Zakrzówek is not just the “Polish Maldives” — it’s a former limestone quarry that hides fragments of history underwater: sunken vehicles, remnants of buildings and mementos from the mining era. Knowing this, you can tell the group a short, surprising story at the very start of the walk and immediately capture their attention.
For small groups (2-6 people) Zakrzówek offers a big advantage: you move quickly, can change plans easily, and can engage participants in small activities — from mini photography challenges to quiet moments at the best viewpoints.
The Zakrzówek reservoir is a flooded limestone quarry — the minerals give the water its turquoise, almost transparent color. In places the depth reaches dozens of meters, creating striking contrasts with the light cliffs and lush vegetation.
For years Zakrzówek has been both a recreational spot and a place of risky behavior — in recent years the area has undergone revitalization and cleanup work. Today the site is more organized, but it’s still important to follow safety rules and posted signs.
Under the water you can find traces of past human activity — a fascinating fact to share on a walk that always piques people’s curiosity.
1. Start at the main entrance/parking – check the map of the area, give a short introduction and set the walking pace so no one falls behind.
2. Cliff viewpoint – first stop for photos and a short story about the site’s geology. In a small group you can ask one person to take on a short photo task (e.g., find the best frame with the turquoise water).
3. Walk along the terraces and piers – talk about the park design, floating pools and infrastructure elements. This is a good moment to discuss safety and the rules that apply around the water.
4. Smaller paths and green areas – let the group rest while pointing out picnic spots or places for a short break. In a small group you can prepare a surprise like local snacks or a bottle of water with a personalized label.
5. Return and recommended places for the rest of the day — a café or a place with good food where the group can sum up the outing.
Mini photo race: divide the group (if larger) into pairs or leave individual tasks and give a list of 6 themes to photograph in 30–45 minutes (e.g., best frame of the water, an unusual detail on the rock, a low-angle shot). Finish with a short presentation of the results.
A short audio-story about Zakrzówek: prepare one short, interesting story or quote about the quarry’s history and read it in the most atmospheric spot — it builds mood and sticks in people’s memories.
Quick composition workshop: 10–15 minutes of simple rules (horizon line, foreground elements, vertical vs horizontal framing) and immediate practice.
A small picnic with local treats: instead of a standard outing you can plan a short snack break with regional bites — groups of 2–6 people can easily organize this and it makes the visit more intimate.
The golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives the most beautiful colors and soft light on the viewing terraces. Small groups have the advantage — you can position yourselves faster and beat larger crowds.
If you want to photograph the turquoise water and cliffs intensively, pick a sunny but not scorching day — the water’s color will be most saturated and the surface won’t glare from harsh light.
Avoid weekend afternoons in summer if you want quiet. A small group can consider arriving in the morning or late afternoon when many visitors have already left.
Do not go into areas marked with no-entry signs and do not get too close to cliff edges. Even in a small group the risk is real — landslides and unstable ground can occur in former quarries.
Do not leave trash behind — a small group can have a real impact on how the area is perceived by the local community. Bring a bag for rubbish if you plan a picnic.
If you plan to swim or use floating zones, make sure you know the rules and seasonal limits for access. In recent years entry has sometimes been limited for safety and organizational reasons.
Zakrzówek is close to several well-known districts of Kraków, so after the outing it’s worth heading to highly rated cafés or restaurants. I recommend popular cafés and restaurants in Kazimierz and places on the Old Town where you can try local cuisine or modern variations.
For small groups it’s a great idea to reserve a table — it’s a small cost and helps avoid waiting in line. If someone prefers something cozier, suggest a visit to a café with good reviews and a friendly interior.
Arriving in the middle of the day during the high season — crowds reduce privacy and make moving around harder. Solution: choose morning or late afternoon.
Not preparing for changeable weather — strong wind or sudden rain can spoil the mood. Solution: bring a lightweight rain jacket and a waterproof case for your phone/camera.
Scheduling too few breaks and little food — small groups enjoy longer, intimate breaks. Solution: plan 1–2 short stops for rest and a snack.
Is Zakrzówek accessible year-round? Access to certain zones can change depending on modernization works and seasonal restrictions, so it’s worth checking current information before you go.
Can you swim there? The bathing status has changed in recent years due to works and entry limits. Before planning a swim, check the current rules and signage on site.
Is a reservation needed for a small group? For groups of 2–6 people a reservation is usually not necessary, but for special activities, workshops or picnics with external services it’s better to confirm availability in advance.
Prepare a short card with a Zakrzówek fact and give it to each person at the start of the walk as a “ticket” to the story — a small gesture often stays in memory.
Bring a compact binoculars — it allows spotting details on the far shore and makes the trip more interactive.
If the group likes surprises, arrange in advance with a local café for a small dessert for the whole party — a classy way to finish the outing.
Zakrzówek is a place that can still surprise — both with views and with the history it hides. Small groups of 2–6 people have ideal conditions to discover it in an intimate, flexible and creative way.
If you want the trip to be stress-free and memorable, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact details are on the website. With experience, the guide knows how to combine facts, a good pace and small surprises that will stay with your group.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Share the idea for a special day at Zakrzówek and invite others to discover Kraków in a small group.
