Kościuszko Mound is one of the most recognisable places outside Kraków’s Old Town — it stands on St. Bronisława Hill and offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. It is not only a viewpoint but also a memorial site with an interesting history and exhibitions that tell stories about Poland and Kraków in the 19th century.
The mound was built in the first half of the 19th century and holds soil from battlefields associated with the Kościuszko Uprising. In the past it was surrounded by Austrian fortifications; today the site blends historic layers with recreational space — a perfect spot for a walk, photos and a short visit off the usual Old Town route.
A visit to the Mound is especially rewarding when you have a licensed guide: a good guide connects facts with engaging stories, anecdotes and local details — the place comes alive and gains deeper meaning.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed guide in Kraków with experience leading very diverse groups — from school groups to individual visitors and international guests. She works with ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com and leads original routes through the city’s main sights as well as lesser-known corners.
Her style combines solid knowledge with humour, many anecdotes and interaction with participants. For families with children she creates routes full of riddles and stories; for adults she provides more historical context and urban insights. Małgorzata also offers logistical support — help organising groups, headphone sets for larger groups and tailoring the programme to participants’ needs.
Why book a tour with Małgorzata? Because she guides with passion, knows local stories and can explain even complex events clearly. That makes the visit engaging and the time passes quickly.
The view from the mound: from the top you’ll find a broad panorama of Kraków — Wawel, the Old Town, the buildings of the Kraków Uplands, and on clear days even the Tatra Mountains. It’s a great place for photos at dusk or in the early morning when the city arranges itself into calm frames.
Interior and exhibitions: the Mound hosts thematic displays dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko and the site’s history. You can see memorabilia, fragments of fortifications and short exhibits that explain the context for the mound’s creation.
Fortifications: in the 19th century the mound was integrated into the Kraków Fortress system — elements of the old fort remain around the site. For anyone interested in military history this is an intriguing additional chapter in the city’s story.
Address: Kościuszko Mound is located at Aleja Waszyngtona (Salwator/Zwierzyniec area). The site is part of the green belt west of the city centre and is easy to reach from many districts.
Getting there: the most convenient public transport options include the Salwator loop — trams (lines 1 and 2) and several buses stop there. A scenic walk along the alleys from Salwator is a pleasant choice for those who want to stroll and see the historic chestnut-lined Aleja Waszyngtona.
Tickets and opening hours: the Mound and its exhibitions are generally open daily, and there is a ticket desk on site. Visiting the interior exhibitions is usually paid — entrance fees are modest and often symbolic for temporary displays. It’s a good idea to check current opening hours and prices before you go, since seasonality and special events may affect access.
Meeting and short introduction (10–15 min) - overview of the route, curiosities about the hill and the area, and an introduction to Tadeusz Kościuszko.
Walk through the alleys and ascent to the mound (30–40 min) - stories about the mound’s creation, the soil from battlefields, its symbolic meaning and 19th-century anecdotes; time to admire the panorama and take photos.
Visit to the exhibitions and forts (30–45 min) - touring the exhibition rooms, short histories connected to the fortifications and how the mound’s role has evolved over time.
Questions and summary (10–15 min) - time for conversation, suggestions for further routes in Kraków and practical tips (where to eat, how to continue your walk).
Families with children — the tour can be adapted so younger listeners stay engaged through short anecdotes and tasks.
History lovers — a solid dose of local facts, contexts and stories about places that don’t always appear in guidebooks.
Anyone looking for views and contact with nature — the mound and its surrounding green areas are a great complement to a walk in central Kraków.
Footwear and weather - the path to the mound and the steps to the summit require comfortable shoes. On rainy days bring a rain jacket; in summer bring a hat and water.
Time to visit - plan at least 1.5–2 hours if you want to climb the mound, see the exhibitions and take photos. With a guide the typical route usually lasts 2–3 hours, depending on the scope of stories and participants’ questions.
Accessibility - the mound includes sections with steps and slopes; if you have special mobility needs, inform the guide in advance so the route can be adapted and the most comfortable options arranged.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? - Usually not, but during big events or the high season it’s better to check availability and possibly reserve a guided tour spot in advance.
How much does a guided tour cost? - Prices vary depending on duration and group size. Małgorzata offers flexible packages tailored to needs — from short walks to full-day programmes. For larger groups she can provide headphone sets to ensure everyone hears the commentary clearly.
Is the tour suitable for children? - Yes. Małgorzata has experience working with younger participants and can make the route enjoyable for the whole family.
Walk around Salwator and the Vistula Boulevards - after descending from the mound it’s worth walking down to the river or using local paths that connect the mound with the Błonia and the city centre.
Short themed outings - if you have more time, you can combine the mound visit with a walk on Wawel Hill, the Royal Route or a tour of Kazimierz. Małgorzata prepares combined programmes tailored to your available time and interests.
Where to eat - around Salwator and Zwierzyńec you’ll find pleasant cafes and restaurants offering local and international flavours. The guide is happy to recommend places to suit your preferences — from family bistros to more refined options.
Kościuszko Mound is a must-see for those who want to experience Kraków from a slightly different perspective — literally and figuratively. It combines history, spectacular views and local atmosphere.
If you want to truly feel the place and hear stories that don’t always make it into guidebooks, a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com is an excellent choice. Małgorzata tailors routes to the group, uses headphone sets for comfort and connects facts with humour so the tour stays memorable.
To book: send a message or call, provide a date, approximate number of participants and any special needs (e.g. family route, walking pace, language). The guide will reply, propose a plan and advise what else is worth seeing during your stay in Kraków.
