Yes — you can. The key is to combine morning visits in the city centre with afternoons spent in nature: Wolski Forest is a large green complex (several hundred hectares) that works as a natural escape from the crowded Market Square. With this plan you'll see the main sights without feeling rushed and spend peaceful moments walking forest paths and visiting the ZOO — perfect for families and small groups of friends.
This article offers a practical two-day plan, explains how to buy group tickets, which route to choose, where to eat well-reviewed meals, and how to avoid common tourist mistakes. Everything is written in a friendly tone with practical tips to make your stay in Kraków easier.
Day 1: spend the morning in the Old Town — a short loop around the Market Square, the Cloth Hall and below Wawel; early afternoon for coffee and a snack, and late afternoon for transfer to Wolski Forest and your first relaxed walk with a viewpoint stop.
Day 2: start with a visit to the ZOO (if planned), then choose a longer forest loop that includes the Camaldolese hermitage and a climb to Kościuszko Mound or Piłsudski Mound — this option lets you feel the city from a distance and avoid the biggest crowds downtown.
If you want maximum calm, swap morning city sightseeing for evening walks (shorter queues and nicer temperatures) and book entries to popular sites for the first opening hours.
Morning: start early (for example 8:30–9:00) and focus on the essentials — Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church (outside), the Cloth Hall and a short walk along the Vistula beneath Wawel. Early hours let you take photos without crowds and enjoy breakfast in a favourite café.
Afternoon: go to one of the well-reviewed cafés before transferring to Wolski Forest — suggestions worth considering include Café Camelot, Massolit or Miód Malina; all are known for a pleasant atmosphere and good reviews. After coffee take a taxi or public transport toward Wolski Forest to avoid a long walk with heavy bags.
Evening: an easy forest walk or rest at a viewpoint. This is a good time to check the plan for the next day, charge devices and prepare water and snacks for a longer loop.
Wolski Forest is an extensive complex with many route options — choose a 6–10 km loop that leads away from the main tourist paths. The route should include the Camaldolese hermitage, several viewpoints and, if you wish, a climb to Kościuszko Mound or Piłsudski Mound.
If you plan to visit the ZOO, it’s best to start the day there — the early opening hours increase the chance of calmly viewing the enclosures. After the visit split the group (if it’s large) and continue on a forest route. The ZOO and Wolski Forest complement each other well: one is more ‘stationary’, the other is ideal for walking.
When choosing paths, avoid main entrances on busy weekend days in season; if possible, begin on less frequented side trails. This way you’ll enjoy the quiet of the woods and avoid queues at viewpoints.
If you’re coming with a group, contact the ZOO administration — many group activities require advance booking, and larger groups are sometimes split into time slots. Also check workshop or educational options if you want to enrich the program.
Buy tickets online where possible — in season this helps skip queues and plan an entry time. When organising larger groups remember to schedule breaks near toilets and seating areas.
Transport: for small groups public transport or taxis are convenient; larger groups should book a coach and a parking spot near the starting point. Always allow extra time for walks and possible transport delays.
Good footwear is essential — some paths are paved but others are stony or muddy. Bring layered clothing, water, small snacks and rain protection — weather in the forest can change quickly.
If you’re travelling with a child or someone with limited mobility, plan shorter sections on paved roads (part of the route to the Mound is pushchair accessible, but not all forest trails are).
For larger groups it’s useful to prepare ID tags or vests for group leaders, a first-aid kit, a contact list and an emergency plan (meeting point, guide phone number).
In the centre choose restaurants and cafés with good reviews — solid options include Café Camelot, Massolit (bookshop & café) and for a full meal Miód Malina. In the evenings Kazimierz offers hundreds of dining options; if you come at the weekend book in advance.
Near Wolski Forest and the ZOO you’ll find cosy guesthouses and hotels of varying standard. When booking for groups ask the hotel about late check-out or luggage storage — this will make your final day easier.
If you plan a picnic in Wolski Forest, bring rubbish bags and respect nature rules — clean up after yourself and don’t light fires outside designated places.
Wolski Forest is more than trees — it’s a wide area with historical points, rock formations and several mounds that offer city panoramas. For many visitors it’s one of Kraków’s most surprising places, because a real forest landscape lies so close to the centre.
The Camaldolese hermitage in Wolski Forest has an interesting history; it contrasts with city noise and is popular with people seeking quiet and reflection.
For photographers it’s an excellent spot for morning mist over the treetops or sunset views of the city from the mound viewpoints.
Not booking tickets or workshops in advance — especially in season. Solution: buy tickets online and confirm reservations ahead of time if you’re coming with a group.
Underestimating walking times and breaks — many visitors set too fast a pace. Solution: add buffer time to your schedule and plan breaks every 60–90 minutes.
Being unprepared for changing weather — conditions can shift quickly in the forest. Solution: bring a lightweight rain jacket, layered clothing and extra water.
Is the ZOO good for a small group? - Yes, the ZOO fits most itineraries; for groups check workshop offers and reserve entry in advance.
How do I get to Wolski Forest from the centre? - The fastest way is by taxi or city buses; for larger groups a coach with a nearby parking spot is more convenient.
Is the route suitable for children and seniors? - Yes, if you adapt the distance and pace; for mixed groups plan shorter loops and more frequent breaks.
When planning the route, save mornings for the main city attractions and afternoons for Wolski Forest — this helps you avoid the biggest crowds and gives you restorative time among greenery.
If you’d like personal help planning a route tailored to your group — from private walks to full logistics for a ZOO and Wolski Forest visit — contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and a booking form are available on her guide page.
Finally — please share this article with friends and on social media if you find it helpful. If you plan private sightseeing with a guide, I’ll be happy to assist with details and reservations.
