Zakrzówek is one of the most picturesque corners of Krakow — a flooded limestone quarry with turquoise water, vertical rock faces and several viewpoints that make excellent photo backdrops. The place combines natural beauty with urban infrastructure: there are walking paths, wooden piers and a bathing area, and a new café pavilion near the entrance where you can rest after a photo session. It’s a great spot for a shorter or longer walk with children and provides rich material for both amateur and more advanced photographers.
Start: Enter from the Norymberska/Kapelanka side — this is one of the most convenient access points by public transport or car. Walk first along the rim of the quarry to see the panorama and choose your first shots.
Main points: Do a loop along the cliffs (easy, partly hardened path), stopping at the main viewing platforms and the wooden piers above the water. On the way, take a break at the pavilion/café where children can rest and parents can grab a coffee.
Additional attractions: If the family has energy, follow the short connector to the route toward Fort 49a “Borek” and the Twardowski Rocks — these spots offer different perspectives and add variety to your photos. Alternatively, shorten the route to a brief walk on the northern side if you’re with a stroller and prefer a flatter section.
Golden hour: the best light is in the morning and just before sunset — then the water’s turquoise tones and the rock textures look most dramatic.
Composition: look for contrasts — vertical rock faces beside calm water, reflections on the surface, framing children between rocks. A wide-angle lens conveys scale well, while a short telephoto helps isolate details and cliff fragments.
Filters and technique: a polariser helps bring out the water colour and reduce reflections. For family shots use a shutter speed suited to kids’ movement (e.g. 1/250–1/500s) or switch to continuous shooting to catch natural smiles. In low light bring a fast lens or use stabilization.
Paths: the park offers a network of walking trails — some are hardened, others run over natural terrain. For strollers and very young children choose shorter sections with flat access.
Toilets and facilities: there are sanitary facilities and a food point near the bathing area and the entrances. During the season additional amenities operate on site: changing rooms, showers and information points.
Transport and parking: the easiest way to get there is by tram or bus (stops: Kapelanka, Norymberska and others nearby). There are parking spaces on Norymberska Street, but they fill up quickly in season.
Watch near the cliffs: edges can be steep and slippery — hold children’s hands and avoid approaching the edge unnecessarily. Do not enter areas clearly marked as dangerous.
Limits and wristbands: during the season the bathing area operates rules regarding capacity on piers; entry control systems (wristbands) and limits on simultaneous users are sometimes used. Before your visit check the current access rules and possible fees.
Monitoring and aerial activity: the area is under surveillance, and in recent years there have been patrols and drone flights to increase safety. If you plan to fly a drone for photography, contact the site manager in advance and check applicable regulations.
There is a café pavilion by the bathing-area entrance (often open in season) — a convenient place for a break with a view. In the surrounding Dębniki and Salwator neighbourhoods you’ll also find several well-reviewed cafés and restaurants ideal after a walk.
Tip: if you plan a longer family shoot, pack light snacks and water — seating can be busy on weekends and there are limits on pier occupancy. For families with children look for places offering quick meals and dessert options, ideally those with positive local reviews.
If you want specific recommendations for cafés or restaurants nearby, check local listings and up-to-date reviews before you go.
Is Zakrzówek accessible with a stroller? — Yes, but not all paths are fully adapted. When planning with a stroller choose shorter, hardened sections and be mindful of local steps and drops.
Do I have to pay to enter? — In recent seasons entrance to the bathing area has often been free, but systems with wristbands and discussions about paid entry have appeared. For that reason check current information from the site manager or municipal announcements before you go.
Can I fly a drone? — The area is monitored and air patrols have been implemented. Drone flights may be restricted for safety and privacy reasons — contact the site manager and familiarise yourself with aviation rules before planning a flight.
Arriving at peak times without a plan — Zakrzówek can be crowded on weekends and hot days; plan ahead or come early in the morning to avoid queues for the piers.
Lack of supervision near edges — this is the most common and most dangerous mistake. Keep children close and don’t allow play near unprotected edges.
Trying to fly a drone without permission — check regulations before takeoff and remember that the area is monitored.
Zakrzówek is a former limestone quarry that was flooded and transformed into an exceptional water body — the water can be very clear and shows an intense turquoise colour.
Protected nature elements occur on the site: specialised xerothermic grassland vegetation and various amphibians and reptiles inhabit the quarry surroundings. This is another reason to be careful and avoid disturbing plants and habitats.
In 2023 the modernised bathing area and recreational infrastructure were officially opened, giving the place new recreational and viewing possibilities.
If you liked this route, share the article with friends or on social media — it helps other families better plan their visit. If you’d like to get to know Zakrzówek more deeply and see the best shots stress-free, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offering details are available on the guide’s page.
Enjoy your outdoor session and great photos — remember safety, respect for nature and the comfort of your loved ones!
