Did you know that one of the Kraków Fortress forts, built at the end of the 19th century, has been given a new life as a museum devoted to the scouting movement? Fort 52a, commonly called „Łapianka” or Jugowice, is not only a hearty portion of local history but also a modern Museum and Scout Movement Centre - a place where history meets education and family-friendly events. A visit lets you see unique historic interiors and exhibitions that tell the story of the site's military past and the history of scouting in Poland.
Fort 52a is located at ul. Forteczna 28 and operates as a branch of the Museum of Kraków - a convenient option if you want to combine a trip outside the city centre with an interesting history lesson for children. The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as family events and workshops, making it a great choice for a relaxed Sunday outing with little ones.
The fort was built at the end of the 19th century as part of Kraków's outer defensive ring. After the wars and the post-war period, part of the fort fell into disrepair - for many years a section of the site was used for industrial production. After a thorough revitalisation, the historic part and a newly added wing became the home of the Museum and the Scout Movement Centre, where the site's story has been reconstructed and exhibition and educational spaces operate.
In the renovated interiors you'll find an exhibition dedicated to the history of the fort and the local community, as well as displays about scouting ideas and traditions. The venue mixes historical content with multimedia and events, which makes it attractive for families with children and teenagers interested in hands-on activities.
Address: ul. Forteczna 28, 30-437 Kraków. For questions about visits and bookings it's best to contact the branch directly - the museum provides a phone number and e-mail for the department: tel. 12 61 92 414, e-mail: harcerstwo@muzeumkrakowa.pl (general Museum of Kraków contacts can also help with reservations and event info).
I recommend checking the current schedule and any booking requirements before you arrive - during family events workshop places can be limited. Some lectures and activities are announced locally and require prior sign-up.
The fort is outside Kraków's strict city centre, so allow time for travel - if you're using public transport, check bus connections to the Jugowice/Kliny area; by car it's easier to combine the visit with other plans for the day. On site there are often short guided tours and workshops that pair nicely with a light family lunch or a nearby picnic (weather and season matter).
After the visit many families like to continue the day in the city centre, where there are plenty of recommended dessert spots - from artisanal ice-cream shops to cafés serving cakes and pancakes. It's a nice plan: a historical adventure first, then a sweet reward for the kids.
Don't forget comfortable shoes for the children - the fort can have uneven floors and stairs, and some historic spaces retain a raw, military character.
After leaving the fort it's worth picking one of the places known for desserts - below are a few spots that regularly appear on lists of Kraków's best patisseries and ice-cream shops:
Cake Dealer - a small pâtisserie workshop known for modern cheesecakes and desserts. Large portions and original flavour combinations are perfect if you want to try something creative.
Massolit Bakery - praised for American-style sweets, brownies and cheesecakes; a friendly atmosphere and generous portions make it a good choice with kids.
Good Lood and other artisanal ice-cream shops - artisan ice cream is often a hit with families: many flavours, natural ingredients and child-friendly options. In Kraków there are ice-cream makers whose queues say it all - if you fancy ice cream, look for a well-reviewed local gelato shop.
Classic cafés and patisseries recommended in local guides - these are places where alongside cake you'll get coffee and child-friendly drinks; examples include cafés known for their cheesecakes, meringues and layer cakes, often praised in city food round-ups.
For little ones simple, familiar flavours work best: large scoops of ice cream (vanilla, strawberry), pancakes with fruit and whipped cream, homemade brownies or muffins. If you want to share, choose a portion to split or a plate with a few mini pastries.
For adults try cheesecakes and meringues or local takes on classics - cheesecakes with modern twists (caramel, pistachio) or artisan cannoli are often available at specialty bakeries. Many places combine classic recipes with creative toppings.
If someone in the family has allergies or dietary restrictions, ask in the café about ingredients - many places offer gluten-free, vegan or reduced-sugar options.
Fort 52a is a great example of a place that gained a second life - before becoming a museum, for decades it housed food-processing workshops, which created an unusual trajectory from military site to industrial use and finally to a cultural-educational function.
It's also one of the forts of the former Kraków Fortress system - there are several similar structures in the system, but not all have been revitalised into cultural venues. The reconstruction and the added new wing allowed the creation of conference and educational spaces that work alongside the historic part.
Keep in mind that the investment once sparked local debates - restorations of heritage sites often raise questions about cost and purpose, but the end result provides residents and visitors with a new, valuable attraction.
Assuming the fort is right next to the Main Market Square - that's a mistake. The fort is on the city's outskirts, so check transport and plan travel time.
Arriving without checking opening hours or bookings - if you plan a specific workshop or group tour, make sure there is space beforehand.
Expecting a typical 'display-case-only' museum - today the Museum and Scout Movement Centre combines history with workshops and events; visitors expecting only static showcases might be surprised. To avoid that - read the exhibition descriptions or ask staff before buying tickets.
Is the fort suitable for children? Yes - exhibitions and events are often designed with families in mind, but the historic site can have stairs and uneven surfaces, so adult supervision is recommended.
Do I need to reserve tickets? For some lectures and workshops it's worth reserving places - contact the Museum of Kraków or the Fort 52a branch on ul. Forteczna to check.
Where's best for dessert after the visit? If you have a car or plan to head to the centre, try artisanal ice-cream shops or highly rated cafés in the Old Town and Kazimierz - they offer the widest choice of desserts and family-friendly settings.
How long should I allow for a visit? Plan for 1.5–2.5 hours if you want to see exhibitions and attend a short workshop; longer if you join a full programme or family event.
Is the site accessible for strollers and wheelchairs? Some renovated areas are accessible, but historic parts may have stairs or uneven ground. If accessibility is essential, check with the museum in advance to learn which spaces are barrier-free.
If you liked the idea of a family day combining a visit to Fort 52a with a tasty dessert, share this article with friends or on social media - who else would enjoy such a weekend idea?
If you'd like the walk and visit to be more comfortable and engaging, consider booking a personalised tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - her contact details are available on her guide page. A private guided visit makes it easier to tailor the programme to the children's needs and provides extra local stories about the place.
Public transport - check local bus connections to Jugowice/Kliny; allow extra time if travelling from the city centre during peak hours.
Bring water and snacks for children if you plan outdoor activities around the fort - cafés in the immediate area are limited.
Check the museum's calendar before your visit - family workshops and special events are scheduled at certain times of year and may require prior registration.
Cake Dealer - modern cheesecakes and creative desserts.
Massolit Bakery - American-style sweets, brownies, cheesecakes.
Good Lood - artisan ice cream with many flavours.
Various well-rated cafés in the Old Town and Kazimierz - great for cakes, coffee and child-friendly menus.
