It takes only a few dozen minutes from central Krakow to go from the city bustle to the forest clearings of Wolski Forest, and then in less than an hour you can still fit in a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It’s a great weekend idea — fresh air, short trails and underground chambers all in one outing.
If you like simple planning logic: in the morning take a tram from the city to a transfer point, then a bus straight to the Zoo and into Wolski Forest; after your walk return to the centre and catch a train to Wieliczka. Sound like a plan? Below I’ll walk you step by step through how to organize it, what to avoid and what’s worth seeing.
Start your day in Krakow — hop on a tram or another city connection that will take you to the area of the Cracovia stadium / Błonia (easy to reach from the centre). From there take bus 134, which will bring you to the gate of the Zoological Garden, right by the entrance to Wolski Forest.
Spend the morning and late morning walking: choose one of the shorter routes (for example toward Piłsudski Mound or to the Camaldolese Monastery). Take a break for coffee or a picnic on one of the clearings. Trails include both paved alleys and forest paths, so wear comfortable shoes.
In the afternoon return to Krakow’s centre, go to the Main Railway Station and catch a train to Wieliczka (Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station). The ride takes about 20–25 minutes — a quick option that avoids city traffic. In Wieliczka plan your visit to the salt mine (buy tickets in advance) and either return to Krakow in the evening or stay overnight nearby if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
A tram will get you conveniently to the central stops near the Błonia and the Cracovia stadium; from there transferring to bus 134 is the most convenient option. Bus 134 finishes at the Zoo gate and often runs more frequently on weekends and in good weather, so it’s worth checking the timetable before you leave.
Car access into Wolski Forest can be limited — on weekends there are often driving bans and parking lots directly by the Zoo may be closed. That’s why I recommend public transport: you’ll save time and avoid parking hassles.
The best way to reach Wieliczka is by train from Kraków Main Station — Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station is very close to the salt mine entrance. The train is the fastest option (around 20–25 minutes). There are also suburban buses, but they can get stuck in traffic during rush hour. You can buy city and train tickets in apps, ticket machines or on the train from a conductor; for the Salt Mine I strongly recommend buying tickets online for a specific time slot.
Wolski Forest is not just the zoological garden. The most popular points are recreational clearings, Piłsudski Mound and the Camaldolese Monastery on Bielany. Around them stretch easy walking routes (many are suitable for families with strollers), but there are also more demanding paths for those wanting longer hikes.
Maps of the trails are posted at the entrances — it’s worth looking them over and choosing a route that suits the weather and your fitness. For families with children a good option is the loop around the Zoo and down to the picnic clearings. Photography lovers should aim for early morning or late afternoon when the forest light is especially beautiful.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the region’s most popular attractions, so it’s worth planning your visit in advance. The main tourist route includes underground chambers, chapels and corridors — touring involves stairs and walking on sloping passages, so wear comfortable shoes.
Entrance to the mine is through a specific shaft; from Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station it’s just a short walk to the entrance. It’s best to buy a timed ticket online to avoid queues and the disappointment of sold-out time slots.
If you want to learn more about the history and extraction techniques, consider choosing a guided route or an extended tour — guides tell many interesting stories you won’t find in leaflets.
In Krakow and Wieliczka you’ll find a wide choice of well-rated places. In Krakow’s centre check out restaurants and cafés known for traditional cuisine as well as spots with a modern take on regional flavours; reserving a table at popular places for the weekend is a good idea.
Near the Salt Mine in Wieliczka there are restaurants and hotel options worth considering if you plan to stay overnight close to the attraction. If you want a traditional meal after visiting the mine, pick a place with good reviews offering local dishes and quick service — after a long day on the trail and underground, you’ll appreciate a solid meal without a long wait.
Thinking a tram will take you directly to Wieliczka — that’s a mistake. Trams run within Krakow; to reach Wieliczka it’s best to use the train or a suburban bus.
Attempting to drive without checking parking rules near the Zoo — on weekends parking right at the entrance can be closed. It’s better to park further away and walk or use public transport.
Not buying Salt Mine tickets in advance is another common issue — during the season tickets sell out quickly. Plan your tour time and buy tickets online.
Check the weather forecast before you go — Wolski Forest is beautiful in any conditions, but wet paths call for sturdy shoes.
Bring a small supply of drinks and snacks, especially if you plan a longer walk. There are clearings and spots by the entrances where you can sit and have a picnic.
Plan a coffee break in Krakow before you head to Wieliczka or after you return — it’s a good way to slow the pace of the day and recharge.
Can you visit Wolski Forest and Wieliczka on the same day? Yes — with good organization and an early start you can spend the morning and late morning in Wolski Forest and the afternoon in Wieliczka. Remember to reserve Salt Mine tickets.
How long is the train from Krakow to Wieliczka? The train ride takes about 20–25 minutes, and Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia station is close to the mine entrance.
Is it worth bringing a bike to Wolski Forest? Some routes are suitable for cyclists, but choose paved alleys and pay attention to signs. Buses sometimes allow bike transport, but check the carrier’s rules in advance.
Many people don’t know that on weekends car access to the Zoo is often restricted, making city buses in practice a faster option than sitting in traffic and looking for parking.
Despite its proximity to the city centre, Wolski Forest can feel like true wild space — if you catch a morning walk outside the high season, you may feel like you’re in a completely different region.
If you liked this weekend idea, share the article with friends or post it on social media — it’s an easy way to invite someone on a joint trip.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the local routes and curiosities, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. It’s a great way to make the most of your time and see places you might not find on a map.
