The Zakrzówek reservoir is a former limestone quarry that, after revitalization, became a park with striking landscape features: turquoise water, steep limestone cliffs and wooden piers. In summer an organized bathing area operates here with five basins; during the swimming season there are lifeguards and visitor limits. In winter Zakrzówek turns into a quiet, stark setting perfect for a walk — but remember that some rules and infrastructure apply year-round, so if you plan to spend New Year’s Eve here it’s wise to be well prepared.
Zakrzówek offers a chance for a moody, intimate start to the New Year: views of the turquoise water, dramatic cliffs that feel almost coastal, and space for a calm walk with friends or family. It’s a good choice if you prefer a quieter New Year’s Eve in nature rather than a big street party.
At the same time, bear in mind that some piers and parts of the site have time and rule restrictions — the floating piers are officially open only until 22:00. If you imagine welcoming the New Year right at the water’s edge at midnight, that will most likely not be possible. For midnight it’s better to plan a viewpoint in a safe, publicly accessible part of the park or choose one of the city’s lookout spots (the riverbanks along the Vistula, Wawel, or some of the mounds), where watching fireworks is usually safer and often more convenient.
13:00–15:00 – Arrival and getting your bearings. Find parking or leave the car closer to public transit. Walk a short viewing loop to pick the safest places to watch later in the evening.
15:00–16:30 – Walk the paths and visit viewpoints. This is a good time for photos by the cliffs and on the piers (keeping their opening hours in mind).
16:30–17:30 – Hot tea or hot chocolate in a thermos; if you prefer a warm meal in a restaurant before your walk, book a table in advance in nearby Podgórze or the Old Town.
17:30–20:00 – If it’s thawing, choose a short trail around the large reservoir; if it’s frosty, stick to higher routes where there’s less ice. Sunset is the best time for photography.
20:00–21:30 – Make sure you have a safe place to welcome midnight from. Floating piers are officially open until 22:00, so if you want close-water views before they close, plan that before 22:00. For midnight itself, plan to watch from another permitted location if the piers are closed.
For those who want to feel Zakrzówek’s atmosphere but also see midnight fireworks, a good option is to spend the afternoon and early evening here, then move to a city viewpoint — the Vistula riverbanks, Wawel terraces, or one of the mounds (for example Kościuszko Mound) or a central vantage point. Many city viewpoints are easy to reach by public transit or taxi — factor that into your plan and arrange return transport.
With this combination: reserve a dinner table in the city or in Podgórze (restaurant hours on New Year’s Eve can vary), check night-time public transport schedules for the holiday and book a taxi or ride-hailing in advance.
Never go onto the ice. Even if the surface looks stable, snow, currents and holes make it very dangerous.
Do not cross tapes, railings or marked no-access zones. The piers have restrictions and rules; entering restricted areas can lead to accidents or intervention by emergency services.
Floating piers have set opening hours — access is 07:00–22:00. After those hours entry to the piers is prohibited, so include this rule when planning a waterside New Year’s Eve.
Pay attention to lighting and footwear: after dark paths can be slippery and uneven. Good winter boots with grippy soles, a headlamp or flashlight and layered clothing are essential.
Avoid spots right at cliff edges and steep drops — wind, slippery surfaces or snow can reduce footing stability. Keep a safe distance from edges and keep children close.
If you plan to use fireworks, follow local regulations and safety measures: don’t light fireworks near trees, dry bushes or cliff edges. Always choose open space and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Because discussions about future restrictions on fireworks in Kraków are ongoing, check local city rules before you travel.
Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries and a powerbank for your phone.
Warm, waterproof layers: down jacket or softshell, hat, gloves (preferably touchscreen-friendly) and an extra pair of socks.
Shoes with good traction; consider shoe grips if there’s ice.
Thermos with a hot drink and insulated bottles — after dark there are few food outlets open without reservation.
First aid kit, chemical light stick or whistle in case your group gets separated.
