Krakus Mound (also called Kopiec Kraka) might not be the biggest attraction in Krakow, but it's one of those places that offers a simple, free pleasure: a short walk and a beautiful panorama of the Old Town and Podgórze. If you have a little time in your sightseeing plan and enjoy seeing a city from a different angle — yes, it's worth a visit.
The mound has an intimate character — there are no stalls or large tourist facilities — it’s a place for resting, photography and watching the landscape. For families, couples and anyone looking for a short break from the crowded Market Square, it’s a great choice. Consider visiting Krakus Mound as an add-on to a walk around Podgórze or a stop near the Podgórze Cemetery or Oskar Schindler’s Factory.
Entrance to the mound is free, it's open year-round and often visited at sunrise or sunset when the light is most impressive. Keep in mind the paths are natural (gravel and worn trails), so wear comfortable shoes and bring a windproof layer.
The mound is located in the Podgórze district, on Lasota Hill. Geographically it’s set apart from the denser city fabric by the large avenue al. Powstańców Śląskich — there is a pedestrian-cyclist footbridge and several approaches from Lasota Hill and from the area around Podgórze Cemetery.
The easiest way to reach it is by public transport: useful nearby stops include “Cmentarz Podgórski” and “Powstańców Wielkopolskich”. The Kraków Podgórze SKA station is also convenient — from there it’s a short walk.
Trams run nearby and city buses connect Podgórze with the center. If you plan to drive, be prepared for limited parking and a short walk from where you leave your car.
There are no large official parking lots next to the mound — vehicle access directly under the mound is restricted and parking spaces immediately adjacent are few. The closest options are short-stay spots and side streets (for example near the Podgórze Cemetery) or small parking lots a bit further away followed by a walk.
A practical place to leave a car is near the street Za Torem or close to the Podgórze Cemetery — from both locations the walk to the mound takes several to a dozen minutes. Because spaces are limited, during peak tourist hours consider public transport or parking farther away and walking in.
If you arrive late in the evening remember the area has limited lighting and some spontaneous picnics may take place — choose well-lit, safe parking spots.
The exact origin of Krakus Mound is uncertain — archaeological research has uncovered various finds but has not definitively established its purpose or date of construction. Excavations have revealed hearth remains, fragments of burials and cultural objects from different periods, and datings in publications range from antiquity to the early Middle Ages.
Legend says the mound is the burial place of the legendary prince Krak (Krakus), the city’s founder, but archaeological evidence has not confirmed mass burials. In the 19th and 20th centuries there were fortifications around the mound (Fort 33), and later archaeological work uncovered interesting relics and artifacts.
A local folk event called Rękawka is celebrated around the mound — traditionally tied to springtime rituals and usually held after Easter Monday. It’s a local celebration with reenactments and performances and is worth including in your plans if you visit Krakow in the Easter period.
From the top of Krakus Mound you get a view over Podgórze, the Wawel Hill and the further skyline. In the panorama you can easily spot church towers, parts of historic buildings and neighboring hills and mounds. On clear days distant mountain ranges can be visible.
Nearby you can spot the Liban Quarry and areas connected with the filming of Schindler’s List, the Podgórze Cemetery and the characteristic structures of Wawel Hill. It’s a great place for photos with Krakow’s panorama in the background — especially attractive at sunrise and sunset.
Bear in mind there is limited tourist infrastructure on the summit — there are no permanent telescopes, benches or food stalls directly on the mound (occasionally binoculars or viewing scopes are available at the mound’s base).
Time needed: plan at least 30–60 minutes for the walk, climbing, photos and return. If you want to combine the visit with other sights in Podgórze, allow 2–3 hours.
Clothing and footwear: paths are natural and sometimes steep — comfortable shoes and a windproof layer are useful. It can be windy on the summit, even on warmer days.
Accessibility: approaches are often unpaved and worn, which makes access difficult for wheelchair users or people with prams. Some longer, gentler routes are easier, but the site is not fully accessible.
Safety and comfort: the area is not fully lit after dark — if you plan an evening visit bring a torch or use your phone light. Social gatherings and picnics sometimes occur nearby, keep that in mind at night.
Krakus Mound pairs well with a short walk around Podgórze: the Old Podgórze Cemetery, the Vistula boulevards and the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum (Fabryka Schindlera) are within walking distance or a short ride away. From the mound it’s easy to plan a route to Wawel and further to the Main Market Square.
If you enjoy wandering and discovering quieter corners of the city, after descending the mound stroll through the streets of Podgórze, look for murals and local cafés — it’s a more intimate side of Krakow compared with the busy Market Square.
For photographers: the best photos are taken during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset). It’s worth making a small loop around the mound to find different viewpoints and compositions.
In Podgórze and Zabłocie you’ll find several pleasant cafés and restaurants perfect for a break after your walk. A few local places worth considering include La Baguette (Zabłocie), Good Lood (Zabłocie) and Jadłodajnia Wczoraj i Dziś — all popular with locals for coffee, pastries or casual meals.
For a coffee and cake after visiting the mound head toward Plac Wolnica or the Zabłocie area — there are bakeries, bistros and cozy cafés where you can try local specialties and a good cup of coffee.
Remember there are no food stalls directly at the mound, so if you plan to stay a while bring water and a snack or plan to stop at a nearby café afterward.
Is entry to Krakus Mound paid? - No, entrance to the mound is free.
