Zakrzowek – Krakow’s Amazing New Swimming Lake [2025]

Zakrzowek is an old quarry turned urban swimming spot on the south side of Krakow. There are few places I’d rather be on a hot summer’s day than here!

“If it wasn’t for Zakrzowek, I wouldn’t still be living in Krakow”. Big words but spoken to me nonetheless by a friend who’s been in this great city for like 10 years now. 

In a town of over 1.2 million people, with spring and summer temperatures that can easily surpass 35 degrees, do not underestimate how amazing it is to have wild swimming location like this.

For many years Zakrzowek was an out-of-bounds area centred around an old quarry that was supposedly flooded when the miners dug too deep. People used to sneak in over the wire fences to swim and jump off the cliffs (not a good idea) and would often get fined by the police for doing it. 

Luckily, the city saw sense sometime around the mid-2010s and funnelled some much-needed redevelopment cash into the area. Yes, it went over budget. Yes, there were haters. But it did get done and the result is, kinda, well…amazing.

I’d say a trip here on a hot summer’s day is one of my fav things to do in the city. You can come, stroll around the forests, do some birdwatching, have a swim, and kick back in one of the small cafes around the lake. 

This guide has all you need to know about visiting…

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This is just one part of our complete guide to things to do in and around Krakow

What’s in this guide to Zakrzowek?

What is Zakrzowek?

Zakrzowek is the best outdoor swimming spot in Krakow and one of the city’s newest parks. The area is centred around an old limestone quarry from the late 19th century that’s now been redeveloped to offer swimming decks over cool water and much much more…

Visitors can lounge on floating decks, stroll along the wooded paths surrounding the water, or enjoy breathtaking views from cliffside viewpoints. Zakrzowek’s unique setting and inviting facilities make it a fantastic spot for nature lovers, sun-seekers, and anyone wanting a refreshing escape from Krakow’s city center.

Where is Zakrzowek?

Zakrzowek is located in Krakow’s southern residential area, just a short trip from the popular neighbourhoods of Kazimierz and Podgorze. 

You’ll find it tucked away in a more laid-back part of the city, away from the crowds around the Main Square and Wawel Castle. 

From Kazimierz, it’s a reasonable 20–30-minute walk or a quick tram or Uber ride from the Old Town, making it easy to get there and back while you’re exploring other parts of the city.

How to get to Zakrzowek

Getting to Zakrzowek is simple and convenient, whether you’re taking public transport or an Uber. Here are some options:

• Tram – The trams that pass near Zakrzowek include lines 18 and 22. Both will get you close enough to walk to the lake’s entrance, with the “Kapelanka” stop being your best option. From there, it’s just a short stroll through residential streets to reach the lake.
• Bus – You can also take buses like the 194 or 203, which stop close to Zakrzowek. Get off at one of the stops near the main access points, and it’s a short walk to the lake.
• Uber – The way I would get to Zakrzowek is by Uber. It’s hassle-free, and you can get picked up right from your hotel/apartment. The best drop-off spot for Zakrzowek is Chillout Café on Twardowskiego Street This spot leaves you about a 10-minute walk through the woods to the lake’s main entrance, which is both scenic and super convenient.
• Run – Feeling energetic? There’s a great running route that takes you west down the Vistula River and then into the Skałki Twardowskiego w Krakowie, another lovely park that’s adjacent to Zakrzowek and then onto the swimming pools. From Kazimierz it takes about 25-30 minutes at a normal pace and clocks up 5km I think. Nice dip at the end to reward yourself.

The history of Zakrzowek

iStock.com/Krzysztof Nahlik

Zakrzowek was first developed in the late 19th century and early 20th century as an industrial quarry. Miners came to source limestone from the rich deposits here and even Krakow’s most iconic son, Pope John Paul II worked in the quarry during the Second World War under forced labour conditions imposed by the Nazis.

In the early 1990s, quarry operations stopped, and the site was eventually filled by natural groundwater, forming the lake that we see today. 

For years, Zakrzowek remained an unofficial and somewhat mysterious spot, hidden behind fences but attracting curious locals who ventured in to swim and explore, despite it being off-limits. 

By the mid-2010s, Krakow’s city officials recognized Zakrzowek’s potential as a public park and began extensive renovations to transform the area into a safe, accessible space for everyone to enjoy. 

Today, Zakrzowek is one of Krakow’s most inviting green spaces, complete with swimming areas, floating decks, and scenic paths, offering a completely unique nature experience just a short hop from the city centre.

