Kraków was the most beautiful place I've visited and the people are really nice and know English very well.10/10 would recommend this city.Great video Mark,by the way!
Vanessa T I used to live in Krakow and to be honest I don't know why actually most of tourist are going to Krakow. Overrated place in my opinion, there is a lot of better cities to visit in Poland (Wroclaw, Gdansk, Warsaw)
b m Maybe they are focused on discovering the city, which is full of history, great architecture and plenty of things to do and you are focused on your daily problems and you don't pay attention on things from above ;) (No offence ;))
hi Mark, It's not really a shock if you know any Polish people but it's a shock visiting to find how very friendly and helpful they are compaired to some other cities in Europe,Plus their English is probably better than some English people,
Yes but many of us are afraid of using english, for example we don't have the or a in polish so - I guess - most of the polish people would hardly use those words.
Hi Mark, I often visit Krakau/Kraków because my girlfriend is Cracowian. My personal two shocks about this city are the incredible friendliness of the people and as a German the extraordinary good quality of craft beers brewed there. Best wishes from Potsdam, Björn. :)
I'm from Spain, we have a normal salary here (not too high as Sweden, Germany, UK.., but neither too low as Rumania, Ukraine, Russia...) and Krakow is so cheap for us. I was there last year, and I'm gonna back at the end of july again. Beautiful place.
Let's just add that 1 euro equals ~ 4.2 złote so as most tourists use euro every day, they can get plenty of things for almost free for them. Meanwhile for us, polish people, things are crazy expensive :')
I live in Kraków, and i have some advice: on main square are like you said many girls with umbrellas but also offten you can see gypsies with roses, dont speak with them they are really annoying i mean they sometimes dont want to let go with propositions Second, restaurant can be cheap for you but sometimes its better to watch out its not offten i personally saw this once but if waiter know you have a lot money they can give you a menu without prices so you'll pay more And its worth it to see Kazimierz, Wieliczka, Niepolomice (we have a bus for there) Nowa Huta, Park Jordana, Kopiec Kraka and many more but: WHEN YOU ARE IN A BUS remember In poland you have to buy a ticket in machine in a bus or on bus stop and then validate this ticket! Controlers always wants to make you pay even if you theoritically shouldn't. And if you go to Wieliczka or Niepolomice you have to buy a ticket for area 2 not 1 because its only on Krakow and you will have to pay some like 150 zloty for that. (ridiculous i know) One more thing in Krakow espetially in Nowa Huta there are restaurants called Bar Mleczny, food is super cheap its only polish food like a polish dinner and for pierogi soup cake and sonething else you can spend only 20 zloty If you want to know something more ill try to answer ;)
I went to Poland but never ever thought that the world famous Nazi killing camp is just outside Krakow. never knew the Germans caused so many pain and sufferings and killings to the Polish people. that is one thing I didn't know until I went there
@@PEEDEE100 The Nazi's WERE German though, there is no country called Naziland, we can't obfuscate who the perpetrators were, we know not all Germans were Nazi's, but all Nazi's were German.
@@PEEDEE100 I advise you to read the history about the moods of the Germans during World War 2. Normal Germans did not mind the war until they lost on the east. So I advise you to think about justifying Germans.
As some people already wrote in the comments: do not just say Nazi camps, but German camps or German Nazi camps, please, because many people don't know almost nothing about history and after hearing Nazi camp in Poland they are thinking Nazi was Polish.
Polish territory invaded by Germans, they build camps, at time it was Republic Of Germany - not Poland. Polish left those camps for people of the world to see what Germans did. 6000 000 Victims of holocaust in Poland 2.700 000 Jewish 1941-43 3 300 000 Polish + other ethnic minority 1939 -1945 Later 44 years of cominism up to '89
I have also been to see the death camps, and would also say that some ignorant people would equate them with "Polish camps". They were NAZI GERMAN death camps and stop saying POLISH. It just happened to be situated on Polish territory. Thank you.
Actually the polish government made "polish camps" by passing a law that forbids naming the concentration camps polish. Then there was an argument about Poles helping Jews. We learn in Poland that people from our country helped Jews escape from the camps or had hidden them somewhere, but there of course were the ones that handed them over to Nazis. There might be some poles officers in the camps on Nazis' side, but can you say they were polish if they killed so many other poles. Our government admits that there were the bad ones, but they say they were minor. The Israel side of conflict claims that Poles didn't help much, some of them said that their family members have died never meeting a Nazi. I think both sides are dump af
We learn that the concentration camps were German camps during the war but were still used as concentration camps by the Polish communist government after the war.
I was born in Krakow in Poland, im living in USA right now, and i miss home so much. Krakow is awesome place and i try convince all my American friends to go and see Poland this summer. Thank you for your videos which is showing how really Poland look like, none of this fake drama what CNN etc. showing. We are really friendly people and as long you respect out traditions we love all tourists.
I am visiting this year! I have a question: What is the proper way to pronounce the name of Krakow? I hear a few different versions from travel videos (KrakOW or KrakOF). Any help would be much appreciated!
@@susieasado6675 What serious social issues is Poland dealing with that Western media hasn't blown completely out of proportion or that cant be found in other countries (which western media always ignores or downplays)?
@tonymarin909 it depends on your preferences. If you want warm sunny weather then July-August would be the best time. Some people could find it being hot, but for me +28 - +30 is comfortable. This year it was nearly perfect weather most of the days from April to October and even now it's good although rather cold. But it's hard to predict - you may plan your visit for May'25 and get the rainy dark sky through the whole week.
@@Dondriver12345 Thank you for the reply I want to go when it's perfect weather that I could wear a regular shirt during the whole day i seen a video said spring in may or fall in september but not sure Have you been to auschwitz ? I heard you're not rushed to see everything if you go without a guide
@@tonymarin909 then definetily plan your journey for July-August. But take a jacket just in case :) I've never been to Auszwitz, so, have nothing to say.
Love this city! A kind shop owner in Krakow gave us a discount after it turned out we're from Hungary :) (And my name (Kinga) is both used in Hungary and Poland, so they liked me even more haha)
You have the same name as the patron saint of salt miners, Saint Kinga. She was a Hungarian princess who married a Polish prince. The legend of her engagement ring is quite fascinating!