Is the site open all day? - Yes, the mound is generally accessible year-round, but evenings and nights may be poorly lit.
Can you drive directly up to the mound? - Vehicle access is restricted and parking is limited. It’s better to park a short walk away or use public transport.
Is the mound suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs? - Due to unpaved and steep paths access may be difficult. It is not fully adapted for wheelchairs.
Are there toilets and food stalls at the mound? - There are no sanitary facilities or cafés at the summit — use facilities in Podgórze before or after your visit.
If you like quieter viewpoints, visit early in the morning on weekdays — you’ll often have the summit almost to yourself. Sunset is busier but very atmospheric.
Bring a small blanket if you plan a picnic (but remember to take your trash with you). The best photo compositions often include a slice of the Vistula and the silhouette of Wawel in the background.
If you’re combining the visit with the Schindler Factory Museum or MOCAK, allow extra time — both are nearby and offer a compelling cultural complement to the panoramic view.
Start at Plac Wolnica for a quick coffee, walk across to the Vistula boulevards and follow signs to Zabłocie and the Schindler Factory, then head up to Krakus Mound for the panorama. From the mound you can continue to Wawel and the Main Market Square — a pleasant half-day route.
Families with small children will enjoy the short climb and open space at the top, but keep an eye on little ones on sloping paths. There are no playgrounds on the mound itself, but nearby streets in Podgórze have cafés and green spots suitable for a break.
While some approaches are gentler, the site is primarily natural terrain. If accessibility is essential to your plans, contact local visitor services beforehand or plan alternative viewpoints such as the Vistula boulevards or selected viewpoints on Wawel Hill.
If you visit around Easter, look for Rękawka celebrations — a traditional local event with performances and activities usually held after Easter Monday. Dates vary each year, so check local event listings if you want to attend.
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic sweep of the city and a telephoto if you want compressed views of Wawel towers. A small tripod helps for low-light shots at sunrise or sunset, and remember to protect equipment from wind.
Krakus Mound is a short, rewarding stop that gives a fresh perspective on Krakow’s skyline. It’s ideal as a peaceful pause between museum visits and walks through Podgórze. Enjoy the view and take a moment to soak in this quieter corner of the city.
Oskar Schindler Factory Museum (Fabryka Schindlera) — Zabłocie
MOCAK — Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow — Zabłocie
Plac Wolnica and surrounding cafés
Podgórze Old Cemetery (Stary Cmentarz Podgórski)
Vistula boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane)
If you’d like a guided visit or private advice on planning your Podgórze walk, I’m Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — I can help tailor a route that includes Krakus Mound and nearby highlights. Contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Please respect the natural character of the site: do not dig, do not leave litter and be considerate of locals. Stick to marked paths where possible to help preserve the mound and surrounding greenery.
Entry: free
Best time to visit: sunrise or sunset for the best light
Nearest public transport: Cmentarz Podgórski stop, Powstańców Wielkopolskich stop, Kraków Podgórze SKA station
Facilities: limited on-site — toilets and cafés in Podgórze / Zabłocie
Have a great visit — Krakus Mound is a small stop with a big view. Enjoy exploring Podgórze and the many discoveries this side of the river has to offer.
This guide is written to help visitors enjoy Krakus Mound and the Podgórze neighborhood — practical, friendly and focused on making your walk around Krakow enjoyable.
Feel free to visit zwiedzaniekrakowa.com or contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) for tailored advice on visiting Krakow.
Podgórze — a district on the right (south) bank of the Vistula with its own history and atmosphere
Krakus Mound — Kopiec Krakusa / Kopiec Kraka
Rękawka — traditional springtime celebration associated with the mound
Search for 'Krakus Mound' or 'Kopiec Krakusa' in your maps app — it will show the main approaches and nearby parking or public transport stops.
In winter the paths can be slippery — check weather and wear appropriate footwear. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for walking, while summer evenings are lively but busier.
Be mindful of quiet residential areas near the mound, especially late at night. Keep noise down and respect neighbouring homes.
For museum opening hours and current local events check official sites for MOCAK and the Oskar Schindler Factory before your visit.
Bring comfortable shoes, a bottle of water and your camera — Krakus Mound rewards a little curiosity with a big view.
Enjoy your time in Krakow — and remember, a short detour to Krakus Mound gives you a fresh perspective on the city.
If you notice out-of-date information, please contact zwiedzaniekrakowa.com so we can keep the guide current for other visitors.
If you enjoyed this spot, try exploring other lesser-known viewpoints along the Vistula for more peaceful panoramas of Krakow.
Wear sturdy shoes
Carry a small light if visiting after sunset
Take water and keep your rubbish with you
Trams and buses connect Podgórze with Krakow center; the SKA network stops at Kraków Podgórze making the mound an easy addition to your itinerary.
La Baguette (Zabłocie) — bakery/café
Good Lood (Zabłocie) — ice cream café
Jadłodajnia Wczoraj i Dziś — casual local eatery
Plac Wolnica cafés and bistros
Come and discover Podgórze — a short walk up Krakus Mound can make the whole day feel new.
Prepared for zwiedzaniekrakowa.com by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — friendly, practical guidance for visitors.
Website: zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — for bookings and personalized routes.
Information is practical guidance and may change; always check opening hours and local conditions before your visit.
Thanks to local visitors and residents whose experiences help keep this guide useful and up to date.
