The Zakrzówek reservoir is one of the most recognizable gems of south Krakow: a flooded limestone quarry with turquoise water and dramatic cliffs that really impress up close. It’s a perfect spot if you have a few hours and want to feel like you’re exploring city and nature at the same time — without leaving Krakow. For active visitors it’s also a great place for a short run or a scenic walk.
Zakrzówek is more than just the water and viewpoints — the park includes designated bathing zones, floating platforms and comfortable walking paths. The area connects to Skałki Twardowskiego and a network of forest trails, which makes it easy to build a loop lasting from under an hour to several hours. If you like photography, plan time for sunset — the light on the cliffs and the water can be spectacular.
The turquoise bowl of the reservoir and limestone cliffs — an iconic view that draws photos and quiet time by the water.
Viewpoints and terraces — from several spots along the paths you get nice panoramas toward Wawel, the Vistula and the city forests. Good places for a break and photos.
Skałki Twardowskiego — the nearby wooded area with rock formations; popular with walkers and climbers and full of local legends.
Marked swimming basins and floating platforms — in summer there are organized bathing areas with lifeguards; these are regulated zones rather than wild, unsupervised swimming spots.
Below is an idea for a half-day loop that links Zakrzówek with nearby green spaces — you can easily adapt the pace (the route is flexible):
Start: Zakrzówek — 30–45 minutes to walk around the reservoir, visit viewpoints and relax briefly by the water.
Skałki Twardowskiego — 30–45 minutes for a short loop on the forest paths, to see the rock formations and climbing spots.
Vistula boulevards or Park Jordana — 45–60 minutes walking toward the river boulevards or Park Jordana, depending on which side of the Vistula you prefer to return by.
Coffee and a meal — finish the loop at a nearby café or continue to Kazimierz for lunch/dinner. At a relaxed pace the whole outing takes about 2.5–3 hours; runners can cover the same loop faster by shortening stops.
Around the reservoir there are gravel and forest tracks forming a loop roughly 3–4 km in length — a convenient option for a short run, a warm-up before more sightseeing, or an afternoon training session. Distance and difficulty vary slightly depending on which variant of the loop you choose.
The route profile is moderate: short but occasionally steep climbs appear, but overall it’s friendly for beginner runners and recreational joggers. Wear shoes with good grip — old limestone and gravel sections can be slippery.
If you plan a longer run (for example 10–15 km), combine the Zakrzówek loop with the Vistula boulevards and parts of the Planty ring — it makes a pleasant, scenic extension.
Public transport is convenient — trams and buses serve the Zakrzówek area and the walk from stops is usually short. Check your local transit app or map for the best connections from where you are.
Drivers should expect limited parking close to the reservoir. On weekends and sunny days spaces fill quickly, so arrive early or consider parking a bit further away and walking or taking public transport in.
Be aware of temporary traffic arrangements and entrance limits — in summer the city sometimes restricts access to popular bathing sections and on very busy days there may be queues to reach the southern platforms.
Swimming at Zakrzówek is allowed only in designated basins and during hours when lifeguards are on duty. Outside those zones entry to the water is prohibited. Check current opening times and any notices before you enter the bathing area.
The reservoir is deep in places — in some spots it reaches many meters — so act with caution and always follow lifeguards’ instructions and posted signs. Do not jump from cliffs or use the water outside the marked, supervised sections.
Keep the park clean: don’t smoke, do not light open fires and take your rubbish with you. Park regulations outline acceptable behaviour and the correct use of infrastructure.
Comfortable walking shoes and sturdy-soled trainers if you plan forest paths or scrambling on rocks.
Water and a light snack — food options on the route can be limited, especially outside the high season.
A blanket and towel — useful if you want to use the bathing zones or simply rest by the water.
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses — cliffs and water reflect sunlight strongly.
A change of clothes — if you plan to swim or use the platforms it’s nice to have a dry set of clothes for afterward.
Near Zakrzówek you’ll find casual cafés and small eateries for coffee or a light bite — check opening hours and reviews before you go. In the southern part of the city there are popular cafés and restaurants along Norymberska and Grota-Roweckiego streets.
For a special dinner, move on to Kazimierz — well-rated options include Zazie Bistro (French bistro-style dishes in a cosy setting) and Hamsa (Middle Eastern/Israeli mezze and vegetarian choices). On weekends it’s wise to reserve a table.
If you have specific dietary preferences, the Ruczaj and Dębniki areas also offer several plant-based restaurants and well-reviewed cafés — convenient for a quick snack after a walk.
Arriving at peak sun without a backup plan — on very hot days popular spots get crowded and finding a place to sit can be hard. Solution: come earlier or choose morning/early-afternoon hours.
Trying to swim outside the marked areas — that’s not only against the rules but dangerous because of the depth. Solution: use only the designated basins and platforms guarded by lifeguards.
Underestimating the climbs and wearing the wrong shoes — limestone and gravel paths can be slippery. Solution: wear sturdy shoes with tread and take care on slopes.
Can you dive at Zakrzówek? - The quarry has attracted divers, but recreational diving usually takes place under organized conditions and with specific rules. If you plan to dive, check whether accredited entry and operator permissions are available.
Is entry to the park paid? - Walking in the park is generally free, but access to the bathing area and some facilities may be seasonally regulated. During summer the bathing area has set opening hours and rules for use.
Can I bring a dog to Zakrzówek? - Rules on animals are governed by the park’s regulations; there are often restrictions around the bathing zones. Check current information before visiting with a pet.
Zakrzówek was a limestone quarry for many years; the water basins formed when the excavations flooded, and today it is one of the most distinctive urban bodies of water in Krakow.
From certain rocks and paths you can catch views that include Wawel and parts of the city skyline on clear days — one of the few spots where nature and the city sit so close together.
In peak season the city introduces organisational measures (for example entry limits) to protect visitors’ safety and comfort — keep an eye on municipal announcements before your visit.
If you enjoyed this idea for a 3-hour outing or a short running loop, share the article with friends or post it on social media — good plans are worth passing on.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows Krakow’s history and local stories, you can book a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and her offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A guided visit is a nice option if you want historical context and practical local tips. Enjoy your trip and have a great stay in Krakow!
