Zakrzówek Reservoir is one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in Kraków - a former limestone quarry transformed into a turquoise water basin surrounded by limestone cliffs and greenery. It’s a great place for a walk with children, nature observation and photos, but it’s also an area where you should be careful because of steep slopes and rocky descents.
For years Zakrzówek was a popular "wild" waterside spot for locals; in recent years the area has been revitalized and parts of the park made accessible, and a pavilion with a café was opened by the reservoir, which makes visiting with a child more comfortable and pleasant.
If you want to catch the local atmosphere, remember that Zakrzówek combines features of a natural landscape park with sections that were heavily altered by quarrying activity. It’s a place where history (for example, memories of quarry work) meets recreation. Plan your visit according to the family’s pace and energy level.
For many years swimming in the reservoir was prohibited because of the uneven bottom and protruding rocks. In recent seasons the city has worked on organizing parts of the area and creating an official bathing zone with infrastructure. Some zones are opened seasonally, so check current information before you go.
The reservoir is deep - in places it reaches several dozen meters - so extra caution is required with children and teenagers. If a bathing area is open, pay attention to marked zones, the presence and instructions of lifeguards, and limits on the number of people on piers or platforms.
If you plan to get down to the water with small children, use official descents and piers and have life jackets for the youngest if you use a boat or rent water equipment. Avoid unofficial cliffs and steep, rocky edges.
Cafe Zakrzówek - the café in the pavilion by the reservoir is a natural spot to rest after a walk. It’s a convenient place for coffee and cake with a beautiful view - especially useful when you’re with a stroller or a fussy toddler. Check opening days and hours before you travel, as times can change seasonally.
Mamy Cafe - a family-oriented café equipped with baby-changing facilities and high chairs, run by staff used to welcoming families. Many parents recommend it for a comfortable visit with young children.
Play café 'Kawa i Zabawa' - a concept that combines a play area with a café section - a great solution when you want kids to burn off energy while adults enjoy a calm coffee.
Other places across the city - Meho Cafe, Mavericks, Przekawka, Zmączeni and several other Kraków venues offer play corners, baby-changing facilities or simply a family-friendly atmosphere. Before visiting, check which amenities they offer: high chairs, changing tables, kids’ menus or stroller space.
Zakrzówek lies southwest of Kraków’s strict city center, near the Dębniki district and the Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park - close to streets such as Tyniecka, Kapelanka and Norymberska. Entrances to the park are available from several small streets and paths that lead down to the reservoir.
Public transport - the Zakrzówek area is reachable by tram and bus; lines run from the center and nearby stops include Kapelanka and Norymberska. If you travel with a stroller, trams can be the most convenient option.
Parking - the number of parking spaces immediately nearby is limited and during the season many spots can be taken. It’s safest to arrive early or park a little further away and walk in. Be mindful of no-parking zones and local regulations.
Steep cliffs and sections with difficult descents - hold children’s hands near edges and do not allow climbing on limestone escarpments without supervision or safety measures.
Prohibitions and signs - obey informational boards; where swimming is prohibited, do not enter the water. If an official bathing area is open and lifeguards are on duty, follow their instructions.
Equipment and preparation - bring a first-aid kit, drinking water, hats for children and spare clothes. In wooded areas watch for ticks and other insects - check children after the walk.
Morning - coffee and a pastry: start at a family-friendly café (for example Mamy Cafe or another with a play corner), where children can play briefly while you have breakfast.
Late morning - walk around Zakrzówek: choose an easy walking loop suited to the children’s ages - forest paths, viewpoints and safe descents to the shore. Take a short picnic or ice-cream break.
Afternoon - playground and recovery: after the walk visit a nearby café with a play corner or a public playground - a great time for kids to run freely while adults relax.
In the Zakrzówek area and across Kraków you’ll find places offering child-friendly menus or play corners. When choosing, look for: a changing table, high chairs, children’s meal options and staff who are flexible with noisier little guests.
If you plan a longer stay by the reservoir, check the opening hours of the café at the water beforehand - hours are often extended in season but can change off-season.
Examples of venues to consider during your stay in Kraków: Mamy Cafe, Meho Cafe, Mavericks, Przekawka, Zmączeni, play café 'Kawa i Zabawa' and Cafe Zakrzówek by the reservoir. These names are suggestions to help planning; check current opening hours and services.
Can you swim at Zakrzówek? - It depends on current regulations and the technical status of the bathing area. For many years swimming was banned in 'wild' zones; when the city opens designated bathing areas, use marked zones and follow lifeguards’ instructions.
Is Zakrzówek stroller-friendly? - Not all paths are equal; lower paths to the water can be steep. It’s best to keep strollers on paved sections and use adapted walking routes. Trams and some access roads are convenient for families with strollers.
Are there toilets and changing tables? - Some cafés and seasonal points have public toilets; if a changing table is important, plan a stop at a family-friendly café.
Can I bring a dog? - Many green areas in Kraków allow dogs, but keep them on a leash and clean up after them; during the bathing season additional restrictions may apply.
Are there lifeguards? - Lifeguards are present in officially designated bathing zones; in 'wild' spots there are no lifeguards, so extra caution is essential.
Check the weather and opening hours of attractions and cafés before you set out - seasonal changes are common.
Bring a blanket, snacks and water - a picnic in nature is always a good idea.
Follow the "leave no trace" rule and teach children respect for nature - Zakrzówek is an environmentally sensitive area that deserves careful attention.
Zakrzówek combines spectacular views, proximity to nature and the possibility of a short family outing. With a few family-friendly cafés in the area and improving park infrastructure, a visit can be comfortable even with a small child.
Planning and caution are the two keywords: choose a route suited to the children’s ages, check available services and enjoy yourselves while staying safe and protecting the natural environment.
Enjoy your stay in Kraków and have a great day at Zakrzówek - let it be a calm walk, a small adventure and a source of lasting family memories.
