Zakrzowek
Krakow, Poland
Beautiful Zakrzowek provides quite a contrast to medieval central Krakow. The blue reservoir southwest of the city was created in 1990 when a disused limestone quarry was flooded, which explains the steep-sided white limestone cliffs that surround the lake. Visitors can swim, dive, walk and cycle, or sit in contemplation with a fishing rod.
The basics
Zakrzowek is a popular local hangout, especially on nice summer days. Along with swimming in the five outdoor pools and the lake itself, Zakrzowek is a good place to dive—and there are limited opportunities in landlocked Krakow to do this. There’s a diving club here, and some travelers join guided diving tours as the water is very clear, plus you can check out the many vehicles, including an airplane, that have been sunk here.
Many travelers visit independently to chill out or hike, but some cycling tours in the countryside around Krakow also pass Zakrzowek.
Things to know before you go
- Entry is free.
- Swimming in the lake itself was forbidden for a long time, so you may still see advice that it’s not allowed, but it is now. Be aware that while the pools have lifeguards in season, the lake is not patrolled.
- Grilling isn’t allowed here. Bring a picnic that doesn’t need cooking instead, or grab a bite from the food trucks.
- Alcohol is prohibited, as it has been associated with many accidents and deaths here over the years.
How to get there
You can cycle to Zakrzowek from central Krakow—it’s about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. Another option is to take a tram to the Norymberska stop, a short walk from the swimming pools and southern entrance to Zakrzówek. Several tram lines run this way from around town.
When to get there
The outdoor pools are generally open from June to August, daily except Monday, from morning until early evening. You can visit the park to walk or cycle at any time of year, but Krakow experiences very cold winters. It’s a very popular place in the summer, especially on the weekends, so for fewer crowds, aim to go early on a weekday.
Continue to the Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park
Zakrzowek sits on the edge of the much larger Bielańsko-Tyniecki Landscape Park, a protected area with forests, caves, a couple of old monasteries, and many great hiking trails that crisscross the park’s gorges and canyons. A fun way to visit is to ride a bicycle alongside the Vistula River from central Krakow, which will lead you into the park.
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