Salwator is one of those places where city meets greenery: avenues start here that lead into the forest, and shortly after you reach expansive viewpoints — Kościuszko Mound and Piłsudski Mound. For small groups of 2–6 people this route is ideal: you don’t have to fight the crowds, the pace can be adapted to the group’s interests, and between the guide’s stories and anecdotes there is time to truly pause and talk. It’s “premium” in the sense of intimacy, flexibility and comfort — more a walk full of stories than a race to a viewpoint.
The Two Mounds Trail, usually starting near the Salwator tram loop, runs through tree-lined avenues and woodland paths of Wolski Forest. The total distance is about 5.5–6 km depending on the variant, and with stops for stories and photos the walk typically takes 2–3 hours. That’s enough time to feel the atmosphere of the place and see Krakow from unexpected perspectives, without getting overly tired.
For those who value comfort, we recommend a short transfer (taxi or ride‑hailing) to the start or from the end of the route — for a small group the cost is reasonable, and the saved time and convenience add to the premium experience.
Start at Salwator: notice the Church of the Most Holy Saviour and the historic alleys around the Norbertine convent — a perfect place for a short introduction to the history of this part of Zwierzyniec.
Kościuszko Mound: from the paths you approach the mound; on clear days it’s worth climbing up to the viewing terrace. From here the panorama of Krakow is one of the city’s most recognizable views — rooftops, the Vistula, Kazimierz and distant landscape bands. The mound site also hosts exhibitions and museum elements — occasionally some exhibition areas require an entrance fee.
Passing through Wolski Forest: a pleasant, cooler stretch of the route; the variety of paths allows for short photography detours or a rest on a bench.
Piłsudski Mound (Mound of Independence): smaller but equally rewarding as a viewpoint, often less crowded than Kościuszko Mound. You can finish by heading toward the stadium, the Rudawa riverbanks, or return to the city center by public transport.
Duration: 2.5–3 hours — a relaxed pace with stops for stories and photos.
Start: agreed meeting point at the Salwator tram loop (easy to reach by public transport or taxi).
0–20 min: welcome, short presentation of the route and safety rules, quick historical introduction to Salwator.
20–60 min: walk to Kościuszko Mound, stories about the mound’s creation, 19th‑century context and people connected with the place; photo stop.
60–120 min: descent into Wolski Forest — nature notes, local anecdotes, short stops at interesting spots (Panieńskie Skały, former forts).
120–150 min: ascent to Piłsudski Mound, summary, time for the panorama and an optional picnic or coffee at a nearby café.
Optional finish: a short ride to Kazimierz for lunch (recommended places below).
Intimacy and pace: the guide can tailor stories to participants’ interests, stop where the group wants to hear more, and skip topics that don’t engage the group.
Comfort and logistics: it’s easier to arrange short transfers (e.g. a taxi to the start or from the end), fit into one car, or reserve a table at a nice restaurant after the walk.
Photos and privacy: a small group means you won’t be jostling among strangers at viewpoints — more peace and better shots.
Getting there: the most convenient meeting point is the Salwator tram loop — a well-connected public transport hub for trams and buses. For small groups consider a taxi or ride‑hailing for full comfort.
Tickets and fees: access to the Kościuszko Mound viewing terrace is sometimes ticketed in season and may include part of the exhibitions; it’s always a good idea to check current hours and prices beforehand. Your guide will usually notify you when booking and can help with ticket purchases.
What to bring: comfortable, non‑slip shoes; water; a light jacket (it can be windy on the mounds); camera/phone for photos; sunscreen on sunny days; a hat in summer; a small backpack for personal items.
Weather and time of day: the best light for photos and the most pleasant temperatures are in the morning and the golden hour before sunset. On hot days we recommend walking in the morning or late afternoon.
Paths are a mix of park alleys and natural forest tracks; there are climbs and short stony sections. For most people the route is moderately demanding — at a slow pace both families with teenagers and older participants in good condition will manage fine.
Accessibility options: if someone has limited mobility, it’s possible to shorten the walk or order taxi transfers to places with fewer stairs. The guide will help choose the most comfortable option for everyone.
For families with small children we recommend a carrier or an off‑road stroller; on some forest sections lightweight urban strollers without all‑terrain wheels may be difficult.
If you feel like coffee and something sweet after the walk, a great spot to relax is Massolit Books & Café near Kazimierz — a well‑known bookshop‑café with a pleasant atmosphere and good pastries. It’s an ideal place to linger after the route.
For a proper Mediterranean‑style lunch try Hamsa Hummus & Happiness on Szeroka Street in Kazimierz — a popular, highly rated place serving fresh mezze and dishes inspired by Israeli cuisine. Booking a table on weekends is recommended.
If you prefer a light picnic, the guide can suggest reliable spots for local treats and help with small purchases so the group can settle on the grass by a mound comfortably.
Underestimating the route as “short and effortless” — although the distance isn’t large, there are climbs and steps; wear comfortable shoes.
Not bringing water or a cover — it can be windy on the mounds and the sun may feel stronger than in the city center.
Visiting at the busiest weekend hours — if you prefer peace and space, choose morning or late afternoon instead of the midday tourist peak.
For small groups typical private‑tour rates apply — indicative prices: 2 hours — 300 PLN (promotional rate), 3 hours — 400 PLN, 4 hours — 500 PLN. This is the guide fee and for a group of 2–6 people offers excellent value: personal attention, flexibility and rich contextual storytelling.
Exact pricing with Małgorzata Kasprowicz is set individually depending on route length, guiding language and additional services (e.g. reservations, transfers, exhibition tickets). When booking, please provide preferred times and the number of participants for a quick and precise quote.
If some exhibitions at Kościuszko Mound require separate tickets, additional fees may apply; the guide usually informs clients in advance and can assist with ticket purchase to avoid wasting time on site.
How long is the walk? — Depending on pace and stops: typically 2–3 hours with breaks. We can shorten or extend the route to suit the group.
Is the route safe for children? — Yes, the route is family‑friendly, though for the youngest we recommend a carrier or off‑road stroller. The guide ensures safety and chooses a pace suitable for children.
Do I need to book in advance? — In season and on weekends booking is recommended; for small groups it’s wise to reserve a date a few days ahead to guarantee availability.
Can the guide pick us up from the hotel? — Pickup and finish at a chosen point (hotel, Kazimierz, Salwator tram loop) can be arranged, which is convenient for small groups.
Krakow’s mounds are more than viewpoints — they are layers of history: each mound has its own story and different social meanings, from romantic tales to patriotic narratives, which often surprise visitors.
On very clear days you can spot mountain ranges from the higher mounds; these moments often become the most memorable part of the walk for many guests.
Wolski Forest hides fragments of former fortifications and remnants of defensive works — the route includes small sections of these fortifications that are easy to miss on an ordinary stroll.
If a calm, “premium” walk around Salwator and the mounds sounds appealing, share this article with friends or pick a date — it’s a great way to start or end your stay in Krakow.
If you’d like to book a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (licensed guide, experienced with small groups), contact details and booking information are available on the site ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — Małgorzata will tailor the route to your expectations and prepare the perfect version for your group.
Enjoy the walk — and remember: sometimes the best views are found when you stop and look a little longer.
