Wolski Forest is a vast urban woodland spreading across Krakow's western hills - the perfect escape from the crowds of the Old Town without leaving the city. In one day you can visit the zoological garden, climb Piłsudski’s Mound, walk through the Panieńskie Skały ravine and relax on a glade with views over Krakow. This itinerary will help you match the route to your fitness and mood - from a family stroll with a pram to a multi-kilometer hike for nature lovers.
We start with a short description of the attractions and three ready-made route options: a short and easy route (for families), a classic route (two mounds) and a more demanding variant (ravines and surrounding hills). If you like, I can prepare a GPX map for your phone.
Wolski Forest covers a large area and is part of a bigger landscape complex - one of Krakow’s largest green 'lungs'. The forest undergrowth hosts protected plant species, and the tree canopy is dominated by oaks, beeches and birches.
Important points lie within the forest: the Krakow Zoological Garden, the Baroque hermitage of the Camaldolese monks with its church, the Panieńskie Skały reserve with its rocky formations, and Piłsudski’s Mound - built in 1934–1937 and standing on one of the highest local elevations. Because of this mix, Wolski Forest combines recreational, natural and historical value.
While walking, keep your eyes open - you can encounter wildlife typical of suburban woodlands (squirrels, foxes, roe deer), a variety of birds and some rare plants.
Krakow Zoological Garden - a great place for families. The pavilions set among the trees and the playground are a natural extension of a forest walk.
Piłsudski’s Mound - the highest vantage point in the area offering wide panoramas of Krakow. It’s not only a viewing spot but also a place with an interesting 20th-century construction history.
The Camaldolese hermitage and monastery on Srebrna Góra - a Baroque sacral complex visible from some forest clearings; interior visits are subject to opening hours and monastic rules.
Panieńskie Skały - a reserve with a picturesque ravine and rock formations; parts of the trails pass through narrow, wooded passages that are especially charming outside the high season.
The Sikornik glade and other clearings - ideal spots for a picnic, a rest break and birdwatching.
Start: the entrance near the ZOO or the Baba Jaga stop. Walk around the ZOO and continue along the paved Aleja Wędrowników to Piłsudski’s Mound - a pram-friendly route of about 2–2.5 km, 40–60 minutes depending on pace and stops.
What to bring: snacks, water, a small blanket. There are food points and a playground near the ZOO, which makes organizing a day with children easier.
Why it’s worth it: a convenient route, plenty of shade, benches and shelters - a great option when time is limited.
Start: Salwator or a more extended entrance from the Kryspinów direction. The route follows the green 'two mounds' trail: Kościuszko Mound - Panieńskie Skały - Piłsudski’s Mound. Depending on the variant, expect roughly 6 km one way, so plan 3–4 hours including breaks.
Difficulty: moderate, with some uphill sections and stony paths; comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended.
What you’ll see besides the mounds: charming ravines, sections of the nature reserve and forest clearings perfect for a break and photos.
Wolski Forest also has trails suitable for mountain bikers - they can be demanding with steep climbs and descents, so tailor the route to the riders’ experience.
Plan: combine singletrack forest trails with a descent towards the Vistula or an excursion to Kryspinów - a good way to extend the day beyond the usual tourist paths.
Safety: always check signs and local rules, as not all forest roads are open to bikes in every season.
Getting there by public transport: several bus lines serve the forest entrances. Popular lines stop near the ZOO and the point known as Baba Jaga; from Chełm you can find connections that lead toward the red trail. Always check the current timetables before you go.
Parking: on weekdays you can often drive closer to the ZOO and park by the main entrances. On weekends vehicle access to parts of the forest may be restricted - it’s better to leave your car in the lower parking area and walk a short distance or use a bus.
Accessibility: some paths (especially near the ZOO and Aleje Wędrowników) are paved and pram-friendly, while other routes run over stony sections and through ravines - those are not suitable for prams.
Near the ZOO and around the Symbioza Environmental Education Centre you’ll find simple food stalls and cafes - a convenient choice for families who want to eat on site without returning to Krakow’s center. Mech Cafe is a recommended spot for a short break during forest walks.
Clearings are perfect for a picnic - take your rubbish with you and leave the places clean. If you prefer to sit down at a restaurant after your walk, you can return toward Krakow center by bus in a few minutes where you’ll find a wide selection of well-reviewed places.
If you plan a longer stay, remember to bring enough water and provisions - not all parts of the forest have food points.
Wrong footwear - many trails have uneven surfaces; choose shoes with good traction rather than sandals or light sneakers.
No plan and underestimating time - Wolski Forest is larger than it looks and it’s easy to lose track of time on attractive sections. Have an offline map or mark key points of interest.
Parking on weekends without planning - vehicle access to the forest can be limited; it’s better to park lower and walk a short distance than to waste time looking for a spot.
Is Wolski Forest open all year? Yes - the forest is accessible year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally (mud, slipperiness, ice).
Can I bring my dog? Yes, but keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.
Do I have to pay to enter the forest? There is no fee to enter the forest; charges apply only for entry to the zoological garden or for specific events held in certain places.
If you’d like a route tailored to your needs - family, photo-focused or active - I’m happy to help plan the details. On guide Margaret Kasprowicz’s page you can find contact information and the option to arrange a private tour with a local guide.
If you found this article helpful - share it with friends or on social media. A good walk in Wolski Forest is a great way to fall in love with Krakow’s green side - and a private tour with a guide can reveal places you won’t find in standard guidebooks.
