Zakrzówek is one of Krakow’s most surprising spots: a former sand quarry transformed into a turquoise reservoir surrounded by limestone cliffs, viewpoints and a green park right next to the city. Locals sometimes compare it to a “small Croatia” - although the scale is different, the landscape is impressive.
Today part of Zakrzówek operates as an organized bathing area with floating piers and pool-like basins, open seasonally. Outside the bathing zone the site offers many walking routes, running trails, climbing rocks and picnic spots - a great alternative to the crowded Main Square if you want a quiet moment by the water and views of the city.
Keep in mind that swimming in the water is allowed only in designated zones and during the bathing-season hours; outside those times Zakrzówek is a recreational area with restrictions (for example: no swimming outside the basins, visitor limits, and safety rules). Before your visit check current opening hours and the bathing-area rules, as season dates can change.
Walk around the reservoir - a short but scenic circuit of piers and paths lets you see the limestone cliffs, diving points and several charming bench viewpoints with panoramas of Krakow.
Twardowski Rocks and nearby paths - small rock formations full of legends and pretty photo spots. For active visitors there are also short off-road sections suitable for running or Nordic walking.
Fortifications and historical trails - nearby you can find routes leading to Fort 49a and further toward Borek; this is a good option for those who want to combine nature with an easy historical walk.
Zakrzówek lies southwest of the Old Town, near streets such as Kapelanka, Norymberska and Tyniecka. You can reach it by public transport - trams and buses run in the area, and the closest stops serve lines toward Kapelanka/Norymberska. From the centre the tram or bus ride usually takes from several to a few dozen minutes, depending on your starting point.
The bathing area is seasonal and supervised by lifeguards. During the season there are designated basins of different depths, floating piers and limits on the number of people on the bathing site - in recent seasons a maximum total number of visitors on the facility has been introduced (for example, 600 people) as well as rules for using the platforms. Outside the season the area remains attractive for walks.
The bathing area has a set of rules: no swimming outside the marked zones, no alcohol, no barbecuing, no jumping from the piers, and other safety regulations. Important for families: children should be under adult supervision, and there are designated facilities for people with disabilities. When planning your visit take into account the limited number of parking spaces nearby.
The district you choose depends on what you want to do - sightseeing in the Old Town, nightlife in Kazimierz, or quieter nights closer to nature. Here’s a quick summary:
Old Town (near the Planty) - ideal for people who want to be in the heart of events: a short walk to the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church and Wawel Castle. Drawbacks: higher prices and weekend noise.
Kazimierz and Stradom - the essence of Krakow’s atmosphere: cafés, bars and historic streets. Good for those who want evening life and proximity to Wawel. If you value quiet, look for rooms facing an inner courtyard.
Podgórze (near Zakrzówek) - a calmer base, closer to green areas and the footbridge to Kazimierz; a good choice if you want morning walks by the water and easy access to the centre.
Grzegórzki and Rondo Mogilskie - excellent transport logistics, many hotels and quick tram connections to different parts of the city.
Krowodrza and the Avenues - slightly cheaper options, good connections and convenient if you plan trips outside the centre (museums, universities).
Nowa Huta - an economical option for large groups or a specialised programme (PRL-era architecture, social modernism), but farther from the centre.
Luxury and comfort: Hotel Stary, Hotel Copernicus or Sheraton Grand - if you look for elegance and a central location with extra services (restaurant, spa, concierge).
Boutique and style: H15 Boutique Hotel, PURO Kraków - for those who prefer design, good location and contemporary interiors.
Mid-range comfort: 3-4 star hotels near the Planty or in Grzegórzki offer quick access to attractions and better prices than the absolute centre.
Hostels and apartments: if price and flexibility matter, consider well-reviewed hostels or short-term apartments. Apartments with kitchenettes are great for families and groups.
If you want accommodation near Zakrzówek: Podgórze offers intimate guesthouses and apartments - a good choice when you want to spend mornings by the water and evenings in the centre.
Around Zakrzówek you’ll find cosy cafés and a few restaurants; for a fuller culinary choice a short trip to Kazimierz or the Old Town opens up many options.
In the centre and Kazimierz consider highly rated places serving regional and modern cuisine: restaurants offering traditional Polish dishes (for example classic pierogi and meat dishes made with local ingredients), as well as international cuisine and good coffee. For a relaxed dessert look for cafés with books or small bakeries.
For families and groups I recommend restaurants with broad menus and quick service; on weekends it’s a good idea to reserve a table during the tourist season. If you’re looking for local products, seek places praised for fresh ingredients and positive guest reviews.
Booking accommodation “outside the city” without checking connections - you may save money but lose time on transfers. Always check public transport travel time to the key points.
Not reading the bathing-area rules - bans on swimming outside the zones, visitor limits and lifeguarding hours apply; ignoring them may result in being removed from the facility.
Not booking ahead at popular restaurants and hotels in season - if you want a particular place, reserve in advance.
Assuming parking in the centre or near Zakrzówek is easy - plan ahead or use public transport.
Plan for morning hours - early mornings at Zakrzówek are quieter, have beautiful light for photos and shorter queues for the piers.
If you count on swimming, check the bathing-season days and lifeguard presence - swimming outside official hours is forbidden.
During the season keep in mind the visitor limit at the bathing area; on nice days it can be crowded - arrive early or consider visiting outside weekends.
For people with limited mobility: the bathing area is equipped with accessibility features (ramp platforms, disabled parking), but it’s always worth confirming details with the site manager in advance.
Can you swim in Zakrzówek? - Yes, but only in designated basins and during hours when the bathing area is officially open and supervised by lifeguards. Outside the season and outside the marked zones swimming is prohibited.
Is entrance to Zakrzówek paid? - The bathing area in season is sometimes free for people using the basins, although visitor limits and usage rules may apply. Check current information before your visit.
Are dogs allowed? - Pets are usually not allowed on the bathing site and piers (except guide dogs).
How to get there from the Main Market Square? - From the Market Square you can reach Zakrzówek by public transport (tram/bus) or by taxi; travel time depends on traffic and usually takes several to a few dozen minutes.
Zakrzówek has a history as a quarry, so the bottom and surroundings have characteristic rock formations - another reason why swimming in unmarked places is dangerous.
Near Zakrzówek there are paths linking the area with other green parts of Krakow - you can plan a longer walk or a short bike trip connecting several viewpoints.
In the evening and outside the season the place takes on a different character - silence and city panoramas are most picturesque then, but remember access to the piers may be limited and lifeguards work seasonally.
Combining a morning at Zakrzówek with an afternoon in Kazimierz or at the Market Square gives a great contrast: nature close to the centre, and rich culinary and cultural offers in the heart of Krakow. Choose accommodation so mornings are short and stress-free, and evenings allow you to relax.
If you’d like personalized sightseeing and logistical support (route plan, bookings, local tips), consider the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details and the offer are available on the guide’s website.
If this guide was helpful - share it with friends or on social media so other visitors can discover Zakrzówek and better plan where to sleep in Krakow. Have a great trip and enjoy your visit!