@miawallace Well, I don't sell anything so I can't give you discount, but I would gladly buy you a drink. As many Poles I believe any Hungarian is my friend from day one - until he/she proves otherwise :) especially one that likes Pulp Fiction.
To any Hungarians who will vist Poland ; Just mention that you are Hungarian and you are allready will be treated as a friend. Poles really love Hungarians.
Kraków is my home town and it's really nice that you talk about places with such a respect. :) About concentration camps a lot of people didn't know who place them here and relaying on laying poles are often considered as aggressors there which hurt our nation a lot because we're really committed to our history and our heroes. Anyway try sightseeing in some warmer month. Then it's even more beautiful place. For example in August. We have New Orlean's Sunday and all swing festival then. ;) Highly recommend.
I was there alomst 5 years ago and I'm still under the impressions from that trip. Such a beautiful city, culture, people and foood. The food is amazing. And the most shocking thing for me was Auschwitz (Oswiecim). As well as you Mark I still get the chills thinking about that it and the images of what I saw are still in my head. I would recommend the visit to anyone to see what happened and not to allow something like that again. After the visit they would have a much different appreciation of the life in general. It made such an impact on me. In general Poland is an amazing country and the Poles are truly friendly and amazing people. Recommended destination for any serious traveler.
"there is so much beauty in the city that you're like: oh my gosh!..." Exactly, dude! Houses, public buldings, historical buldings, tenemnts in Poland - thousands of them are renovated and looks ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!
Been here this month (Aug 18) with my wife, for 10 days. Its wonderfull and everything Wolter describes is valid. Good prices, friendly people and a city that you can walk and ride a bike! It will be very help full if you learn to say in polish "good morning, goodbye, thank you" and polish people will smile to you!
I went to Krakow in 2008 for a one week visit. Your comments are spot on, totally accurate. One thing i would like to add is the large number and quality of the street musicians. They were also awesome. Djenkuje Pan.
I'm just back from visiting Kraków for the first time. It was so beautiful. The people were so lovely. My girlfriend and I already want to go back. What shocked me was how quiet it was! Can almost be described as eerie yet serene. So so nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle.
Hey Wolter! I live near Cracow and I’m surprised why, even though this is your second or third Cracow video, you still haven’t mentioned the Underground Museum (super modern btw) located right underneath the market square (on the level Cracow actually used to be located centuries ago) Greetings from Poland!
my mums going to Poland on a work trip on her own and she’s vegan. is there plenty of vegan options ? also is the city easy to get around (eg taxis and buses)? thanks!
@@megan-zl9iu i know you asked that question 3 months ago, but we have more and more vegan spots in poland, so i'm sure your mama will find something in Kraków as well. also there are a lot of buses and everything in Kraków, because it's a tourist spot, so it's need
I too was impressed with the friendliness of the Polish people. One our first night in Krakow and Poland we couldn't get into our apartment, in fact we couldn't even find it as the map was wrong and couldn't figure out how to use the key pads on the main door. Fortunately we asked a Pol for help, he was also on holiday in the city with his partner. He spent so long with us on a cold dark night, helped us find our apartment and told us how the keypads worked. We were so grateful to this kind man, I hope he enjoyed his holiday in the city as much as we did. Love Krakow, Poland and it's people. Greetings from the UK, we worked very close with each other during WWII (sorry for the stag/hen parties of today, they are a blight on every city).
Absolutely agree. Poland has so many outstanding cities and Krakow is certainly one of them. For me the two biggest shocks was size of Birkenau - just have to see it to get a real sense just how gigantic the concentration camp was. The other main shock was the salt mine which was also just so gigantic and the salt sculptures and cathedral out of this world - no wonder it is a world heritage site!
I'm heading to Krakow next week! I'm looking forward to eating great food and beer along with some great views of historical monuments! Great video, thank you!!!
Hi, I was born near to Kraków and lived there during 20 years, now every time I go to Poland I must visit this beautiful city at least during few hours. it is the loveliest place on Earth and I am very happy that you liked it
Tabor 7 I’m not deleting my comment because someone wants to cause a stir on the computer. I consider Mark a fellow RUclips friend and like talking with him! But I do have better things to do with my time then discuss with you. have a good day!
Went to Krakow from London last month. Very safe place no police or to be scared of any terrorism. Pure Europe high 🏨 standard good prices and quality of a food happy kids they have seen live nativity scene with all animals. I was surprised that everything looks new .I don't know how
Such a beautiful city and so much to do and see. My three biggest shocks on my first visit were 1) Just how incredibly massive the Birkenau site was 2) Just how utterly incredible and massive the Wieliczka Salk Mine was - a must see 3) Just how beautiful the zoo was on the hill outside the city centre - it was like gardens and zoo rolled into one.
Every group of drunk men partying there that I have witnessed have been Brits! As an American living in Krakow, I always confront them to behave as proper guests.
I am going to Poland in 2019. My grandmother grew up on a farm outside of Krakow and I want to do some research there. Thank you for your videos. I love them and have enjoyed many as I have been to Europe twice and was able to stay for 3 months my last visit. I would like to stay in Poland at least one month. Your videos have been helpful and entertaining..
Great video Mark! We were there last October and watched some of your videos about Poland to give us an idea what to expect. Thanks for helping us with enjoying Krakow!
One shock that might be new in 2022, they seem to prefer that you pay card instead of cash. If you use cash they really want exact change. Oh and sometimes you have to pay to use the water closet, or bathrooms.
This video brings back so many memories...I miss Kraków so much! Truly is such a beautiful city, I highly recommend it as a holiday destination! Great video, I agree with everything you're saying :)
My mom is Polish and I hope to visit her home country. Sadly she passed so I know very little Polish but I am learning and I hope to visit the places where her Grandparents lived :)
The Linthicums he is sayinv not cheap for Polish people lol. Thats why its cheap for you, because the polish people are starting jobs at $2-3 an hour =]
I am not happy to hear that the pay is bad for Poles. They deserve better. I suppose for any inexpensive place, the sad truth is there are always victims of that inexpensiveness. Now I feel guilty . . .
