walk along the Vistula River, admiring sunsets from the Kościuszko Mound, going to a restaurant in the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, or simply taking advantage of the promotions that await you in the large, multifunctional shopping malls. If you don’t have a head for organizing trips on your own, there are plenty of companies that professionally take care of it. The one that stands out is JTP Group, which is really impressive and I have yet to come across a bad review about this company. I highly recommend checking out their offer and signing up!