Wanda Mound is one of those places in Kraków that mixes legend with an unexpected view of the city — it stands about 14 m tall and sits in the heart of Nowa Huta. It’s a short but atmospheric trip off the usual tourist trails, perfect when you want to feel a different side of Kraków: local, green and surprising.
A Segway is a great way to cover more ground in half a day than on foot while enjoying the ride. This makes it easier to combine classic attractions with visits to less obvious spots like Wanda Mound without spending a whole day on logistics and travel.
If you enjoy short, active outings with history in the background and nice panoramas, a Segway trip to Wanda Mound is a great idea. It’s also a good option for families, couples and small groups who want to avoid the crowds of the Old Town and see something original.
Wanda Mound is tied to the legend of Princess Wanda, the daughter of Kraków’s founder. According to tradition she sacrificed herself for her homeland — which is why the mound commemorates her memory. Archaeology hasn’t confirmed all theories unequivocally, but the mound’s age is usually estimated to the early Middle Ages (7th–8th century).
At the top there is a stone monument of an eagle designed by Jan Matejko, which gives the place additional historic character. From the summit you get a pleasant panorama — you can spot parts of the Vistula, wide areas of Nowa Huta and sections of the city, making it a nice stop for a short rest and photos.
A practical note: paths on Wanda Mound can be narrow and unpaved, so reaching the top may be less comfortable than at some other mounds. Keep this in mind when planning a trip with children or for anyone with mobility issues.
Duration: about 3.5–4 hours — enough time for a short Segway training session, a ride through parts of the city, getting to Nowa Huta, walking up Wanda Mound and returning with a stop for something nice to eat.
Sample plan: meet and a brief training session (15–20 min) on the edge of the Old Town or at the starting point, then a relaxed ride along the Planty and the Vistula boulevards. The afternoon part of the route leads over bridges toward Nowa Huta; on arrival stroll to Wanda Mound, pause briefly at the top, then return or head to a local café or pub for a well-deserved rest.
Organisation: for maximum comfort consider options that include equipment transfer — companies often offer transport of Segways closer to the Nowa Huta start — or plan to start near Central Square, from which public transport to the mound is easiest. Bear in mind some route sections may use pavements, while others are better on paths and bike lanes.
Before setting off spend 10–20 minutes on training — most people find their balance quickly, but a short briefing is essential. Pay attention to weight and age limits for the equipment.
Wear comfortable, closed shoes and lightweight clothing suitable for the weather. Bring a rain jacket if the forecast is uncertain — Segways are not ideal in heavy rain or on slippery surfaces.
Respect residents and the environment: Nowa Huta is still a residential district, so avoid loud riding near housing, don’t enter prohibited areas and watch out for pedestrians. On Wanda Mound move carefully — not all paths are paved.
Getting there: Wanda Mound is in Nowa Huta and is most conveniently reached by tram — several lines run directly and the nearest stops are a short walk from the mound. If you come by car there are few parking spaces right next to the mound, so it’s better to park earlier and take a tram or taxi.
When to go: the best times are early morning or late afternoon — then there are fewer people, the light is nicer for photos, and temperatures are often more pleasant than in mid-day. Spring and autumn add extra charm with changing colours, and summer works well if you start early.
Facilities: Wanda Mound has limited infrastructure (no toilets, no café), so plan breaks in nearby spots. Bring a small bottle of water and a snack.
If you want to eat after returning to the centre or during a break, choose well-reviewed restaurants. Around the Old Town consider classic places known for Polish cuisine like Pod Aniołami or Wierzynek — reliable choices for traditional flavours and a special atmosphere. In Kazimierz a great option is Restauracja Starka, appreciated for authentic dishes and a cosy interior.
For coffee before or after the trip try cafés with a pleasant vibe: Café Camelot is a charming spot in the Old Town, and Charlotte is a good choice for fresh bread and a light breakfast. If you plan to stay overnight in Kraków, hotels such as Hotel Stary, PURO Kraków Stare Miasto and Sheraton offer comfort and proximity to main attractions.
If you prefer to remain in the Nowa Huta area after visiting the mound, check out local cafés and small restaurants — increasingly you’ll find well-rated places serving regional dishes and a homely atmosphere.
Not planning realistic time — half a day means 3–4 hours, but be sure to include Segway training, breaks and possible photo stops. Schedule with some buffer time.
Unsuitable clothing or footwear — choose closed, comfortable shoes and layered clothing for the Segway.
Not checking path conditions or traffic restrictions — after rain some sections may be slippery; Wanda Mound has narrow unpaved paths which should be considered when planning the route.
Can you ride a Segway directly to the top of Wanda Mound? Electric equipment is usually better left at the base and then walk to the summit, because paths can be narrow and not Segway-friendly. This is also about pedestrian safety and protecting the site.
Is it safe for children? Many Segway rental companies have age and weight limits. For families with younger children we recommend shorter rides in safer parts of the city and walking up Wanda Mound from its foot.
Do I need permission to take photos? No — you can take photos on Wanda Mound and during the ride, but respect the privacy of nearby residents and avoid setting up tripods in places that block passage.
Wanda Mound isn’t the largest, but it’s one of the oldest mounds in Kraków — its modest size hides a long history and many hypotheses about its original purpose.
From the top you can see parts of Nowa Huta’s industrial landscape, creating an interesting contrast with views from the Old Town. It’s a good spot to photograph the two faces of Kraków: the historic and the post-war modernist.
Contrary to what you might expect, the route to Wanda Mound is often bypassed by typical tourists, so here you can find quieter moments, escape the crowds and listen to local stories about the place.
If you want the trip to be comfortable, tailored to your pace and include local stories, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She accompanies visitors to Kraków in a friendly way, focusing on personalised routes and practical tips.
Travelling with a guide ensures the route is adapted to the weather, the group’s ability and expectations for pace. It also increases safety when using a Segway off the main routes.
If you liked this article, share it with friends or on social media — that helps more people discover lesser-known but worthwhile places in Kraków. To book a private trip with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, find the contact information on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
