About Poland / Region

Małopolskie Voivodeship – where Poland’s heritage comes alive

Full Name: Małopolskie Voivodeship (Województwo Małopolskie)
Capital: Kraków
Location: Southern Poland
Total Area: 15,108 km² – Represents approximately 5.8% of Poland’s total area
Population (2024 est.): ~3.45 million
Total Counties (Powiaty): 22

Małopolska as one of the highest population densities outside of Poland’s capital region.is Poland’s cultural and historical cradle, located in the scenic south of the country. A region where royal cities, mountain peaks, spa towns, and natural wonders coexist in harmony. The region plays a leading role in preserving natural parks, historic landmarks, and living traditions .Visitors are drawn to its rich traditions exploring historic towns like Tarnów, Nowy Sącz, and Wieliczka with centuries-old architecture and museums, unspoiled landscapes, Góral highlander culture of Zakopane, wooden churches regional crafts and and vibrant urban centers like Kraków- a Poland’s former royal capital : The variety of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Małopolska Voivodeship proves the unique importance of its cultural heritage. These include:

• The Old Town in Kraków,

• Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former German Nazi Concentration and Extermination camp,

• The Salt Mine in Wieliczka,

• The Saltworks Castle in Wieliczka,

• The Salt Mine in Bochnia,

• The Architectural and Park-Landscape Complex in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska,

• Four wooden churches: in Dębno Podhalańskie, Sękowa, Binarowa and Lipnica Murowana,

• Four wooden Orthodox churches: in Brunary Wyżne, Kwiatoń, Owczary and Powroźnik.

We invite you to get acquainted with the list of all objects within the territory of Poland inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Małopolska UNESCO Route is a car route presenting all the monuments inscribed in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage in Małopolska. It is over 300 km long. Małopolska is famous for its own Regional traditions such as:

• Lajkonik Parade in Kraków – a man dressed as a Tatar warrior rides through the streets

• Rękawka Festival – a Slavic spring festival near the Krakus Mound

• Highlander (Góral) music, dress, and folklore in Zakopane and the Tatra region

Nature at Its Finest- With its mountain ranges, forests, and rivers, Małopolska is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, skiers, and nature lovers. The region features over 6,000 km of scenic trails, crystal-clear lakes, and family-friendly theme parks and outdoor resorts. National Parks of Małopolska are also proudly protected as Poland’s most diverse ecosystems. These include:

Tatra National Park

Located in the Tatra Mountains, Poland’s only alpine region. Home to Rysy, the country’s highest peak, and animals like chamois and marmots.

Pieniny National Park

Famous for Dunajec River Gorge and scenic rafting trips on wooden rafts.Known for limestone cliffs and diverse plant species.

Ojców National Park

The smallest national park in Poland, close to Kraków. Features limestone valleys, caves, and castle ruins such as Ojców and Pieskowa Skała.

Gorce National Park

Located in the Gorce Mountains. Offers lush forests, ridges, and peaceful hiking trails rich in biodiversity.

Magura National Park

(partially in Małopolska) Covers the Beskid Niski (Low Beskids) range. Known for tranquility, wooden Orthodox churches, and untouched nature.

Babiogórski National Park

Centered around Babia Góra (“Queen of the Beskids”), the tallest peak in the Beskids.Famous for frequent cloud cover, dramatic sunrises, and rare alpine plants.

Useful links:

• Customs and traditions in Małopolska

• Traditional rural Malopolska – ideas for unusual, local attractions and stays

• See you in Małopolska

• Malopolska The First World War’s Eastern Front Trail

• Nature reserves

• Kraków Metropolitan Area Full of opportunities

Interesting places in Małopolska

Zalipie - Poland’s Painted Village

Is a small Małopolska settlement famous for its colorful floral decorations on houses, barns, fences, and even dog kennels.The tradition began over a century ago when villagers, mostly women, painted walls to cover smoke stains from chimneyless huts. Over time, these simple white spots grew into intricate, vibrant flower patterns.Its most celebrated artist, Felicja Curyłowa, covered every surface of her home—walls, furniture, even light switches—with flowers. Her cottage is now a museum, and the Dom Malarek cultural center offers exhibitions and workshops. Every June, Zalipie hosts the Painted Cottage competition, where residents refresh and expand their artwork, keeping the village in perpetual bloom. Unlike an open-air museum, it’s still a living, working community, making the charm all the more authentic.