Wolter I have watched videos on your channel based on where I am going , Germany cologne, Paris, Amsterdam, and now Poland... You have been spot on so thank you for the traveling advice.
Hi. I am planning to visit Krakow and Warsaw from 23 February to 3rd March. Do you think it's a good period ? I don't mind the cold and if it's cloudy but, does it rain a lot during that period ? Thanks.
Cyprus Cyprus hey there, I think you might catch past-winter season, so just lots of mud and unhappiness all around, not the prime time to visit Poland in. And it's hard to tell if it's going to rain, on your place I would have waited a bit for when spring is in the full swing
Great video! I appreciate how you are direct and to the point. Most of these kinds of videos are long and drawn out with too much babbling. You did 10 things in 7 minutes and it was just as informative as others that are 30 minutes! THUMBS UP!!!
Aaaaw, you take me back. My grandma lives there and I used to travel there every year when I was a kid. The city is gorgeous! I remember Cracow during communism and it's shocking to see how much it has changed (for the better). Awesome video, thank you :)
Mark Wolters is a man with lots os value! he helps us (poor ignorant turists) Knowig when to came, were to came an the history and sights of the places we visit. Great Mark Wolters (and Jocelin) and thamks for the help.
People visiting Kraków should also go and visit Ojców and Pieskowa Skała. Kosciuszko mound and Krak mound are also the places worth seeing while in Kraków.
The 'Kantors' usually have an exchange rate of 10-20% higher than your bank would give you though the ATM, and it also really pays off to 'shop around' a little bit. If you are planning to excange more than lets say 50-100$/€, than look for an exchange house a block or two away from the main streets. It really pays off. P.S., dont forget to always aks if they 'could do a little better', i have ALWAYS gotten a percent or two more.
Daniel de Roy also as I remember,few months ago when I was here,we found the best exchange rate in the shopping mall "Galeria Krakowska",where 1€ was about 4,2 złotes
I usually change money on Sławkowska str. near the main square. The spread is arround 0.05zł. You should just walk the street, see 3 or 4 exchanges and then choose the best.
Thank so much. Was browsing for Schindlers list movie, saw your video and decided to watch. Interesting facts you highlighted. Hope my husband and can visit Krakow one day.
3:18 if you see these, TRY THEM, i absolutely LOVE this kind of cheese, its called "Oscypki" and is made from sheep milk. Its best kind of cheese i ever had. Tho sheep can't be milked all year, so when its out of season, they might use cow milk instead which is not as good, but still kinda good
1) it's one of the few places in Poland where people speak a bit of English so it's much easier to get around 2) there is a below ground anthropology museum below his feet which is an actual dig site of the original marketplace 3) there is another smaller market begind st Mary's church where locals sell their goods and there's a stage where they do dances to traditional music.
Love your videos! They bring back great memories - also great ideas of places to visit in the future. I loved Krakow and was originally on the fence about visiting Auschwitz, but I’m so glad I did. I did the the 3 hour tour, and my guide was so good I wish I would’ve done the full day one! It’s extremely informative and educational - and 3 hours didn’t cover even a fraction of the space there. Highly recommend! On another note - loved the bison grass vodka in Poland 🤓 PS - I also would like to see a Gdańsk video!
Jack O. What can I say, I'm a fool for the city (Foghat, 1975). Besides, I can get a dirt cheap flight to Paris from home - and I do mean stupidly dirt cheap - but to Krakow it's very expensive for me for some unknown reason.
Well it's great over here. We are on vacation in krakow! For the countries that have euros it's quite cheap too. Clean town, polite people and good food. The only problem is the weather. 3 days here and the two of them it was raining. Other than that it's a great family friendly destination
Thank you Mark, for the various informative videos about Poland. I'm heading for Krakow and Warsaw in July 2018, and you've really helped me to understand a bit more about this beautiful country. It's a long way from Australia - looking forward to it.
Random advice: this year we have a tick infestation in Poland, it is actually getting worse by the year ( mild winters are the reason, I suppose ). They are already present even in city parks, so it is good to have some kind of repellent at hand, easily available in a supermarket or chemist's. I hadn't had a tick bite in 40 years, and now I got 2 in the last three weeks, so did my daughter. I hope it doesn't scare you - you are probably used to dealing with much more dangerous creatures in Australia :) So, come over and enjoy.
Thanks for the info. I might bring some of my Australian insect repellent - super-strong, to fight off the super-ticks, and super-spiders, and the killer kangaroos, and... Just joking, but I will get myself some repellent, thank you.:-)
Tony H You are welcome, I want that kangaroo repellent, should be potent enough to work on football hooligans aka "patriots" - we have a sort of infestation of those too 😉I wouldn't even mention ticks if a significant percentage of that filth weren't carrying borelia strands and a viruses causing meningitis. It depends on the area.
I would like to add that the museums and the (relatively) nearby mountain range are also worth seeing while your there, however, aside from that I couldn't have summed it up better. Good job man.
Fun fact about Poland: in Krakow potatoes = ziemniaki In Katowice potatoes = kartofle In Poznań potatoes = pyry This doesn't change the fact, that everyone in Poland loves potatoes :)
.....thanks Mark......nice video about my home city......it is great to see you enjoyed......and it is interesting to see what tourists think about Krakow........
Yes. Polish that I know are hard working, inovative, honest. Proud, hard drinkers, independent. They had to learn a lot of skills to earn a living during the communist government. Ironically the communist regime may have made them what they are. Of course I have no clue what they were like before occupation
I studied in Krakow for the last three years and had enough of it - with the crowd, the traffic and air pollution. But now I'm back in my hometown and miss it. I would recommend visiting Wadowice - not far from Kraków, but it is a little town where pope John Paul II was born. And don't forget to try his favorite - Kremówki while you're there!
