Where to go on holiday in Małopolska 2026? Winter attractions — for children and more

Małopolska is the best region for winter holidays — you can combine mountains and snow, thermal pools, cities full of monuments, as well as attractions operating regardless of the weather, such as salt mines or educational centers. In one trip you will include the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane, thermal baths in Chochołów, walks around Krakow, quieter Beskydy Mountains or spas in Krynica-Zdrój. That is why more and more people choose Lemon Resort SPA as a base for winter holidays 2026. Located between Podhale, Beskid Sądecki and Krakow, the resort allows you to comfortably visit the most important attractions of the region, while providing comfortable accommodation and space for rest after an intense day.

Where to take a winter break in Małopolska?

The best choice for winter holidays in Małopolska are the southern and southeastern parts of the region, i.e. Podhale, Beskid Sądecki and the surroundings of Lake Rożnowskie. It is there that in winter the most interesting attractions are concentrated: mountains also accessible to less advanced ones, spas, thermal baths and places that allow you to relax without crowds. Podhale will work if you care about the typical winter climate and proximity to the Tatra Mountains, Beskid Sądecki will be better for people looking for peace and views, and the area around Gródek nad Dunajcem is a good option for those who want to combine nature with rest in one place.

1. Gródek nad Dunajcem

This place still remains out of the mainstream winter getaways, and this is precisely what is its greatest asset. In winter, Gródek offers silence, views of Lake Rożnowskie and easy access to the Sądecki Beskid without crowds and traffic jams. It's a great base for walks, short trips and a real rest — especially for people who want to slow down and really reset themselves.

2. Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

Zakopane lives in full steam in winter — it is a good place for both skiing and ordinary mountain walks. Krupówki, cable cars, Tatra valleys and views of snow-capped peaks create a climate that cannot be counterfeited. Even without ambitious plans, you can just feel the winter in the mountains here.

3. Krakow

In winter, Krakow slows down and this works in its favor. Walking through the Market Square, Wawel or Kazimierz is more pleasant than in the summer season, and museums and cafes allow you to warm up without haste. This is a great option for one or several days of quiet sightseeing.

4. Wieliczka Salt Mine

The constant temperature underground makes it the perfect attraction for a frosty day. The route is well organized, concrete and impresses even people who “do not like sightseeing”. This is one of those places that is worth seeing for once.

5. Krynica Zdroj

Krynica combines a spa climate with a typical winter offer. The pedestrian street, the railway to Park Mountain, slopes and walking routes provide a lot of opportunities without crowds known from Zakopane. This is a good option for people looking for a balance between physical activity and tranquility.

6. Podhale Thermal Baths

Warm water, steam hovering over pools and a view of snow -- it's a set that always works. Thermal baths are a good choice both after a day on the slope and as the main point of the program. In winter, such a reset for the body is really appreciated.

7. Ojcowski National Park

This is a proposal for a quieter day and short walks. In winter, the valleys, rocks and the castle in Pieskowa Skale look strict, but very climatic. The perfect place to take a breath away from the city and ski pistes.

8. Czorsztyn Lake and castles in Niedzica and Czorsztyn

The winter landscape around the lake makes a big impression, especially in good weather. The castles towering above the water then look almost cinematic. This is a good destination for a half-day road trip.

9. Beskid Sądecki

Less crowded than the Tatra Mountains, and still very visible. Beskid Sądecki will work well for winter hikes, walks along ridges and contact with nature without the pressure of crowds. A good alternative to popular resorts.

10. Chochołowska Valley and other Tatra valleys

In winter, valleys are easily accessible and safe while maintaining basic rules. This is an ideal option for people who want to be “in the Tatra Mountains”, but without climbing and steep approaches. A walk in the snowy scenery is really impressive.

Bonus: ice rinks and winter city events

During the winter holidays, many seasonal attractions appear throughout Małopolska: ice rinks, fairs, cultural events and local festivals. Often they are the ones that build the atmosphere of the trip more than the “big” attractions. It is worth checking what is happening on the spot, and not planning everything in advance.

