Yes — you can have a really nice, full day by combining a walk through Las Wolski with a visit to Krakow’s Zoo. It’s worth choosing a sensible start time, setting priorities and planning breaks so you don’t have to rush. For families with children and for people who want to relax outdoors this is a great idea: the forest offers quiet, rocky outcrops and mounds with views, while the Zoo provides entertainment and close encounters with animals.
If you like being active — plan a longer forest section in the morning and the Zoo in the afternoon. If you prefer a gentler pace — do the opposite: start at the Zoo, then take a shorter walk to viewpoints. A well-organized day also includes a plan B for the weather (umbrellas, shorter routes, covered places).
In the text you’ll find a concrete suggested route, practical tips about getting there, parking, tickets and advice for families and people with limited mobility. Everything is written simply and helpfully so you can start planning right away.
Remember: Las Wolski is a large forest complex with many trails (dozens of kilometres). Not all sections are suitable for strollers or people with limited mobility — see the accessibility notes below.
09:30 - start at Piłsudski’s Mound: a short stop at the viewpoint and a warm-up. The mound is about 35 m high and is a great spot for morning stretching and photos.
10:00-12:30 - green trail through Panieńskie Skały and the gullies: parts of the route delight with charming ravines and rock formations, perfect places for short breaks and nature watching.
12:30-13:30 - lunch/picnic break on a clearing or a meal at one of the food points near the Zoo. If you’re with small children, plan time for changing nappies/resting.
13:30-16:00 - visit to the Zoo: a relaxed tour of the main pavilions, the Mini Zoo and possible feeding demonstrations. It’s worth checking feeding times and educational activities for the day of your visit.
16:00-17:00 - a short walk to nearby viewpoints (Przegorzały, Willa Baszta) or time for ice cream and rest before returning to the city.
This plan can be shortened or extended. If you want educational workshops at the Zoo, reserve them in advance; for larger groups visits may be organised in shifts.
Getting there by public transport: one convenient option is to take a bus that stops near the Zoo entrance (check current line numbers and timetables before you travel). This lets you leave your car in the city and either start the day with a forest walk or go straight to the Zoo.
Driving and parking: an unguarded parking lot operates by the Zoo’s main gate (spaces are limited — arrive early on weekends). Seasonal parking rules and fees apply; people with disabilities have special arrangements to drive closer to the entrance.
Zoo tickets: buy tickets in advance if you plan a specific entry time or workshops. In summer and on weekends queues at ticket offices can be long — an electronic ticket saves time.
Opening hours: in summer the Zoo is open longer, but ticket offices and closing times are fixed. Check opening hours for your visit date, especially outside the high season, so you’re not left on site after the cash desks close.
Zoo rules: feeding most animals and approaching enclosures is prohibited. For the safety and comfort of animals, follow the regulations and staff instructions.
Diverse landscapes: Las Wolski is a hilly area with ravines and limestone rocks, beech and oak woods and a network of dozens of kilometres of paths. A walk here is a quick escape from city noise.
Reserves and rock formations: along the way you’ll encounter Bielańskie Skałki, Panieńskie Skały and the Przegorzały Rocks — protected fragments of nature with attractive rock formations and distinct plant life.
Mounds and viewpoints: Piłsudski’s Mound is one of the characteristic spots — great for morning or afternoon views. From smaller viewpoints (for example near Przegorzały) you’ll enjoy pleasant panoramas of the surrounding greenery and distant city views.
Traces of history: in Las Wolski you can find the Camaldolese hermitage on Srebrna Góra and buildings such as Willa Baszta in Przegorzały. These places combine nature with Krakow’s history.
Along the routes you’ll easily find charming clearings for a picnic and shady spots under trees — perfect for short breaks.
Size and residents: Krakow’s Zoo is a compact garden set among trees — across several dozen hectares many species live here, including endangered animals. When planning your visit, mark the zones that interest you most.
Mini Zoo and children’s encounters: the Zoo has a section with small animals — a great place for the little ones to safely watch ponies or rabbits.
Education and feedings: check the schedule of shows and feedings — attending a session can enrich your visit, but remember safety rules and keep a respectful distance from animals.
Food and toilets: food kiosks and toilets are located near the entrance and around the Zoo — plan your stops, especially with small children.
Visit time: a calm visit to the main attractions takes a few hours; with breaks and possible workshops, plan for half a day or a full day depending on your pace.
For families with children: plan breaks every 45-60 minutes, bring snacks and water bottles. With very young children it’s worth starting with a shorter walk or beginning the day at the Zoo and then relaxing on a clearing.
For runners and cyclists: Las Wolski has trails of varying difficulty. You can find running loops and cycling stretches — choose a route that matches your fitness and watch for trail signs. Some paths are more technical, others gentler, so adapt the plan to your abilities.
Entertainment ideas: bring binoculars for birdwatching, a camera for panoramas and rock formations, and a simple activity map for kids (for example: find a rock, find an oak leaf). These small additions make the day more engaging.
If you plan an outdoor event with a small group (for example a birthday), check the rules for organising picnics and whether any permissions are needed.
Forest terrain can be uneven: after rain paths become slippery, and rocky sections may require sturdy footwear. For people with reduced mobility the urban sections and areas near the Zoo are easier to cover than most forest gullies.
Stroller accessibility: not all routes are suitable for strollers — if you’re planning a walk with a stroller, choose flatter stretches or start/finish near areas with urban infrastructure.
Safety at the Zoo: keep children under control, do not allow touching fences and follow the bans on feeding animals. For larger groups it’s good to have an evacuation plan and a basic first-aid kit.
Weather and plan B: have a backup plan — umbrellas, a dry change of clothes for kids, and alternative covered places. In bad weather shorten the walk or focus on indoor/covered activities at the Zoo and its facilities.
Footwear: comfortable shoes with good grip (hiking or sporty shoes).
Clothing: layers — cool in the morning, warm at midday; bring a lightweight rain jacket.
Water and snacks: bottles, fruit and small snacks (especially with children). For a picnic bring a mat and bags for rubbish.
Documents and money: e-ticket or cash for parking and food. If you have a disability, bring documents entitling you to discounts and accommodations.
Accessories: camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent in season, a small first-aid kit (plasters, disinfectant).
For children: spare nappies, wipes, an extra change of clothes and a small toy or book.
Start in the morning, but not too early — a walk in the forest at dawn has its charm, and the Zoo usually opens late enough that combining both attractions is convenient.
Don’t try to “see everything” in one day — pick 2-3 priorities and give them time. That way you’ll really feel the place instead of just taking pictures on the run.
If you want to spend the day with a larger group or plan educational workshops, book entries and activities in advance. It will save nerves and time.
Let’s protect nature: parts of Las Wolski are protected reserves — stay on marked trails, don’t leave litter and respect the environment.
I hope this guide helps you plan a pleasant, stress-free day in nature and among animals. If you’d like, I can help tailor the route by difficulty, length or children’s needs — tell me what you prefer and I’ll prepare a shorter or a more active variant.
