Małopolskie

Poland was created in the 10th century when Mieszko I brought together several Slavic tribes but particularly the Polans (which meant people of the plains or fields). That early state was centred on Poznan, grew to include other lowland areas, and became known as Wielkopolska or Greater Poland. Later in his reign it grew further to take in Silesia and the area of Małopolska or Lesser Poland around the cities of Kraków, Sandomierz and Lublin. By the end of the 11th century Poland had attained roughly its present-day boundaries, had converted to Christianity, and had Kraków as its capital. That city and its surrounds were set for a long period of wealth and dominance, reflected in their cultural achievements.

Poland grew greater still through the 14th century union with Lithuania, coming to rule a vast tract of central Europe all the way to the Black Sea. But other nations began to grow and to roll back Polish control, notably Russia, Prussia and Austria. Małopolska lost some of its importance in the 17th century when the capital was moved to Warsaw, but the big decline set in when those three rival nations carved up Poland between them. This area was mostly under Austria but all three at various times held Kraków.

Małopolska suffered terribly along with the rest of the country under two World Wars, Nazism and Communism. Only in the late 20th century was Poland rid of its shackles, advancing economically, joining NATO and the European Union, and becoming a major destination for tourism. In 1999 the country's administration was reorganised into 16 województw , "voivodes" or provinces. Małopolskie Province (say "mawo-POL-skuh") comprised the western half of the historic Małopolska region, with the rest of that territory in other provinces. Małopolskie is divided into 22 powiaty or counties (and, since you were wondering, into 182 gminy or communes) but these aren't relevant to the visitor.

People in the cities and in the service sector are often multilingual and keen to show off their English. Out in the small country places you might need a bit of point-and-gesture.

Małopolskie enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions for outdoor activities with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August are the peak tourist season. Winter brings opportunities for winter sports in mountainous areas and atmospheric Christmas markets in towns.

There is good railway and bus transport along the lowland corridor, so from Kraków you can easily day-trip to Oświęcim / Auschwitz and to Wieliczka. There are also trains and frequent buses to Zakopane in the mountains. Other towns in the hills can be reached by bus but services have withered: these spa resorts still have vacationers and second-home owners arriving by car but are no longer mass resorts. You'll need a car to explore the national parks and little villages of this area.

• Krakow
• Tarnow
• Nowy Sacz
• Zakopane
• Oswiecim
• Wieliczka
• Wadowice
• Bochnia
• Nowy Targ
• Chrzanow
• Olkusz
• Krynica-Zdroj
• Szczawnica
• Rabka-Zdroj
• Muszyna
• Niepolomice
• Biecz
• Chocholow
• Debno
• Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
• Limanowa
• Niedzica
• Sucha Beskidzka
• Zawoja
• Tatra National Park
• Pieniny National Park
• Ojcow National Park
• Babia Gora National Park
• Gorce National Park

Małopolskie is a delight to the palate - while the local cuisine may be simple, it is held to an art and eating well is a part of the local way of life. The mountains are home to traditional cheesemaking, in particular famous for the smoked cheese ( oscypek ). Other parts of Małopolskie may not have as famous hallmarks and share the general culinary heritage with the rest of Poland, but you can always bet on a rich supply of organic regional produce and find many restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Polish food prepared in the best of ways.

Małopolskie has a vibrant cultural calendar with local festivals, concerts, and seasonal events. Cultural venues include museums, theatres, and galleries throughout the region. Traditional folk culture remains alive in rural areas, with regional costumes, music, and craft traditions.

1. Exploring historic old towns and architectural landmarks
2. Hiking or cycling through the region's natural landscapes and national parks
3. Sampling local cuisine at traditional restaurants and milk bars (bar mleczny)
4. Visiting museums and cultural institutions
5. Attending seasonal festivals and cultural events