Offline map or screenshots of walking routes — mobile reception can be spotty in some park pockets.
The closest parking runs along ul. Norymberska, but on New Year’s Eve spaces can be limited or blocked. Strongly consider public transit or a taxi.
Convenient stops for reaching Zakrzówek include Kapelanka and Norymberska — check public transport timetables before you go and any special holiday services; operators often run extra connections on New Year’s Eve. Also check return times so you don’t get left without a ride.
If you plan to return by car, make sure planned routes and detours won’t be closed for city New Year’s events. Booking a taxi or scheduling a ride-hailing pickup in advance is a sensible backup.
There’s limited restaurant choice right at Zakrzówek — book in advance in nearby districts: Podgórze, Kazimierz or the Old Town. Choose places with good reviews and confirmed quality, especially if you plan a New Year’s Eve dinner.
If you plan to stay overnight, consider hotels in the city center or Podgórze — it will make returning after midnight easier. Popular Kraków hotels fill up early for New Year’s Eve, so reserve well ahead.
If you prefer a warm meal on site, think about thermoses, hot soups or backpack catering — many places are closed or operate irregular hours on New Year’s Eve.
Midnight from the Zakrzówek piers is often impossible because of the rules (piers are officially open until 22:00), so choose a safe viewpoint set back from edges: the Vistula riverbanks, terraces around Wawel, pedestrian-accessible bridges, or higher ground nearby. These places are often prepared for larger crowds and have better access.
If you want to see official city-organized fireworks, check Kraków’s New Year program — organizers publish maps and suggested viewing zones, and city services arrange security and transport.
Assuming the piers will be open until midnight — check the rules; they can close at 22:00.
Going onto the frozen water for a selfie or dramatic photo — no photo is worth risking your health. Never go onto the ice.
Not telling anyone your return plan — it’s easier to get lost in a dark park; leave someone a contact and an estimated return time.
Lack of proper footwear or lighting — in winter conditions slips or sprains happen more easily than in summer. Bring good gear and a backup transport plan.
Can I get on the pier at midnight? — Official pier access ends in the evening (usually at 22:00); after that entry is prohibited. Arrange to watch midnight from another permitted location.
Can I set off fireworks at Zakrzówek? — Fireworks are subject to local rules and safety limits. Because regulations about fireworks in the city are evolving, check Kraków’s current decisions before New Year’s Eve and avoid lighting fireworks near cliffs and vegetation.
Can I bring my dog on New Year’s Eve? — Rules on animals have changed and vary by park zone; if you want to bring a pet, check the current park regulations. Even if pets are allowed, keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.
Are lifeguards on duty on New Year’s Eve? — Lifeguard duties apply during the swimming season; in winter the bathing area is not supervised. We don’t recommend entering the water outside the season and without lifeguards.
The Zakrzówek piers were designed as lightweight, open structures suitable for year-round use — nevertheless their availability is regulated by hours and organization.
The site used to be a limestone quarry — that’s why the cliffs and the water’s distinctive color invite comparisons to the Adriatic coast.
At night the area can be exceptionally quiet — bring a thermos and a blanket, but remember that silence can be interrupted: the sound of fireworks echoes strongly between the rock walls, which can be distressing for animals and people who are sensitive to loud noises.
Check the weather forecast and the wind-chill; if there’s strong wind or ice, consider changing plans.
Check the current park rules (pier opening hours, bans and any designated barbecue or swimming zones).
Reserve return transport or confirm where to catch a taxi / ride-hailing on New Year’s Eve.
Tell someone in your family or a friend about your plan and expected return time.
If you like the idea of a calm New Year’s Eve at Zakrzówek — share this plan with friends or send it to someone who needs inspiration for an unforgettable but safe evening. If you prefer an organized trip with a local guide, you can book a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she will help plan a route matched to your expectations, look after safety and suggest the best spots for photos and a New Year’s dinner. Looking forward to seeing you in Kraków — and happy New Year!
