Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec — Attraction in Krakow

What a great and wonderful place! If you like peace and quiet, and you don't want to miss mass while you travell, stay here.

The room is clean and nice, bathroom is clean. It's good for solo travellers or for families. They have rooms for 1, 2 pax, 4 pax or more. The reception people are very friendly and speaks English.

There is mass and prayers at different hours everyday. There's also a chapel only for staying guests where you can have an alone time with God.

The breakfast and other meals here is excellent. Breakfast is included with your stay, but you have to tell the reception at breakfast time whether you want lunch and dinner. Breakfast time is also the time they showcase all the products of the monastery lile bread, jams, hams, pâté, and other spreads.

If you'd like to bring some of the things you have tasted home, you can buy those products at the shops. There are 2 shops, the bigger one near the reception and a smaller one near the gate. There is also a restaurant and a café. If you are staying in the monastery, I suggest eat the meals prepared by the monastery instead of the restaurant, it's better and cheaper. The café and restaurant are to cater for people who come here for day trip and to shop the monastery products.

I definitely recommend this for those who don't need to rush. It's about 30 mins from the city, and you need to walk about 15 mins to the nearest bus stop. Bus is available frequent enough, you can ask the front desk for bus schedule.

There are also nice walks around the area or boat ride that is just below...

I've been 3 times, this is a truly magical experience. I had the privilege of hearing the chants sung by monks at the abbey during a mass, and was led on a tour by an enthusiastic guide who took the time to show us around and explain the history and purpose of the abbey. Both are fascinating stories.

The building is old and full of nooks and crannies, it has character and makes for great photographs. It was bitterly cold when I was there, so next time I go it will be during summer - but then it will most likely be crowded. (Update: This place is gorgeous during spring. See if you can visit the garden, which is incredibly lush and scenic).

Stop at the restaurant for a meal, they were first class. It's a little crypt under ground with massive walls and the best Polish food by far. The shop where the monks sell goods they make is filled with a great selection, I still have soaps from this trip in my bathroom.

It's well worth the short drive from Krakow, and you can spend at least half a day there, though I intend to stay overnight and attend a mass again.

I've really grown to love the character of Poland and the Polish people, this monastery is a highlight of any visit...

Go there by any means available. We went there by ferry tour but having been delayed for an hour due to traffic congestion on the river! .

We had opted to be dumped at the abbey rather than to miss the place and just turn around and return to Krakow. So much for the two way boat trip. Now we're stranded at the Abbey.

But actually it was worth it. The view from the top of the Abbey overlooking the river Vistula was truly beautiful. (Not a cloud in the sky).

Didn't bother with the Abbey museum tour, as it had nothing to exhibit. Nice shop selling alcohol, just beyond the sign that says, this is a religious site please bring no alcoholic beverages.

Oh well, let's hope that the profit from the shop helps maintain the church roof or similar.

We walked about 2 miles to discover the bus stop that would eventually take us back to Krakow. Another learning experience on how to master the bus ticket vending machines.

A day to remember. Please go and enjoy this...