Zakrzówek Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Kraków's Hidden Pools
“She smelled of sun and daisies with a hint of river water”
If you're visiting Kraków during the summer and looking for a way to cool off, Zakrzówek is well worth adding to your itinerary. With its crystal-clear water and dramatic limestone cliffs, it's hard to believe you're only a few minutes from the city center.
In this guide, I'll cover everything you need to know before visiting Zakrzówek, including how to get there, where to park, what to expect, and a few practical tips to help you make the most of your visit. And if you're planning to explore more of the city, don't miss my full Kraków Itinerary for even more tips and inspiration.
So, grab your towel (and maybe your snorkel), and let's make a splash!
Here we go! This is all you need to know before your first visit to the Zakrzówek pools in Kraków:
How Do I Get To Zakrzówek & Where Can I Park?
Getting to Zakrzówek is easy, whether you're using public transport or driving. If you're staying in central Kraków, you can take a bus or tram to the Zakrzówek stop. From there, it's just a short walk to the entrance, and the route is clearly signposted.
If you're driving, there is some free street parking nearby, but it fills up quickly on warm summer days. I ended up parking in a paid car park instead. At the roundabout just before the entrance, turn right and continue for about 300 metres. You'll find the car park on your right-hand side. When I visited, it cost around 5 zł per hour (roughly €1.25), and it was only a short walk from the pools.
What Are The opening Hours, How Much Is The Entrance Fee, & How Long Is The Wait?
The good news is that Zakrzówek is completely free to visit. The guarded swimming pools are usually open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If you'd rather skip the pools altogether, you can also swim in the lake itself, although that's at your own risk.
One thing to keep in mind is that Zakrzówek gets incredibly busy on warm summer days. I made the mistake of visiting on a public holiday when temperatures were soaring and ended up waiting in line for... 2.5 hours.
Now, before you question my life choices, I honestly had no idea the wait would be that long. And once you've already stood there for an hour, it somehow feels even harder to leave because you've already invested so much time. Looking back, I definitely should have picked a different day.
The reason for the queues is that only 1,000 people are allowed inside the pools at the same time. While that can mean a long wait to get in, it also means the swimming area never feels overcrowded. There was still plenty of space to swim, relax, and find a spot to sit without feeling packed in.
If you can, I'd recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Even better, avoid weekends and public holidays altogether if your schedule is flexible.
Are There Any Spots To Eat, or Can I Bring My Own Food?
You won't go hungry at Zakrzówek (maybe just a little broke). There are a few food stands near the entrance selling snacks like fries, ice cream, and soft drinks, and you'll also find the toilets here.
You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks, which is what I'd recommend if you're planning to spend a few hours by the water. Once you enter, you'll receive a wristband, so you can leave and come back without having to queue again.
One thing I thought was pretty funny is that you can even order food through delivery apps and have it brought to the entrance. Just keep in mind that alcohol isn't allowed inside, and the food stands are a little more expensive than you might expect in Poland — a portion of fries, for example, costs around 18 zł.
How’s The Water in Zakrzówek?
The pools at Zakrzówek are filled with natural lake water, so don't expect the warm water you'll find at spots at thermal baths in Zakopane like Chochołów Thermal Baths. Even on a hot summer day, the water is pretty chilly, but that's exactly what makes it so refreshing.
Although they're often referred to as "pools," they're really swimming areas built into the lake rather than traditional swimming pools. There are several sections with different depths, making it a great spot whether you're visiting with kids or simply want to cool off.
If you're hoping to find some shade, head to the pool at the far end, as it stays shaded for longer throughout the day. That said, there isn't a huge amount of natural shade around the swimming area, so bringing a beach umbrella is still a good idea if you're planning to stay for a few hours.
The Verdict: Is Zakrzówek Worth A Visit?
If you're visiting Kraków during the summer, I definitely think Zakrzówek is worth adding to your itinerary. It's a great place to cool off on a hot day, and it feels surprisingly peaceful considering it's only a short trip from the city centre.
A couple of tips before you go: bring more than just a towel if you're planning to stay for a while, as the wooden platforms aren't the most comfortable to sit on for hours. I'd also pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and, if you have one, a beach umbrella, as there isn't much natural shade.
If your schedule is flexible, try to visit on a weekday rather than a weekend or public holiday. It's a much more relaxing experience when it's a little quieter.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Swimming!
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