Zakrzówek in Kraków

Zakrzówek in Kraków is a flooded former limestone quarry with turquoise water framed by white cliffs – one of the most unusual places to relax in any Polish city. It lies in the Dębniki district, a few kilometres from the Main Square, and since 2023 has been part of a park with a bathing area on floating platforms, paths and viewpoints. In summer it draws swimmers; out of season, walkers, runners and photographers.

History: from quarry to park

Limestone was quarried here for decades, and during the Second World War the future pope Karol Wojtyła worked in the quarry. The lake formed in 1992, when water filled the pit. It consists of two basins joined by a narrow channel and reaches a maximum depth of 32 metres. Sheer limestone walls and clear water – visibility can reach 15 m – made Zakrzówek one of Poland's most interesting dive sites. A dive base operated here from 1999, and at depths of 5 to 31 m a Fiat 125p car, a bus and boats were sunk, along with a granite plaque commemorating Wojtyła.

In 2019 the city took over the site and began building Zakrzówek Park, a project that divided residents, naturalists and scientists from the start. The bathing area opened in 2023, and the whole investment cost about PLN 60 million.

What to do

• Swim – in season there is a bathing area with five pools, 40 cm to 2 m deep, set on floating platforms in the smaller basin. Entry is free, but numbers are limited.
• Walk and run – paths lead around the lake and over the Twardowski Rocks, with views of the turquoise water.
• Paddle a kayak or dinghy – city councillors changed the park rules to allow such craft on the lake.

Safety

Outside the pools the water is very deep and the shores are rocky – swimming is allowed only in the designated area under lifeguard supervision. Do not jump from the cliffs or the platforms. Paths over the rocks can be steep and stony, so wear sturdy shoes.

Tripto tips

The park is free and open all year; the bathing area operates only in summer and is closed in October. In 2026 the season was interrupted when the pools closed because of a suspension in the water; after approval from the sanitary inspectorate the bathing area reopened on 27–28 June with a lower visitor limit. It is run by Kraków's Sports Infrastructure Board (ZIS), which publishes hours and rules for each season.

There are only 77 parking spaces at the park, so it is better to come by tram (lines 11, 17, 18, 22 and 52) or bus (including 101, 112, 162 and 194). Convenient stops are Park "Skały Twardowskiego", Kapelanka, Grota-Roweckiego and Norymberska. Allow 1.5–2 hours for a walk around the lake, ideally before sunset.