Katowice, Poland

Katowice and the GZM Metropolis – an ideal Erasmus+ destination

Katowice, located in the heart of the GZM Metropolis (Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis), is a dynamic educational and cultural hub that is increasingly chosen as a destination for Erasmus+ teacher training courses. The city combines modern infrastructure, a strong academic environment, and access to innovative educational spaces, creating ideal conditions for professional development and international collaboration.

For Erasmus+ participants, Katowice offers not only high-quality training but also a unique environment to explore. The GZM Metropolis is a network of cities with a rich industrial heritage that has been transformed into modern spaces for culture and creativity. Participants can visit places such as the Silesian Museum or the historic district of Nikiszowiec, which reflect the distinctive character of the region.

Katowice and the GZM Metropolis offer a modern, authentic, and increasingly international environment, making it an inspiring destination for learning, collaboration, and discovering Poland through Erasmus+.

Examples of attractions in Katowice, the Metropolis and the region:

Historic Silver Mine⧉  in Tarnowskie Góry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Route of Monuments of Technology⧉ with underground tourist routes in old coal and silver mines.

Silesian Park⧉ – one of Europe’s largest urban parks. There is a zoo⧉, funfair⧉, planetarium⧉, cable car⧉, walking and cycling paths.

Nikiszowiec⧉ – historical part of Katowice

Useful information

Airports
Katowice – 32 km. How to get there
Kraków – 67 km. Regular train and bus connection with the centre of Katowice. Duration of journey approx. 1 hour.

Public transport
Katowice and the GZM Metropolis boast excellent public transportation throughout the metropolitan area and easy access to green spaces, such as Silesian Park – one of the largest urban parks in Europe. This allows participants to combine professional development with relaxation and cultural exploration.
Metropolitan transport⧉
Rail transport⧉

Examples of distances from Katowice
Kraków⧉ – 80 km (one hour by train from center of Katowice to center of Krakow)
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau⧉  – 40 km
Wrocław⧉ – 195 km
Warsaw⧉ – 295 km 

Accommodation
Katowice and the GZM Metropolis offer a wide and diverse accommodation base tailored to the needs of Erasmus+ participants. Visitors can choose from modern hotels, serviced apartments, boutique stays, and budget-friendly hostels, all well connected by public transport across the metropolitan area.

Compared to Kraków, accommodation in Katowice is generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for schools and participants looking to optimise their Erasmus+ budgets. At the same time, Kraków remains easily accessible—just about one hour away by train—allowing participants to enjoy both destinations during their stay.

Here are some recommended hotels in Katowice:
Hotel Courtyard⧉ in the very centre of Katowice
B&B Hotel Katowce Centrum in the very centre of Katowice
Hotel Plus Katowice in the very centre of Katowice
Best Western Hotel Mariacki in the very centre of Katowice
Hotel Arsenal⧉ 22 minutes by tram form Chorzów to the center of Katowice
Hotel Silesian 30 minutes by bus form Nikiszowiec to the center of Katowice
Hotel Euro
30 minutes by bus form Nikiszowiec to the center of Katowice

Courses in Katowice

Game Based Learning for Schools and Teachers

“Game-Based Learning for Schools and Teachers” is a practical Erasmus+ teacher training course designed for educators who want to increase student engagement, motivation, and active participation through innovative teaching methods.…

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Communicative English for School Staff

We make learning English fun and effective. All year around, students study and socialise with us. But best of all, we enjoy the experience together. This intensive program is designed…

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