There are times we all crave to feel the sun on our face, wind in our hair and escape the city for a little bit while closing our fitness rings at the same time.

The Cracovian solution is the WTR (Wiślana Trasa Rowerowa or Vistula Bicycle Route), a 230 km bicycle route running along the Vistula River Valley. The section running through Krakow is one of my favourites for a leisurely ride to Tyniec Monastery (approx 25 km there and back) or, if I’m feeling a little more ambitious, a larger circle of 50 or 70 km.

Once you’ve rented your bike from one of the local shops in town, I’d recommend heading over to the other side of the river from Wawel Castle, where you can start your journey to Tyniec Monastery (the oldest existing monastery in Poland). The journey will take you through the picturesque Vistula River Valley with a few highlights along the way, and if you’re lucky, a fox, deer or pheasant might greet you on your journey.

Once on location, you can explore the monastery, relax along the river banks or enjoy some potato pancakes or kielbasa and beer at one of the local taverns or grills at the base of the monastery hill. A great half-day trip.