When I came to Poland many things shocked me. For instance: Wawel castle because I had thought that Poland is in Africa. Apart from that there is an "Obwarzanki" museum where you can make your own "obwarzanek".Furthermore, there is a museum about Japan called "Mangha". Your child may enjoy "Dziórawy Kocioł" - a Harry Potter themed cafeteria, you can buy Butterbeer there. A lot of children also enjoy "Smok Wawelski", which is a statue of a dragon, it breathes fire every hour. Kraków has its own special dish called "obwarzanek" which is basically a pretzel which is topped with poppy seeds, salt etc.You can buy some souvenirs at the Main Square too..
I've worked in traveler help service in main train station a few years ago and for tourist most shocking and disappointing was, that in the time of all holidays (like independence day, constitution day, x-mas, etc) the public transport is reduced and there is fewer trains, buses, and trams when people can go on a trip (because they don't have to go to work) than in a working days. Museums and pubs are always open but going to Wieliczka of Oświęcim (Auschwitz ) by public transport will take more time (mostly waiting time). So have it in mind when you planning visiting Kraków.
My wife and I were in Krakow in mid-September, 2024. Only other time I was there was in 1979 when I was 18 years old and we were greeted at the airport by sub machine guns. Needless to say times have changed and much for the better. We spent a week here last month and were supposed to go on to a week in Austria, but then this storm Boris hit central Europe and everything got washed away, literally. So we did spend a few extra days in Krakow to make new trip arrangements to just fly back home. While our Austria segment of the vacation was cancelled, we thoroughly enjoyed the people, food and culture of Poland. What bothered me a bit though was being hit up for city tours on golf carts, "come to my restaurant" shoving menus in your face, "ride my horse and buggy' (I geev you good rate) or sing with us for the people of Ukraine....... I get it, it's a free market. But I swear every 20 feet someone was hitting you up for something. It was so refreshing to see clean streets with little graffiti, no garbage or homeless anywhere, and noone shooting up in the gutters. Was also refreshing to see so many police circling the square every few minutes. And they weren't ashamed to show what they were packing, those teeny uzzi's could probably wipe out a football team in one clip. You will feel perfectly safe here. Lastly I was just shocked at the CROWDS!!!! Never in my life was I aware that Krakow was THAT popular but I swear this made Times Square in New York City on New Years eve look like a garden party. It was nice to see.
Just back after 5 days in Kracow...absolutely loved every minute. ...fantastic beautiful city...Poland should be proud of having such a great city....if you haven't been then I highly recommend you visit....you won't regret it...I'll definitely be back again 💕👍👍
Kraków was the most beautiful place I've visited and the people are really nice and know English very well.10/10 would recommend this city.Great video Mark,by the way!
your comment helped me decide which tour to take! Poland it is
Vanessa T I used to live in Krakow and to be honest I don't know why actually most of tourist are going to Krakow. Overrated place in my opinion, there is a lot of better cities to visit in Poland (Wroclaw, Gdansk, Warsaw)
b m Maybe they are focused on discovering the city, which is full of history, great architecture and plenty of things to do and you are focused on your daily problems and you don't pay attention on things from above ;)
(No offence ;))
And what are the monuments in these cities? Warszawa, Wrocław Gdańsk
@@dwayneelizondomountaindewh7073 you think like this because you live there
hi Mark, It's not really a shock if you know any Polish people but it's a shock visiting to find how very friendly and helpful they are compaired to some other cities in Europe,Plus their English is probably better than some English people,
Yes but many of us are afraid of using english, for example we don't have the or a in polish so - I guess - most of the polish people would hardly use those words.
@@Vaarjat yes, like for example my English, if i would want to i could write a perfect essay, but i'm too afraid to even say "hello"
I can't wait to go to Poland, it deserves so much more attention
Lildizzle420 I agree :)
Lildizzle420 to be fair I've done everything he's saying and it's way way better awsome place. Oh look out for the party trams 😊
It’s true, but Krakow is already very popular. 10 million travelers per year is not that smak number :)
In Krakow there were more things to see ;) This Video show only 30% places worth you attention ;)
Lildizzle420 A truly wonderful place it is, and I hope it STAYS Polish and never gets the slightest bit corrupted by outrageously liberal policies.
One of the oldest universities in Europe is there
Kopernik went to university in Krakow!
Helen Egan ...the Jagellonian University.
so what,it is 400th on the list of best world universities?!
The thing I remember most is how clean the streets are, and how 'open' and friendly the city feels
Hi Mark,
I often visit Krakau/Kraków because my girlfriend is Cracowian. My personal two shocks about this city are the incredible friendliness of the people and as a German the extraordinary good quality of craft beers brewed there.
Best wishes from Potsdam,
Björn. :)
Lovely :) (Don't mention Skeletor)
Hængtst cracowian is not a thing
There are plenty of craft beers here in Kraków, feel free to check all of them ;)
When you're Polish... Kraków is expencive. :')
I'm from Spain, we have a normal salary here (not too high as Sweden, Germany, UK.., but neither too low as Rumania, Ukraine, Russia...) and Krakow is so cheap for us. I was there last year, and I'm gonna back at the end of july again. Beautiful place.
Let's just add that 1 euro equals ~ 4.2 złote so as most tourists use euro every day, they can get plenty of things for almost free for them. Meanwhile for us, polish people, things are crazy expensive :')
@@alexgonzalezra one beer in a center of cracow costs 8-9PLN, and a minimum salary is for now 12~PLN/h netto
Yeah, we earn shit money :') I've just been to Kraków and it was terribly expensive.
Wtf? Cracow isn’t too expensive, even if your polish, if you can eat a proper meal in the main square for 30-40zl, I guess it’s a very good deal
very important message Poland is central Europe not eastern good job
I live in Kraków, and i have some advice: on main square are like you said many girls with umbrellas but also offten you can see gypsies with roses, dont speak with them they are really annoying i mean they sometimes dont want to let go with propositions
Second, restaurant can be cheap for you but sometimes its better to watch out its not offten i personally saw this once but if waiter know you have a lot money they can give you a menu without prices so you'll pay more
And its worth it to see Kazimierz, Wieliczka, Niepolomice (we have a bus for there) Nowa Huta, Park Jordana, Kopiec Kraka and many more but:
WHEN YOU ARE IN A BUS
remember
In poland you have to buy a ticket in machine in a bus or on bus stop and then validate this ticket! Controlers always wants to make you pay even if you theoritically shouldn't. And if you go to Wieliczka or Niepolomice you have to buy a ticket for area 2 not 1 because its only on Krakow and you will have to pay some like 150 zloty for that. (ridiculous i know)
One more thing in Krakow espetially in Nowa Huta there are restaurants called Bar Mleczny, food is super cheap its only polish food like a polish dinner and for pierogi soup cake and sonething else you can spend only 20 zloty
If you want to know something more ill try to answer ;)
How much for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city of Krakow - rent per month?
