Zakrzówek is one of the most photogenic spots outside Kraków’s strict city center - a former quarry with a turquoise reservoir, steep cliffs and pleasant walking paths. For many visitors it’s an attractive short escape after intensive sightseeing in the Old Town or Kazimierz.
Melexes (electric tourist carts) are commonly used in Kraków for drives through the historic districts: the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze (including sites connected to the former ghetto and Schindler’s Factory). Standard routes offered by operators cover main attractions and usually last 30–120 minutes; vehicles are often equipped with audio guides, rain covers and sometimes heating for cooler days.
Remember - Zakrzówek lies outside the typical “historic center” area, so it’s not always included on fixed commercial melex routes. A direct melex ride to the reservoir may require a bespoke route request, extended rental time or an extra charge for traveling outside the standard operating area. In practice it’s more common to combine a melex tour of the center with a taxi or public transport transfer to Zakrzówek.
Choosing to use a melex to visit Zakrzówek depends on your group’s priorities: comfort and an audio guide versus flexibility of access and saving time. Below you’ll find a proposed route combining melex and other transport, plus practical tips on booking, timing and costs.
Useful abbreviations: melex - electric tourist cart; operator - company offering melex rides; transfer - a short taxi or public transport trip.
Standard melex routes focus on Kraków’s historic center, Kazimierz and Podgórze. Operators typically advertise stops at strategic points such as the Main Market Square, Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy or the area around Schindler’s Factory.
Because routes are often planned within the Cultural Park of the Old Town and along narrow historic streets, many companies do not offer regular runs to areas outside that zone. Zakrzówek is outside the usual tourist circuit and a melex drive there is technically feasible mainly as an individual order - in that case the operator prepares a custom route and accounts for extra time and costs for traveling beyond the standard service area.
Practical limitations to consider: vehicle size and range (not all models are suitable for longer trips outside the center), access roads (some approaches are narrow or unpaved) and local traffic rules or restrictions. For that reason it’s safest to consult the operator about the exact route and destination before booking.
If you want to visit Zakrzówek without technical complications, the best solution is to combine a short melex tour of the center with a taxi, ride-hailing service or public transport transfer to Zakrzówek.
For groups including people with limited mobility, ask the operator directly about transport options - some companies have vehicles adapted for wheelchairs or can offer alternative transfer solutions.
Duration: about 3–4 hours (flexible) - a plan for those who want to combine a quick center tour with time to relax by Zakrzówek.
1. Start - pick-up by melex from a central point (hotel, Market Square or an agreed meeting spot) - 0 min: the operator collects the group and begins the ride. Suggestion: choose a 60–90 minute route to see the Old Town and Kazimierz without rushing.
2. Melex - route through the Old Town and Kazimierz - 60–90 min: the drive covers major points - Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, the Royal Road, Wawel (external stop) and then Kazimierz: Plac Wolnica, synagogues, Plac Nowy. Short stop for photos or a quick coffee.
3. End of the melex ride at a central point (for example by the riverside boulevards or near the main train station) - 0–10 min: disembark and prepare for transfer to Zakrzówek.
4. Transfer by taxi / ride-hailing / tram + walk - 15–30 min: a taxi typically takes about 10–20 minutes depending on your start point; public transport requires a tram/bus ride plus a 10–20 minute walk. Choose based on comfort and budget.
5. Walk around Zakrzówek - 45–90 min: a short stroll along the reservoir paths, viewpoint stops, and photo opportunities. If the group prefers, plan a longer picnic or rest. Remember the bans on bathing in some areas and follow safety rules - some cliff sections have restricted access.
6. Return - options: taxi back to the center, continue exploring on foot, or finish the trip near Zakrzówek if your accommodation is nearby.
If you have more time, expand the program: after relaxing at Zakrzówek you can continue on foot or by taxi to Wolski Forest, the zoo or Kościuszko Mound. This is a good way to combine urban history with Kraków’s natural attractions.
Example full-day plan: morning - 60–90 min melex tour of the center; late morning - transfer and time at Zakrzówek; afternoon - a walk into Wolski Forest or a ride up to Kościuszko Mound; evening - dinner at one of the restaurants on Zwierzyniec or return to the center.
