Zakrzówek swimming and other tips for cooling down

With the heatwave in full swing over much of Europe, Krakow, like many other destinations has been sizzling in temperatures of over 30 degrees. For many, heat like this is hard to suffer in a city environment with no coastal beaches to retreat to. So where can you go to cool down? Zakrzówek swimming pools are the answer!

Zakrzówek is easy to walk to from the city centre (roughly about a 30 minute walk) but it can be accessed by tram to the nearest stop at Norymberska. The map below should help you if you want to walk.

Zakrzówek consists of a huge quarry area that Pope John Paul II laboured in during WW2. Apparently over enthusiastic quarrying meant the water table was punctured and the quarry flooded with fresh, pure spring water. Today, five floating swimming areas of various depths are open to the public along with life guards in the quarry. In addition, there are some changing rooms, toilets, a café and food trucks serving chips, beer and coffee. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday for maintenance/cleaning) and are free to access.

The lovely fresh water is wonderful in the sweltering summer heat. Be sure to bring your own towels/seating etc as there is only wooden decking for sitting or lying on.

n addition to swimming, there are walkways, viewpoints and cycle trails around the quarry. There is also a sports centre and diving school.

If you are visiting in the height of the summer school holiday session in Krakow, you might find that a large queue has developed for entering the pools. This is because numbers are limited for safety reasons and if the pool area is already up to its limit, you need to wait until people exit to be allowed in. Wrist bands are issued to assist with this.

How to avoid the queues? There are two possibilities, either arrive very early - the pools open in the summer holiday season at 9am and close at 7pm. Or, not bother with the pool area at all and head to the "beach" area instead.

This area is very close to the pools entrance - just follow the signs for the sports centre and follow a tarmac road down to the lake. Even during busy times you can find a spot to spread your towel here. There is also an area that gradually slopes into the water to make it a bit friendlier for nervous swimmers. The big drawback is that there are no lifeguards here so you swim at your own risk.

Beach area at the sports centre

The "beach" area

Bagry Lake

Fancy cooling down on a more conventional beach setting? The Bagry lake may be what you are looking for. Situated in the Płaszów district, it is a fresh water lake with two large beach areas. During the summer holidays life guards are on duty and the water quality is frequently tested. In addition there is a seasonal food truck park, toilets, changing areas, outdoor showers and a small beach bar. If you don't fancy swimming, there are two marinas, two sailing schools, wakeboarding, pedalos, paddle boards and kayaks for hire at very reasonable prices.

The landscaped area surrounding the main beach area also has hammocks, sun loungers, barbeque areas and volleyball courts.