I went to Poland but never ever thought that the world famous Nazi killing camp is just outside Krakow. never knew the Germans caused so many pain and sufferings and killings to the Polish people. that is one thing I didn't know until I went there
Not the Germans, the Nazis, many good Germans were victims.
@@PEEDEE100 The Nazi's WERE German though, there is no country called Naziland, we can't obfuscate who the perpetrators were, we know not all Germans were Nazi's, but all Nazi's were German.
Weren't you taught ant history?
@PEEDEE So was Otto Schimek. In Poland the hero in Germany traitor
@@PEEDEE100 I advise you to read the history about the moods of the Germans during World War 2. Normal Germans did not mind the war until they lost on the east. So I advise you to think about justifying Germans.
As some people already wrote in the comments: do not just say Nazi camps, but German camps or German Nazi camps, please, because many people don't know almost nothing about history and after hearing Nazi camp in Poland they are thinking Nazi was Polish.
Polish territory invaded by Germans, they build camps, at time it was Republic Of Germany - not Poland. Polish left those camps for people of the world to see what Germans did.
6000 000 Victims of holocaust in Poland
2.700 000 Jewish 1941-43
3 300 000 Polish + other ethnic minority 1939 -1945
Later 44 years of cominism up to '89
john smith said
I have also been to see the death camps, and would also say that some ignorant people would equate them with "Polish camps". They were NAZI GERMAN death camps and stop saying POLISH. It just happened to be situated on Polish territory. Thank you.
Actually the polish government made "polish camps" by passing a law that forbids naming the concentration camps polish. Then there was an argument about Poles helping Jews. We learn in Poland that people from our country helped Jews escape from the camps or had hidden them somewhere, but there of course were the ones that handed them over to Nazis. There might be some poles officers in the camps on Nazis' side, but can you say they were polish if they killed so many other poles. Our government admits that there were the bad ones, but they say they were minor. The Israel side of conflict claims that Poles didn't help much, some of them said that their family members have died never meeting a Nazi. I think both sides are dump af
We learn that the concentration camps were German camps during the war but were still used as concentration camps by the Polish communist government after the war.
A few years ago I went on a school-organized trip (4 year university) to Warsaw, Krakow, Prague, and Amsterdam. Krakow was my favorite, hands down.
I was born in Krakow in Poland, im living in USA right now, and i miss home so much. Krakow is awesome place and i try convince all my American friends to go and see Poland this summer. Thank you for your videos which is showing how really Poland look like, none of this fake drama what CNN etc. showing. We are really friendly people and as long you respect out traditions we love all tourists.
Mirosław Głowkowski you should go back before this American Hellhole destroys you.
Pozdrawiam z Krakowa :) Jestem rodowitą krakowianką ,kocham moje miasto i nie umiałabym żyć po za nim.Tu jest moje miejsce na Ziemi :)
I am visiting this year! I have a question: What is the proper way to pronounce the name of Krakow? I hear a few different versions from travel videos (KrakOW or KrakOF). Any help would be much appreciated!
@@sammie42 for an English speaker it would be like Krak-oov
@@susieasado6675 What serious social issues is Poland dealing with that Western media hasn't blown completely out of proportion or that cant be found in other countries (which western media always ignores or downplays)?
I was there in 2016 and fell in love with the city people r friendly and food and drink is sooo good be going again in June again
Living in Krakow for 3 years and still discovering something new. Amazing city!
When is the best time to go visit with the best weather? I heard may or September
@tonymarin909 it depends on your preferences. If you want warm sunny weather then July-August would be the best time. Some people could find it being hot, but for me +28 - +30 is comfortable. This year it was nearly perfect weather most of the days from April to October and even now it's good although rather cold. But it's hard to predict - you may plan your visit for May'25 and get the rainy dark sky through the whole week.
@@Dondriver12345 Thank you for the reply
I want to go when it's perfect weather that I could wear a regular shirt during the whole day i seen a video said spring in may or fall in september but not sure
Have you been to auschwitz ? I heard you're not rushed to see everything if you go without a guide
@@tonymarin909 then definetily plan your journey for July-August. But take a jacket just in case :)
I've never been to Auszwitz, so, have nothing to say.
I live here from my bearth and this place will never be boring for me . Its so magical ❤️
Love this city!
A kind shop owner in Krakow gave us a discount after it turned out we're from Hungary :)
(And my name (Kinga) is both used in Hungary and Poland, so they liked me even more haha)
You have the same name as the patron saint of salt miners, Saint Kinga. She was a Hungarian princess who married a Polish prince. The legend of her engagement ring is quite fascinating!
Yes, I know! I visited that salt mine too! :)
@miawallace Well, I don't sell anything so I can't give you discount, but I would gladly buy you a drink. As many Poles I believe any Hungarian is my friend from day one - until he/she proves otherwise :) especially one that likes Pulp Fiction.
To any Hungarians who will vist Poland ;
Just mention that you are Hungarian and you are allready will be treated as a friend.
Poles really love Hungarians.
Kraków is my home town and it's really nice that you talk about places with such a respect. :) About concentration camps a lot of people didn't know who place them here and relaying on laying poles are often considered as aggressors there which hurt our nation a lot because we're really committed to our history and our heroes. Anyway try sightseeing in some warmer month. Then it's even more beautiful place. For example in August. We have New Orlean's Sunday and all swing festival then. ;) Highly recommend.