Advantages: varied experiences (sights + nature), more time for relaxed sightseeing and photos, and breaks for coffee or lunch in less crowded areas than the Market Square. Downsides: higher transfer costs and more complex logistics.
Check opening hours of any attractions and taxi availability in your chosen time slots - demand can be higher in the season.
If you plan a trip with a guide, make sure the melex operator or accompanying guide is authorized and familiar with routes outside the city center - this helps the program run smoothly and safely.
Melex prices vary by operator, route length and number of passengers. For orientation - common offers include 30, 60, 90 and 120 minute options: 30 minutes usually covers one district, 60–90 minutes allows combining two districts, and 120 minutes is a combined route covering the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze.
Approximate price ranges (indicative, for a vehicle up to 4 people): - 30 min: around 150–220 PLN; - 60 min: around 250–400 PLN; - 90 min: around 350–500 PLN; - 120 min and more: rates rise proportionally, and large groups may be charged per person instead of per vehicle. For groups of 5+ a per-person price is often applied.
Additional costs when including Zakrzówek in the program may include: - an extra charge for traveling outside the operator’s standard area; - taxi/ride-hailing costs for transfers between the center and Zakrzówek; - possible entrance or parking fees if you plan stops inside paid areas.
Booking: reserve the melex in advance, especially in tourist season and on weekends. Confirm the exact route with the operator and include pick-up time, end point and flexibility options in the booking confirmation. Ask about audio guide language availability and contingency arrangements for bad weather (covers, heating).
Cancellations and changes: check refund and cancellation policies - many companies offer a refund for cancellations made 24 hours before the service, but rules vary.
Taxi / ride-hailing - the fastest and simplest connection between the center and Zakrzówek. Cost and travel time depend on the start point and traffic, but usually 10–25 minutes; for a small group this can be competitive with paying extra for a custom melex route.
Public transport - tram or bus plus a short walk: the cheapest option and a chance to see local life. Check current timetables and possible transfers, as reaching the reservoir itself may require a 10–20 minute walk.
Bicycle / electric scooter - for active visitors: combine a melex city tour with a rental to reach Zakrzówek quickly and enjoy moving around the area. Watch out for hilly terrain and be careful on shared paths.
On foot - if you enjoy longer walks: from some central points Zakrzówek can be reached on foot, which lets you discover less-touristy parts of the city. Plan the route and time carefully, especially in hot weather or with limited mobility.
Which option to choose depends on your group size, time and budget. For many visitors the optimal solution is a melex tour of the center plus a quick taxi transfer to Zakrzówek.
Weather and equipment - wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a water bottle and a light daypack. Melexes have wind and rain covers, but in heavy rain choose an alternative plan. In winter check whether the operator provides heating in the vehicle.
Safety at Zakrzówek - not all areas around the reservoir are intended for swimming; many spots have bans on entering the cliffs. Stay on marked paths and viewpoints. If you take photos near cliffs, exercise great caution.
Accessibility - if someone in your group has limited mobility, inform the operator when booking. Many companies offer vehicles adapted to passengers with disabilities or can propose alternative transfers.
Photography and respect for the site - Zakrzówek can be crowded in season; respect other visitors and avoid blocking paths, especially if using tripods or larger equipment. Leave the place as you found it.
Permissions and regulations - for larger groups or commercial events near Zakrzówek contact the local district authorities or land managers in advance to check whether special permits are required.
A route combining a melex ride through Kraków’s center with a visit to Zakrzówek is a great option for visitors who want to pair comfortable, quick sightseeing of monuments with a touch of nature. It’s especially suitable for families, people who prefer less walking and those who appreciate an audio guide and travel comfort.
If your priority is direct arrival without transfers right at the reservoir, be prepared that the offer will likely be individualized and may involve extra costs. The simplest approach: book a melex for the center and reach Zakrzówek by taxi or public transport - this is usually the most reliable and fastest logistic solution.
When booking, confirm all route details, pick-up and end times, audio guide language availability and cancellation policy to avoid surprises and make the most of Kraków and Zakrzówek in one comfortable day.
Have a great trip and safe photos! If you’d like, I can prepare a detailed, personalized hourly plan for your group - tell me your desired start time and number of people, and I’ll include transfers and breaks.
