Wondering how to get onto Zakrzówek's floating piers without queuing for ages? This guide shows simple, proven ways — when to arrive, which entrances to use and what to avoid so you can spend your time comfortably and without stress. Zakrzówek is a former limestone quarry with depths reaching several dozen metres, unique nature and spectacular views — it’s worth seeing, but worth doing smartly.
- Bathing season and organization: During the bathing season the site operates according to set hours and rules — in 2025 the season ran on specific dates and the piers were limited to a set number of visitors at the same time.
- Visitor limit: There is a limit on the number of people allowed on the piers (check the current figure before you arrive) — when the limit is reached queues may form and access can be managed by wristbands or entry control.
- Pier hours: Outside official bathing hours the piers can be available for longer (for example early mornings and late evenings), but rules and restrictions change depending on the season and the manager’s decisions.
- Admission: In some seasons entry to the bathing area has been free; the situation may change, so before planning your visit check the latest information from the site manager or local announcements.
- Early mornings: arrive as early as possible — the piers and paths are quietest between 7:00 and 9:00. This is the ideal time for a peaceful walk, photos and a swim before the day heats up.
- Late afternoon and evening: another good window is late afternoon, after 16:00–17:00, when many people start heading home. Keep in mind the bathing area’s closing times and any restrictions on being on the piers after dark.
- Weekdays: choose weekdays — Tuesday–Thursday are usually much calmer than weekends. Avoid sunny Saturdays and Sundays when interest is highest.
- Weather: hot, clear days attract crowds. If you want peace, consider an early overcast morning or a day after storms — there are often fewer people then.
- Entrances: Zakrzówek has several paths and approaches; the most commonly used entrances are from ul. Norymberska, Kapelanka and Tyniecka. Small side paths tend to be less trafficked — it’s worth arriving and checking a local access map to pick a quieter route.
- Public transport: you can reach Zakrzówek by tram and bus — tram lines and nearby bus routes stop in the Kapelanka and Norymberska area. Using public transport often avoids parking issues and can save time.
- Bike or on foot: for many visitors the most convenient option is to ride a bicycle — Kraków has more bike lanes and racks every year, and Zakrzówek is easy to reach from the southern districts. A short walk from the nearest tram stops is also a good idea if you don’t want to hunt for parking.
- Parking at ul. Norymberska: this is a popular place to leave a car, but spaces are limited and local restrictions apply. Arriving very early or very late increases your chances of finding a spot.
- Alternatives: if you don’t want to waste time searching for parking, consider leaving your car further away and getting there by public transport or bike. During the season finding a parking spot on site can take longer than the visit itself.
- Watch for signs: always pay attention to markings and paid parking zones — fines can quickly ruin a good day.
- Mistake: arriving at the weekend peak around midday. How to avoid it: move your visit to early morning or a weekday.
- Mistake: expecting a free parking spot right by the entrance. How to avoid it: plan an alternative — public transport or bike.
- Mistake: not preparing for restrictions (visitor limits, bans on swimming outside official hours). How to avoid it: check current rules before you leave and plan your time according to opening hours.
- Mistake: coming with a large group without a plan. How to avoid it: agree a meeting time, allow for some members to wait in line — consider splitting the group so not everyone arrives at once.
- Towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water — on a hot day shade is limited.
- A small blanket or mat — grassy spots are limited, and it’s more comfortable to spread out a little away from the piers.
- Water shoes or sandals — the rocky approach and paths can be slippery and uneven.
- A small first-aid kit and insect repellent — there can be mosquitoes and ticks among the vegetation.
- ID and a charged phone — useful if plans change or in case of emergency.
- Swim only in designated zones and during the bathing area’s opening hours — outside the season swimming is at your own risk and often prohibited.
- Piers and basins have limits and use rules — follow lifeguards’ instructions and any notices from the manager.
- Bans: alcohol, open fires, grilling and bringing dogs into some zones are usually prohibited — follow these rules to avoid fines and to respect public order.
- Lifeguards: during the season lifeguards are on duty; outside the season the bathing area may be unguarded.
- Around Zakrzówek you’ll find several local cafés and bars — after a swim it’s convenient to head toward Kapelanka and the Bulwary Wiślane (Vistula River Boulevards), where more riverside terraces and cafés are located.
- It’s a good idea to bring snacks and have a small picnic in designated areas, remembering to clean up after yourself — the site is environmentally valuable.
- If you prefer something more urban, a short trip to the Old Town or Kazimierz offers a wide choice of restaurants and cafés.
- A former quarry: Zakrzówek is an area left after limestone extraction — that’s why deep basins and steep cliffs were formed, creating today’s dramatic scenery.
- Natural richness: the area is important for several rare plant and animal species, including some protected amphibians and reptiles — many measures aim to protect this ecosystem.
- Depth: the largest basins reach several dozen metres, which makes Zakrzówek popular with divers outside the bathing area.
Q: Are there tickets for Zakrzówek? - A: In some seasons entry has been free, but rules can change; check current information about fees and visitor limits before you go.
Q: Can I come with a dog? - A: Restrictions usually apply to bringing animals; dogs may be allowed only in designated areas or outside the bathing zone — read the current regulations.
Q: How long is the bathing season? - A: The season has specific start and end dates and hours; outside the season swimming is forbidden or not recommended for safety reasons.
Q: What if the visitor limit is reached? - A: Consider returning after a few hours, coming early in the morning or scheduling your visit for another weekday.
- 07:00 — arrive or bike in; enjoy a quiet walk and photos from the viewpoints.
- 08:00 — be among the first on the piers for a short swim or to relax by the water.
- 10:00 — take a snack/picnic away from the busiest spots; if you want to explore further, this is a good time for a walk around the area.
- 16:00 — return to the piers when some visitors start leaving; sunset is a great time for photos.
- Check current information on hours and visitor limits before you go — the site manager publishes notices that can affect availability.
- For groups consider splitting into smaller subgroups arriving at different times — it lowers the risk that everyone will queue at once.
- Respect the place: Zakrzówek is an area of high natural value — do not leave trash, do not damage plants and respect other visitors.
If this guide helped you — share it with friends or on social media so others can visit wisely and without queues.
Want a guided visit? Private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized walks around Kraków and the Zakrzówek area — more information and contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Tell Małgorzata about your group and she will prepare the perfect plan.