Attractions for children — Małopolska in winter

The best destination for winter holidays with children in Małopolska is the combination of Gródek nad Dunajcem, Podhale, western Małopolska (Zator) and Krakow as a backdrop of attractions “under the roof”. Gródek nad Dunajcem works as a quiet stay base with on-site attractions, Podhale gives typical winter excitement and snow, Zator offers seasonal entertainment focused mainly on children, and Krakow complements the program when the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities.

1. Lemon Resort SPA (games room)

In the Lemon Resort SPA games room you will find billiards table, PS4 console, table football and darts — ideal for spending time together with children. In addition, the hotel has bowling and a children's corner next to the restaurant. If you are looking for a base for further sightseeing in Małopolska — choose Lemon Resort.

2. Snowlandia Zakopane

A snow maze and ice sculptures are something that children remember for a long time. The attraction is seasonal, typically winter and fully geared towards fun rather than sightseeing. A short visit is enough to give the kids a lot of fun.

3. Bochnia Salt Mine — family route

It's more of an “adventure” than a classic sightseeing. The underground queue, playgrounds and multimedia elements make children not bored even for a while. An additional plus: independence from the weather.

4. Chochołowskie Thermal Baths — Children's Zone

For children it is slides, paddling pools and warm water, for parents a moment of peace. In winter, such an attraction works especially well, because the contrast of temperatures is impressive. It's a great half-day plan with no time pressure.

5. Energylandia Winter Kingdom

The winter version of the park features fairytale scenery, illuminations and attractions adapted to the colder season. Children treat it like a festive-winter fun land, not a classic amusement park. It is worth planning a visit on a working day when it is calmer.

6. Papugarnia Krakow

Close contact with animals always works for children. Parrots are loud, colorful and very curious, which causes natural emotions and interest. This is a good alternative to a winter day spent in the city.

7th TPN Nature Education Center

A place created for children who want to “understand the mountains” and not just watch them. Multimedia exhibitions, models and interactive stands are readable even for younger children. It's education in a light, accessible form.

Where to go on winter holidays to visit as much as possible?

The best starting point for intensive sightseeing in Małopolska in winter is Gródek nad Dunajcem. It is located strategically — between Podhale, Beskid Sądecki and Krakow — with a large accommodation base, including hotels and SPA resorts. That means a shorter commute, no daily packing and being able to see very different attractions in one stay.

From Gródek nad Dunajcem you will reach Zakopane in about 1.5 hours, similar to the Tatra valleys and winter attractions in the area. Chochołów and Chochołowskie thermal baths are about 1 hour 40 minutes drive, which calmly allows you to plan a one-day trip without haste. It is about 1 hour to Krakow, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is just over an hour. It is also very close to Krynica-Zdrój — about 60 minutes, as well as in Beskid Sądecki, where in winter you can plan walks and quieter days without crowds. Even the Ojcowski National Park is within about 1 hour 20 minutes drive.

Winter break 2026 — Lesser Poland Voivodeship (FAQ)

When are the winter holidays 2026 in Małopolska?

In the Małopolska Voivodeship, winter holidays in 2026 fall on January 19 to February 1, 2026. This is one of the first dates in the country, and this promotes better availability of accommodation and less traffic at the beginning of the season.

Is Małopolska a good choice for a ski-free holiday?

Yes. The region offers a lot of attractions independent of the slopes: thermal baths, historical cities, mines, museums, walking valleys and hotels with extensive wellness infrastructure. You can easily plan a vacation without skis and without feeling that “something is missing you”.

Where is it best to stay overnight to visit a lot?

It is best to choose one accommodation base and make day trips. Centrally located towns such as Gródek nad Dunajcem allow easy access to both Podhale and Krakow or Beskid Sądecki.

Is there anything to do in Małopolska in winter in bad weather?

Yes. A large part of the attractions operate under the roof: salt mines, thermal baths, educational centers, aqua parks, museums and hotel attractions. This is a region where the weather rarely spoils the whole day of holidays.

Do holidays in Małopolska need to be planned well in advance?

If you are aiming for popular hotels, SPA resorts or a family trip, it is worth booking accommodation a few months in advance. In the January deadline of 2026, availability is sometimes better than in February, but the best facilities disappear first.

Is Małopolska suitable for holidays with children of different ages?

Yes. The region works well for both younger children and teenagers. You can combine quiet, active and typically entertaining days without long journeys.