Country trek in Kraków? Walking trail right from the city centre
Visitors to Kraków will know that exploring the city involves clocking up quite a high step count! For those who have had enough of plodding city streets, there are alternative ways to trigger your Fitbit, especially if you want some fresh air and nice views. If you are one such person, the following description takes you from the centre of Kraków to beautiful wooded hills with areas affording nice views.
Trail route
Use the map above to zoom in for more details of the trail.
The trek starts right in the main square in the Old Town. Initially head southwards along Grodzka Street then head westwards along Franciszkańska Street until you reach the greenery of the Planty Park. Once again track southwards towards the Wawel Castle. On reaching Powiśle, make you way down to the path along the river bank and trek once again in a westerly direction.
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| River bank views |
Enjoy the peace of wandering along the Wisła river bank Bulwar path watching boats, rowers and canoeists as you go. Keep to this path until you can see the Niebieski Art Hotel. This marks the point to leave the river and walk up onto Tadeusza Kościuszki Street. Continue in a westerly direction passing the Norbertine Monastery as you go. When you reach a pedestrian crossing, traverse the road and aim for the gentle incline of Św. Bronisławy Street, which is marked with green trail indicators. You are now in the lovely leafy suburb of Salwator.
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| Św. Bronisławy, Salwator |
Two sites of note greet you immediately. On the left is the lovely small wooden Chapel of Saint Margaret. On the right is the Church of the Holy Saviour.
Continue to trek up the gradual incline of Św. Bronisławy Street which then merges onto Aleja Jerzego Waszyngtona. Passing cemeteries and allotments, there are some tantalising views of the wooded hills to the south. Eventually, you will reach the dramatic Kościuszko Mound with its surrounding fortifications. This complex is worth spending a bit of time visiting with its multimedia museum and steep hill giving panoramic views.
From the mound, continue following the markers for the Green Trail.
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Hang left at this junction close to the Kościuszko Mound You are now into much more rural surroundings with bird song and evidence of where wild boar have been rooting around in the soil. Its worth paying heed to the notices advising you what to do if you happen to encounter one of these local inhabitants.  Be aware! The green route continues to follow a tarmac path all the time gradually winding its way uphill. Ignore the green markers when they divert to the right and stay on the tarmac path. The trail now follows black markers. Eventually you reach the top of Sikornik Hill where you will find a cleared area with seating and tables and a panoramic view of the foothills to the south of Kraków. If it is really clear, you can often see the dramatic peaks of the alpine Tatra Mountains in the far distance.  Picnic area on Sikornik Hill Panoramic views from Sikornik Hill  Sikornik Hill views in autumn Having enjoyed the views from Sikornik Hill, continue walking in a westerly direction following the black trail markers. You will now start to wind your way downhill always keeping to the left. The path will eventually become paved with a pebble pattern and the walnut trees surrounding it on the lower slopes provide a nice harvest to pocket in the autumn.  Black trail and walnut trees Eventually the trail reaches a main road. Care needs to be taken here as the crossing point is right on a bend with fast traffic. Having safely crossed the road you will see a small parking area with gate and map of the trails of Las Wolski.   Care needs to be taken now as the trails are also used by mountain bikers. Passing through the gate, the path is now a dirt trail which can be muddy and slippery after rain, or icy in the winter. Keep to the left and push on uphill.  Keep to the left  Keep to the left  Pushing on uphill Presently you will reach the top of the black trail and it merges with a blue trail. At this point, turn left and follow this path towards the Zoo. The images below help you to keep on the correct path.  Turn left but not the trail leading downwards  Follow the blue markers  Hang right at this point  Follow the arrow on the tree  At this point, ignore the blue marker and carry on straight ahead   At this point, take the left branch and already you may hear the noises from the Zoo Eventually you will reach the Zoo where you can enjoy some refreshments from the wooden café and surrounding picnic area. You can also hop on the 134 bus, which runs very frequently, back into town.  Refreshments await! Purchase a 20 minute ticket and get off the bus at Cracovia Stadium Want to walk further?If you want to trek on a bit further after your refreshments at the zoo, it is possible to visit a historic mound with stunning panoramic views, a hermit monastery and taste some wines at a neighbouring vineyard in this area.  Like this post? Don't forget to click the "Share" button. :) You may also like these pages - |
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