Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Did you know that the magnificent city of Krakow was the former capital of Poland and remains today its most visited city? With its historic center entirely UNESCO listed, its old artistic and bohemian Jewish quarter, its old communist quarter and its new student quarter, young, festive and dynamic, Krakow is endowed with a first-rate cultural and historical heritage and an enviable quality of life, which has quickly elevated it to the rank of flagship destinations in Eastern Europe.
Every early June, for 2 days, the city pays tribute to the Wawel dragon during great festivities ending with a pyrotechnic show, with fireworks, laser and sound and light!
The Legend of the Krakow Dragon
As everywhere in medieval Europe, the dragon, breathing the flames of hell, is the symbol of evil and is attached to many legends.
In Krakow, it is said that a terrible dragon lives in a lair under the castle, which poses a slight problem for King Krak, who lives inside the castle. In addition to having to get rid of a dragon that terrorizes his kingdom and incidentally devours his subjects, he must also marry off his daughter. With a rapidly declining number of suitors, he decides to kill two birds with one stone and declares that whoever kills the dragon will marry the princess!
All the brave men of the kingdom then rush to Krakow. But the dragon has the significant advantage of reducing to ashes anyone who approaches too closely. The suitors may try, the dragon is impossible to defeat.
One day, a small peasant presents himself before the king and asks to try as well. Having nothing to lose and preferring to marry his daughter to a peasant rather than live this situation longer, Krak accepts.
While the dragon sleeps soundly, the peasant places a sheep in front of the cave. In reality, it was a sheepskin, containing sulfur and tar.
When the dragon wakes up, he swallows the animal without even thinking and begins to feel there is a problem. His throat is on fire, and yet, he's used to it! Above all, he is thirstier than he has ever been thirsty in his dragon life. He throws himself into the Vistula and drinks ardently. The river begins to empty, but the dragon doesn't stop. So much so that his skin stretches and finally gives way! The dragon explodes into a thousand pieces!
The dragon is dead, the city is rejoicing and the princess, who was certainly not asked for her opinion, marries the lucky one.
This is how a clever peasant became king after defeating the terrible dragon of Krakow.
The Festivities
At the beginning of each June, the city of Krakow is in celebration and dresses up to celebrate its most important legend, that of the Wawel Dragon.
You will be treated to a great parade of dragons of all kinds, flying in the air or sailing on the waters of the Vistula, the main river of Poland that runs along the south of the city.
Settle on the quays, at the foot of Wawel castle and enjoy the parade!
In the evening, watch out!!! One of the country's biggest pyrotechnic shows takes place, usually around 10 PM, for a grandiose and dazzling spectacle!
What to do in Krakow
This festival may be very attractive, we grant you, but you're not going to go to Krakow just to attend it!
So, what to do and see in Krakow for a weekend?
- Ryneck, the famous market square
- The magnificent 13th century Cloth Hall
- The imposing Gothic basilica of Saint Mary
- The Jagiellonian University where Copernicus studied
- The Barbican, one of the most beautiful medieval architecture buildings in Europe!
- The Sunday flea market (Hala Targoza)
- The old Jewish cemetery of Kazimierz
- The Stara synagogue, one of the rare fortress synagogues in the world!
- The old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz
- The Podgorze district, former Jewish ghetto transformed into a new trendy neighborhood
- The Modern Art Museum (MOCAK) and the Schindler Museum, installed in Oscar Schindler's former factory
- Planty Park, a great ring-shaped green space, encircling the city
- Visit the former Auschwitz-Birkenau camp (if you have a strong heart)
- Visit the Wieliczka salt mines, listed as UNESCO World Heritage!
- Go up to the Kościuszko mound erected by the inhabitants of Krakow in 1823 to honor the national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, who organized the Polish insurrection against Russian and Prussian domination.
- Discover the historic village of Tyniec and its Benedictine abbey perched on a promontory above the Vistula.
- Explore Ojcow National Park, for an in-depth discovery of the most beautiful Polish nature!
In Conclusion
If you want an original and inexpensive weekend, in the festive and cultural atmosphere of Poland, then set off to discover Krakow, its incredible historical monuments, its neighborhoods full of history, its comforting gastronomy and its joyful atmosphere!
Take advantage of the impressive dragon parade that takes place every year at the beginning of June, to escape in the heart of spring in one of the most beautiful cities in Poland!