Yes — one of the city’s most popular spots for sunbathing and watersports is the Bagry Reservoir (Zalew Bagry). For many visitors it’s a pleasant alternative to a stroll around the Main Market Square: sunshine, sandy access points, piers and equipment rentals within easy reach of the city centre. The beach is supervised during the season and offers basic facilities while keeping a friendly, local atmosphere.
This guide explains how to get to Bagry, what watersports and rental options are usually available, where to park when you arrive as a group (7–30 people), what to avoid and handy tips to make your stay in Krakow easier. If you’d like extra help planning the day, you can use the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
The Bagry Reservoir (often just called Bagry) is located in the Płaszów/Podgórze area. During the bathing season there is a supervised swimming area, seasonal food stalls, beach volleyball courts and a watersports rental point.
Official bathing-season dates can change from year to year — for example, in 2025 some municipal announcements listed the season from June 19 to September 7 — so always check current opening dates and times before you visit because schedules vary between years.
The beach has sandy access, piers, changing rooms and toilets. Lifeguards watch over swimmers during the bathing-area hours, and water-quality checks are carried out regularly at the bathing site.
At Bagry Beach there is usually a rental where groups can hire kayaks, SUP boards and pedal boats — ideal for family or group activities. Rentals are typically available by the hour, and operators provide life jackets and basic instructions.
If you plan group activities (team-building, integration events or an active afternoon), contact the beach operator in advance to ask about availability and reserving larger equipment (for example 4-person pedal boats) or booking a dedicated stretch of shore for exclusive use. Reservations make scheduling easier and reduce waiting time in high season.
Rental prices vary — as a rough guide municipal beaches often charge several dozen złoty per hour for a kayak, SUP or pedal boat. Check exact prices with the operator before you arrive.
Bagry is well connected to Krakow city centre. During the season there are special and reinforced public-transport services. Useful examples include bus 127 and trams that stop in the Dworzec Płaszów area — check exact route numbers and timetables on the day of travel. On weekends and at peak times the frequency of services in season is usually increased.
If you drive: there is a free parking area near the beach (Kozia Street), which makes access by car convenient. Bear in mind that on weekends and in peak season the parking can fill up quickly — a good plan is to arrive in the morning or late afternoon, or use public transport instead.
If you are arriving as an organized group, plan your parking in advance. The Old Town has restrictions on large vehicles, so use designated coach parking areas and drop-off points. The city provides locations for short passenger drop-offs (K+R BUS zones, limited to about 10 minutes).
Recommended options for medium-size groups include parking near the stadium — around Stadion im. Henryka Reymana (access from al. 3 Maja / ul. Reymonta) — which is suitable for coaches and minibuses and from there it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the Old Town. For smaller groups or if you want to stay closer to the centre, consider underground parking at the National Museum or multistorey parking facilities and then walk a short pleasant route to the Market Square.
Another option is to use designated coach stops in the centre for dropping off the group (short stops usually up to 10 minutes), but plan longer-term parking at Reymonta or larger outer parking lots. Always check current rules and opening hours before your trip because regulations and availability can change.
Morning start: meet at the agreed parking or K+R point, quick briefing and walk to the Old Town. A relaxed 60–90 minute stroll around the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the Wawel area will give your group a strong first impression of Krakow.
Afternoon: head to Bagry by car or public transport for 3–4 hours of beach time and watersports — rent kayaks/SUPs/pedal boats, play volleyball on the beach courts and relax at a seasonal food stall. Finish with a return to the centre and dinner at a reputable restaurant — for a traditional and representative dining experience consider Main Market Square venues such as Wierzynek or Szara, which accept group bookings and can deliver a memorable culinary experience.
If you prefer a more active itinerary, replace the Market Square walk with a visit to Kazimierz and a short bike route or riverside walk along the Vistula before heading to Bagry.
Arriving without a parking plan in season — solution: reserve a spot in advance or agree on a fixed parking location (for example Reymonta) and a meeting time.
Not booking watersports equipment for a group — solution: contact the rental operator ahead of time and ask about reserving multiple kayaks, SUPs or pedal boats. This reduces waiting time and simplifies logistics.
Ignoring beach safety rules and protected zones — solution: remind the group to follow flags and buoys and to obey lifeguards. Wear life jackets during water activities and respect protected areas of the reservoir; some zones are off-limits to protect wildlife.
For groups seeking an elegant dinner, well-reviewed restaurants on the Main Market Square can handle group reservations and offer private rooms or set menus. Established venues near the Market Square, such as Wierzynek or Szara, accept group bookings and can adapt menus for larger parties.
If you want a more relaxed spot near Bagry after activities, look for seasonal food stalls on the beach and cafés around Płaszów. For bookings over 10–15 people contact the venue in advance — many restaurants offer group menus and streamlined serving options.
Bagry is a reservoir created on the site of a former gravel pit — today it is one of the few urban water bodies within Krakow where you can freely practice watersports and at the same time watch waterbirds on the surrounding meadows. For many visitors it’s a small oasis close to urban development.
Bagry hosts not only a recreational beach but also small marinas and local sailing clubs — in season you may find sailing events and open-air competitions that add extra colour to an ordinary day by the water.
When is the bathing season? Official municipal bathing-season dates vary each year; in 2025 some announcements listed the season from June 19 to September 7. Always check current information before you travel.
Is entry to Bagry beach paid? Entrance to the supervised bathing area is sometimes free, but services such as equipment rentals, courts and extra attractions usually carry fees. Check the operator’s price list before you go.
Can a coach park right by the Market Square? Due to the historic character of the centre and regulations, use designated coach parking or short drop-off zones; plan for longer parking at coach parking areas outside the immediate Old Town.
Plan the logistics: for groups of 7–30 people appoint one person responsible for parking reservations, contacting the equipment rental and booking restaurants — this simplifies the day considerably.
If the weather is good arrive in the morning — you’ll avoid the biggest crowds, find better spots on the beach and distribute equipment more calmly. Bring sunscreen, water and a small first-aid kit.
Respect nature: Bagry is an important habitat for birds and plants. Do not cross buoys that mark protected zones and always clean up after yourselves — a small effort that helps keep the place enjoyable for future visitors.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you are planning a visit with a group and would like the day in Krakow to be well-organized and stress-free, consider using the services of private tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and her offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she can help plan the route, make reservations and advise on the best logistical solutions for your group.
Enjoy your stay in Krakow and have great days by the water!