I was there alomst 5 years ago and I'm still under the impressions from that trip. Such a beautiful city, culture, people and foood. The food is amazing. And the most shocking thing for me was Auschwitz (Oswiecim). As well as you Mark I still get the chills thinking about that it and the images of what I saw are still in my head. I would recommend the visit to anyone to see what happened and not to allow something like that again. After the visit they would have a much different appreciation of the life in general. It made such an impact on me. In general Poland is an amazing country and the Poles are truly friendly and amazing people. Recommended destination for any serious traveler.
Loved Poland! It was great!
"there is so much beauty in the city that you're like: oh my gosh!..." Exactly, dude! Houses, public buldings, historical buldings, tenemnts in Poland - thousands of them are renovated and looks ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!
Been here this month (Aug 18) with my wife, for 10 days. Its wonderfull and everything Wolter describes is valid. Good prices, friendly people and a city that you can walk and ride a bike!
It will be very help full if you learn to say in polish "good morning, goodbye, thank you" and polish people will smile to you!
I went to Krakow in 2008 for a one week visit. Your comments are spot on, totally accurate. One thing i would like to add is the large number and quality of the street musicians. They were also awesome. Djenkuje Pan.
Not really, actually it's quite the opposite.. You should visit Lviv or Odessa in times of peace, you'll see the stark difference.
I'm just back from visiting Kraków for the first time. It was so beautiful. The people were so lovely. My girlfriend and I already want to go back.
What shocked me was how quiet it was! Can almost be described as eerie yet serene. So so nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle.
OMG I've been to Krakow twice I love Poland so much !
I was here last month! It is a beautiful city.
Hey Wolter!
I live near Cracow and I’m surprised why, even though this is your second or third Cracow video, you still haven’t mentioned the Underground Museum (super modern btw) located right underneath the market square (on the level Cracow actually used to be located centuries ago)
Greetings from Poland!
His name is Mark
@@kacperkrakowski His last name is Wolter.
my mums going to Poland on a work trip on her own and she’s vegan. is there plenty of vegan options ? also is the city easy to get around (eg taxis and buses)? thanks!
@@megan-zl9iu i know you asked that question 3 months ago, but we have more and more vegan spots in poland, so i'm sure your mama will find something in Kraków as well. also there are a lot of buses and everything in Kraków, because it's a tourist spot, so it's need
I too was impressed with the friendliness of the Polish people. One our first night in Krakow and Poland we couldn't get into our apartment, in fact we couldn't even find it as the map was wrong and couldn't figure out how to use the key pads on the main door. Fortunately we asked a Pol for help, he was also on holiday in the city with his partner. He spent so long with us on a cold dark night, helped us find our apartment and told us how the keypads worked. We were so grateful to this kind man, I hope he enjoyed his holiday in the city as much as we did. Love Krakow, Poland and it's people. Greetings from the UK, we worked very close with each other during WWII (sorry for the stag/hen parties of today, they are a blight on every city).
Absolutely agree. Poland has so many outstanding cities and Krakow is certainly one of them. For me the two biggest shocks was size of Birkenau - just have to see it to get a real sense just how gigantic the concentration camp was. The other main shock was the salt mine which was also just so gigantic and the salt sculptures and cathedral out of this world - no wonder it is a world heritage site!
I'm heading to Krakow next week! I'm looking forward to eating great food and beer along with some great views of historical monuments! Great video, thank you!!!
Hi, I was born near to Kraków and lived there during 20 years, now every time I go to Poland I must visit this beautiful city at least during few hours. it is the loveliest place on Earth and I am very happy that you liked it
Can’t wait to get to Poland, hopefully some day soon :)
you mean Eastern Germany. Western Polish regions are actually German regions.
No. I mean Poland. Poland is Poland and Germany is Germany.
Please don’t have this discussion on my comment. Thanks.
If that is the case, then why don't you delete your stupid comment? Facts are facts even if you don't have the heart to accept it.
Tabor 7 I’m not deleting my comment because someone wants to cause a stir on the computer. I consider Mark a fellow RUclips friend and like talking with him! But I do have better things to do with my time then discuss with you. have a good day!
Such a beautiful city and country
JB14299 Shame about inhabitants.
Lol, please go away
Went to Krakow from London last month. Very safe place no police or to be scared of any terrorism. Pure Europe high 🏨 standard good prices and quality of a food happy kids they have seen live nativity scene with all animals. I was surprised that everything looks new .I don't know how
Polak podszywający się za Brytola - dobre.
Just recently got back what a beautiful place and very friendly people would definitely recommend you to go.
Some of my late Mother's relatives immigrated to the U.S. from Krakow. Would LOVE to see it some time!
For those who loved Krakow should visit Torun its my favourite city in Poland. A bit out the way but worth seeing.
Such a beautiful city and so much to do and see. My three biggest shocks on my first visit were 1) Just how incredibly massive the Birkenau site was 2) Just how utterly incredible and massive the Wieliczka Salk Mine was - a must see 3) Just how beautiful the zoo was on the hill outside the city centre - it was like gardens and zoo rolled into one.
+penshaw2 true on all counts.
Every group of drunk men partying there that I have witnessed have been Brits! As an American living in Krakow, I always confront them to behave as proper guests.
I was hoping you were going to mention the salt mines, they're absolutely crazy :)
We were in Krakow just last year
+Matthias Schmitt it's super cool
I am going to Poland in 2019. My grandmother grew up on a farm outside of Krakow and I want to do some research there. Thank you for your videos. I love them and have enjoyed many as I have been to Europe twice and was able to stay for 3 months my last visit. I would like to stay in Poland at least one month. Your videos have been helpful and entertaining..
Great video Mark! We were there last October and watched some of your videos about Poland to give us an idea what to expect. Thanks for helping us with enjoying Krakow!
Even in 2023, Krakow is one of the most beautiful city in the World.
Live their since 1 year and I am not disappointed
One shock that might be new in 2022, they seem to prefer that you pay card instead of cash. If you use cash they really want exact change. Oh and sometimes you have to pay to use the water closet, or bathrooms.