The Zakrzowek Park

When I first moved to Krakow, swimming—even visiting—Zakrzowek was 100% illegal. The whole place was fenced off, and patrols of police would often drop by to fine anyone who’d jumped the fence (ahem… not that I ever did that, of course). 

Sometime around the mid-2010s, the city authorities must have noticed that Zakrzowek had potential and decided to redevelop the whole place and turn it into a city park. 

The result is nothing short of AWESOME. I’d say it’s now in my top three favourite parks in Krakow, which is saying something because the parks here are downright lovely.

Zakrzowek Park features scenic walking routes that weave through wooded areas and circle the quarry lake, with plenty of benches and viewpoints where you can pause and soak in the scenery. 

The park also has a range of lookout points over the quarry, providing panoramic views of the turquoise water below and the forested cliffs surrounding it – there are stacks of secret spots for sunset watching, kicking back with a picnic, or just strolling.

For those who like longer walks, Zakrzowek’s trails connect to the Vistula River paths, making it easy to enjoy an extended route that includes both river and quarry views. This park’s peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it a go-to for outdoor relaxation in Krakow.

Swimming in Zakrzowek

Swimming in Zakrzowek is undoubtedly the highlight of this newly developed park. 

The lake now has designated swimming zones complete with floating decks and sunbathing areas, offering a refreshing way to cool off during Krakow’s hot summers. 

The floating decks are anchored on the lake’s surface and provide spaces for swimming within a defined area. 

There are five areas in total: Three connected sections in the middle and two on either side. The middle sections have the shallowest pools and are generally better for families with kids. The outer sections have deeper pools that are better if you want to do lengths or come without the little ones in tow.

For a bit more thrill, you can take a dip directly in the main Zakrzowek quarry lake, with platforms featuring steps that lead into the deeper parts of the water. 

(I’ve done that and lots of people do, but just be warned that I have heard stories of police boats coming round and warning swimmers in that part of the quarry that they need proper warning buoys to swim there. The water in the middle is also way deeper and way colder, so only go there if you’re an experienced swimmer.)

Do I need tickets for Zakrzowek?

NO! You do not need tickets to visit Zakrzowek lake!

Despite the fact that there are what look like ticket barriers at the top of the steps heading down to the main pools and a kiosk station that looks like it’s all set up to sell tickets, we have it on good authority that there are currently NO PLANS to introduce entry fees for Zakrzowek’s swimming area. 

You also won’t need tickets for the larger park area around Zakrzowek Lake—this part of the park is a public space you can wander into freely. So, for now, you can enjoy this fantastic swimming lake completely free of charge, making it a great option for budget travelers.

Queues and entry limits for the Zakrzowek pools

iStock.com / jaceko06

To keep Zakrzowek safe and enjoyable, the park authorities limit the number of people allowed in the swimming area at any given time, with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people. 

I have mixed feelings about this policy. When I visited in June 2024, it was CRAMMED. You could barely move, and it sort of ruined the whole experience. But on the flip side, Krakow doesn’t have many places to swim, so this means you can often find queues that are 4 hours long just to get in and that’s understandable on hot summer days.

The best advice I can offer is to go on a weekday BEFORE school finishes or on a day that’s not quite so hot in the spring or autumn. I went in May, for example, and it was LOVELY—25 degrees, cool water, and hardly anyone there. It was the perfect day for a swim in Zakrzowek without the crowds.

How cold is the water in Zakrzowek?

iStock/Robert Wygoda

The water in Zakrzowek is famously chilly. Even in the height of summer, it stays quite cool due to the depth and natural springs that fill the lake. 

Average temperatures range from around 16–18°C (60–65°F) in early summer, warming up to about 20–22°C (68–72°F) in the hottest months.

For some, it’s refreshing and perfect in shorts and swimsuits, while for others, it might feel a little too cold. If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, expect a brisk dip—it’s all part of the experience.

Is Zakrzowek safe?

Zakrzowek is generally a safe place to visit since its redevelopment as a public park. New barriers and marked walkways have been installed to prevent visitors from getting too close to the cliffs, which can be quite steep in some areas. 

However, a few misadventurous people still try to scramble up the cliffs and jump off, which is dangerous and not recommended – plus, it might just land you a fine from the police who do still come by to look for people doing the jumps. 

We reckon stick to the designated swimming areas and floating decks for a safer experience.

Another thing to be aware of is the presence of adders (Poland’s only venomous snake) in the area. I went jogging here in 2024 and actually stepped right over what looked like a stick but turned out to be the dreaded zigzag of a snake! While they’re generally harmless if left alone, it’s a good idea to stay on the marked trails and keep an eye out.