Two wheels to Tyniec
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| Tyniec Abbey |
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| Beautiful riverside views as you cycle |
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| View the castle from the best angle on your bike |
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| Two wheels and the cycle path |
Fancy getting out of the city and experience the calm peacefulness of the Polish countryside? Looking for a safe cycle route which allows for an extremely pleasant day trip? Look no further than cycling to the dramatic Benedictine Monastery at Tyniec. This is very easy to do, and the route described below takes you very quickly into rural surroundings on the west side of the city.
Tyniec Monastery is a jewel in Poland's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and holds a special place in the hearts of its visitors. This ancient Benedictine monastery, tracing its origins back to the 11th century, stands as a symbol of monastic traditions and architectural magnificence. Established by King Casimir I the Restorer, the abbey served a dual purpose: as a hub for Christian faith and education, and as a stronghold protecting the newly restored Polish state. It is positioned strategically on a limestone cliff overlooking the Vistula River and is built like a fortress.
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| Tyniec monastery |
The fascinating thing is that Tyniec Abbey and Monastery remains a vibrant religious community to this day, continuing the Benedictine tradition of pray and work. Visitors are drawn not only to its historical and architectural significance but also to the peaceful ambience that pervades the monastery with its surroundings of limestone hills, and the lush Skolczanka nature reserve nearby. Whether it's attending a service, exploring the ancient corridors, or simply enjoying the views of the Vistula River, Tyniec Abbey and Monastery offers a unique blend of spiritual renewal and historical exploration.
The monks here are very laidback and welcome visitors to the complex. Not only can you visit the abbey with a guide, but there is a museum, restaurant, café and shop selling potions, Benedictine beer, wine, mead as well as other tasty treats. Want to experience what it is like to live like a Benedictine monk? No problem, you can arrange to stay!
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| Sampling Benedictine delights on the café terrace |
Getting there
There are a variety of ways of getting to Tyniec Abbey. The 112 bus from Podgorze runs every 20 minutes to Tyniec village. Alternatively you can opt for a relaxing river cruise either by booking through one of the private companies that trawl for customers along the river below the Wawel castle, or, you can catch the water tram from below the Wawel at around 10 30 am every day.
Bike ride to Tyniec
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| Riverside action from your bike ride |
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| Cycling on the river levee with the Camaldolese Monasteryin the background |
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| Camaldolese Monastery |
By far the best way to get to Tyniec is to hire a bike and cycle there. There are a variety of places that you can hire bikes from in the Old Town.
KRK Bike Rental - just off the main square.
Krakow Bike Tour - on the south east corner of the main square.
Cruising Krakow - on ul. Sławkowska leading from the north west corner of the main square.
KR Bike Rental - close to the Wawel on ul. Na Groblach 24.
Don't forget to bring ID for bike rental!
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| Camaldolese Monastery |
To embark on your two wheeled adventure to Tyniec, you need to get onto the cycle path by crossing the river from Wawel. Although there are paths on both sides of the river, the southern cycle path offers a peaceful ride away from the hustle and bustle and noise of roads for most of the way. You will enjoy a smooth, flat journey, perfect for soaking in the sights. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, hawks and storks Also, you will enjoy dramatic historic landmarks like Przegorzały Castle and the majestic Camaldolese Monastery (Klasztor Kamedułów) along the way. You will also pass by the Kolna slalom complex which offers some of the best whitewater kayaking facilities in Europe. If you are lucky, you might witness some training or the excitement of a competition as you wheel your way past.
If cycling leisurely, expect the journey to Tyniec to take about one hour.
European Games at Kolna
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| Kolna |
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| Lovely flat cycling |
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| Przegorzały Castle |
Food and drink alternatives en route
This route to Tyniec passes a couple of places where you might want to linger for some grub and drinks. One of the first places you pass is Centrum Tyniecka - Strefa Dobrego. This classy establishment is a bar/restaurant/delicatessen with outdoor/indoor seating.
On the approach to Tyniec Abbey, there is a really lovely terrace restaurant with its own brewery nestled beneath some limestone cliffs. Restauracja Tarasy Tynieckie has ample outdoor seating and bike racks arranged around a barbecue area.
Nearby you will also find Przystań Pod Lutym Turem. This very pleasant bar/eatery is nestled beside the river and also regularly hosts concerts and barbecues.
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