I love Krakow it was so relaxing and fun. One of my favorite places
Krakow looks amazing
i am planning to see Krakow in next month. i have heard that this is really beautiful city with splendorous atmosphere
This video brings back so many memories...I miss Kraków so much! Truly is such a beautiful city, I highly recommend it as a holiday destination! Great video, I agree with everything you're saying :)
Nice video of a beautiful city. I will be there one day soon.Thank you.
Going to Krakow in July 2020 thanks for the great tips & insights, can't wait
My mom is Polish and I hope to visit her home country. Sadly she passed so I know very little Polish but I am learning and I hope to visit the places where her Grandparents lived :)
Biggest shock is why such a great place can be so cheap. But it is.
The Linthicums Not that cheap for us :)
What was expensive, and compared to where?
The Linthicums he is sayinv not cheap for Polish people lol. Thats why its cheap for you, because the polish people are starting jobs at $2-3 an hour =]
Indians would be delighted at that level of pay.
I am not happy to hear that the pay is bad for Poles. They deserve better. I suppose for any inexpensive place, the sad truth is there are always victims of that inexpensiveness. Now I feel guilty . . .
Wolter I have watched videos on your channel based on where I am going , Germany cologne, Paris, Amsterdam, and now Poland... You have been spot on so thank you for the traveling advice.
I live like 30 minutes from Cracow, and I think I appreciate it enough. Thanks for making this video to remind me, how great this city is.
Hi. I am planning to visit Krakow and Warsaw from 23 February to 3rd March. Do you think it's a good period ? I don't mind the cold and if it's cloudy but, does it rain a lot during that period ? Thanks.
Cyprus Cyprus hey there, I think you might catch past-winter season, so just lots of mud and unhappiness all around, not the prime time to visit Poland in. And it's hard to tell if it's going to rain, on your place I would have waited a bit for when spring is in the full swing
Ok. I was so looking forward to this visit but I'll follow your advice. Thanks.
Great video! I appreciate how you are direct and to the point. Most of these kinds of videos are long and drawn out with too much babbling. You did 10 things in 7 minutes and it was just as informative as others that are 30 minutes! THUMBS UP!!!
Aaaaw, you take me back. My grandma lives there and I used to travel there every year when I was a kid. The city is gorgeous! I remember Cracow during communism and it's shocking to see how much it has changed (for the better). Awesome video, thank you :)
THank you!
Mark Wolters is a man with lots os value! he helps us (poor ignorant turists) Knowig when to came, were to came an the history and sights of the places we visit. Great Mark Wolters (and Jocelin) and thamks for the help.
People visiting Kraków should also go and visit Ojców and Pieskowa Skała. Kosciuszko mound and Krak mound are also the places worth seeing while in Kraków.
I was surprised to how up to date Cracow is,fashion wise! educated, and clean
Thanks for the tips. I've booked up to visit the city in May 2020 :)
Same here! Very excited.
I was shocked how friendly it was love the place will defo be going back. ❤
i live in Cracow for hole my life and for me it's one of the most beautiful places in Poland so it really desevres to be seen by tourists :)
And do not forget how close Zakopane and the beautiful Tatra Mountains are.
I was shocked at how nice everyone was to me! They were very hospitable
The 'Kantors' usually have an exchange rate of 10-20% higher than your bank would give you though the ATM, and it also really pays off to 'shop around' a little bit. If you are planning to excange more than lets say 50-100$/€, than look for an exchange house a block or two away from the main streets. It really pays off.
P.S., dont forget to always aks if they 'could do a little better', i have ALWAYS gotten a percent or two more.
Daniel de Roy also as I remember,few months ago when I was here,we found the best exchange rate in the shopping mall "Galeria Krakowska",where 1€ was about 4,2 złotes
I usually change money on Sławkowska str. near the main square. The spread is arround 0.05zł. You should just walk the street, see 3 or 4 exchanges and then choose the best.
yes.i can confirm.Slawkowska
FYI the best exchange rate is always in the "kantor" in Galeria Krakowska shopping mall
Thank so much. Was browsing for Schindlers list movie, saw your video and decided to watch. Interesting facts you highlighted. Hope my husband and can visit Krakow one day.
3:18 if you see these, TRY THEM, i absolutely LOVE this kind of cheese, its called "Oscypki" and is made from sheep milk. Its best kind of cheese i ever had.
Tho sheep can't be milked all year, so when its out of season, they might use cow milk instead which is not as good, but still kinda good
1) it's one of the few places in Poland where people speak a bit of English so it's much easier to get around 2) there is a below ground anthropology museum below his feet which is an actual dig site of the original marketplace 3) there is another smaller market begind st Mary's church where locals sell their goods and there's a stage where they do dances to traditional music.
Krakow is my #1 city in Europe. Forget Paris
Krakow looks wonderful.
Love your videos! They bring back great memories - also great ideas of places to visit in the future.
I loved Krakow and was originally on the fence about visiting Auschwitz, but I’m so glad I did. I did the the 3 hour tour, and my guide was so good I wish I would’ve done the full day one! It’s extremely informative and educational - and 3 hours didn’t cover even a fraction of the space there. Highly recommend!
On another note - loved the bison grass vodka in Poland 🤓
PS - I also would like to see a Gdańsk video!
Very nice! Still haven't been there but dying to go now! Planning a spring Paris trip -- maybe I could add Krakow on to it somehow.
Jack O. What can I say, I'm a fool for the city (Foghat, 1975). Besides, I can get a dirt cheap flight to Paris from home - and I do mean stupidly dirt cheap - but to Krakow it's very expensive for me for some unknown reason.
This makes me proud to be polish
Well it's great over here. We are on vacation in krakow! For the countries that have euros it's quite cheap too. Clean town, polite people and good food. The only problem is the weather. 3 days here and the two of them it was raining. Other than that it's a great family friendly destination
Thank you Mark, for the various informative videos about Poland. I'm heading for Krakow and Warsaw in July 2018, and you've really helped me to understand a bit more about this beautiful country. It's a long way from Australia - looking forward to it.
Random advice: this year we have a tick infestation in Poland, it is actually getting worse by the year ( mild winters are the reason, I suppose ). They are already present even in city parks, so it is good to have some kind of repellent at hand, easily available in a supermarket or chemist's. I hadn't had a tick bite in 40 years, and now I got 2 in the last three weeks, so did my daughter. I hope it doesn't scare you - you are probably used to dealing with much more dangerous creatures in Australia :) So, come over and enjoy.
Thanks for the info. I might bring some of my Australian insect repellent - super-strong, to fight off the super-ticks, and super-spiders, and the killer kangaroos, and...
Just joking, but I will get myself some repellent, thank you.:-)
Tony H You are welcome, I want that kangaroo repellent, should be potent enough to work on football hooligans aka "patriots" - we have a sort of infestation of those too 😉I wouldn't even mention ticks if a significant percentage of that filth weren't carrying borelia strands and a viruses causing meningitis. It depends on the area.
Ticks? People don't get ticks in the US only dogs do.
I gotta tell, you Mark. I love Polish herring. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (Polish by ancestry & married to someone from Poland)
I'm Just back from Krakow. It's a beautiful city.
I would like to add that the museums and the (relatively) nearby mountain range are also worth seeing while your there, however, aside from that I couldn't have summed it up better. Good job man.
Fun fact about Poland: in Krakow potatoes = ziemniaki In Katowice potatoes = kartofle In Poznań potatoes = pyry
This doesn't change the fact, that everyone in Poland loves potatoes :)
W górach mówi się też grule :D
@@TheOstry322 - Yeah potatoes.
Spud City? How nice!
I love Cracow ❤! Thanks for this video,
greetings from Poland ☺☺☺
.....thanks Mark......nice video about my home city......it is great to see you enjoyed......and it is interesting to see what tourists think about Krakow........
You should visit city of Tarnow, it's very close to Krakow. Good place for one day trip. Nice square etc.
Good information for visitors, I am a tour guide in Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter) and also at Auschwitz and Auschwitz - Birkenau.
Can't wait to go. The Polish have integrated very well in Ireland. Great people.
Irish are always welcome in Poland ;) Cheers!
Yes. Polish that I know are hard working, inovative, honest. Proud, hard drinkers, independent. They had to learn a lot of skills to earn a living during the communist government. Ironically the communist regime may have made them what they are. Of course I have no clue what they were like before occupation
@@askaro1 I just came back from Gdansk. It was fantastic !
I loved Krakow!!!!
The beautiful complexions of the people. Soft, subtle skin.
im going to poland in august cant wait
Great job! Greetings from Poland!
I studied in Krakow for the last three years and had enough of it - with the crowd, the traffic and air pollution. But now I'm back in my hometown and miss it.
I would recommend visiting Wadowice - not far from Kraków, but it is a little town where pope John Paul II was born. And don't forget to try his favorite - Kremówki while you're there!
For me (i lived in Cracow 26 years) its sad, that you didnt mention about legends... They make Cracow even more interesting place. Trust me.
Thanks for these kind words.
+Test Test it really is a fun cool city
You forgot to mention the factory, or what is left of it from Oscar Schindler in Lipowastreet.🔯.
wow, its beautiful city, i love krakow.
thank you so much for this video! i am thinking of going there since my sister and i are on budget, thanks!!
I love your videos and especially appreciate this one since I'm polish and that's soo true :D
+moound thanks
Perfect timing! I just arrived in Krakow today.
+KartoffelHundin have a great time!
When I came to Poland many things shocked me. For instance: Wawel castle because I had thought that Poland is in Africa. Apart from that there is an "Obwarzanki" museum where you can make your own "obwarzanek".Furthermore, there is a museum about Japan called "Mangha". Your child may enjoy "Dziórawy Kocioł" - a Harry Potter themed cafeteria, you can buy Butterbeer there. A lot of children also enjoy "Smok Wawelski", which is a statue of a dragon, it breathes fire every hour. Kraków has its own special dish called "obwarzanek" which is basically a pretzel which is topped with poppy seeds, salt etc.You can buy some souvenirs at the Main Square too..
I went to krakow and it was so good
Ale mnie to cieszy gdy widzę ze chociaż jeden anglik tak powiada o Polsce♥ Kocham Polskę!♥♥ Hehehe Krakał xDD
Amerykanin.
I've worked in traveler help service in main train station a few years ago and for tourist most shocking and disappointing was, that in the time of all holidays (like independence day, constitution day, x-mas, etc) the public transport is reduced and there is fewer trains, buses, and trams when people can go on a trip (because they don't have to go to work) than in a working days. Museums and pubs are always open but going to Wieliczka of Oświęcim (Auschwitz ) by public transport will take more time (mostly waiting time). So have it in mind when you planning visiting Kraków.
My wife and I were in Krakow in mid-September, 2024. Only other time I was there was in 1979 when I was 18 years old and we were greeted at the airport by sub machine guns. Needless to say times have changed and much for the better. We spent a week here last month and were supposed to go on to a week in Austria, but then this storm Boris hit central Europe and everything got washed away, literally. So we did spend a few extra days in Krakow to make new trip arrangements to just fly back home. While our Austria segment of the vacation was cancelled, we thoroughly enjoyed the people, food and culture of Poland. What bothered me a bit though was being hit up for city tours on golf carts, "come to my restaurant" shoving menus in your face, "ride my horse and buggy' (I geev you good rate) or sing with us for the people of Ukraine....... I get it, it's a free market. But I swear every 20 feet someone was hitting you up for something. It was so refreshing to see clean streets with little graffiti, no garbage or homeless anywhere, and noone shooting up in the gutters. Was also refreshing to see so many police circling the square every few minutes. And they weren't ashamed to show what they were packing, those teeny uzzi's could probably wipe out a football team in one clip. You will feel perfectly safe here. Lastly I was just shocked at the CROWDS!!!! Never in my life was I aware that Krakow was THAT popular but I swear this made Times Square in New York City on New Years eve look like a garden party. It was nice to see.
Just back after 5 days in Kracow...absolutely loved every minute. ...fantastic beautiful city...Poland should be proud of having such a great city....if you haven't been then I highly recommend you visit....you won't regret it...I'll definitely be back again 💕👍👍