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Piłsudski Mound |
Mounds are a big deal in Kraków! In fact, there are four waiting to be explored—the Krakus Mound, Wanda Mound, Kościuszko Mound, and Piłsudski Mound. The latter is the largest, standing at an impressive 35 metres high and 111 metres wide. Nestled in the scenic Wolski Forest (Las Wolski), it offers a rewarding escape into rural tranquillity, complete with stunning panoramic views. You can also pair your visit with a trip to
Kraków’s zoo, the serene Camaldolese Hermit Monastery, and the picturesque
Srebrna Góra Vineyard.
Getting to the Piłsudski Mound
Once at the Zoo, there is a red trail marked that will take you all the way to the Piłsudski Mound.
The Kopiec Piłsudskiego (Piłsudski Mound)
Józef Piłsudski was a Polish patriot, military leader, and statesman who played a direct role in the Polish independence movement and armed resistance against the Russians. A well-known figure by the outbreak of World War I, he formed the Polish Legions, which ultimately became Poland's State Military. The Legions won several battles, and after the Armistice, Piłsudski effectively became a founding father of the Second Polish Republic. He later became Chief of State and continued his struggle against the Russians, waging battles in an effort to re-establish what he considered to be Poland's rightful borders—ultimately forcing them to surrender in 1921. Despite serving as the military dictator of the Polish Legions until his death in 1935, he remains one of the most revered heroes in Polish history.
The mound itself was conceived in 1934 by the combatant organization of Polish Legionaries, who sought to commemorate Poland’s struggle for independence by creating a man-made mound. After Piłsudski’s death, it was decided to name it in his honor. Soil from all the World War I battlefields where Polish soldiers fought was placed in the mound.
During World War II and the communist regime, authorities attempted to downplay Piłsudski's role in establishing an independent Polish state, allowing the mound to deteriorate. Trees were planted in an effort to obscure and destroy it.
Today, however, it has undergone several restorations. The cross of the Polish Legions has been reinstated on a granite tablet at the top, with Polish flags proudly fluttering in the breeze.
The path to the summit is easier than you might expect, following a gentle and gradual incline. At the top, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama—offering views of the city, the Wolski woods, the foothills south of Kraków, and, on a clear day, the dramatic, jagged outline of the Tatra Mountains beyond. At the base, there are lovely open picnic areas, as well as a children’s playpark.
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| Polish flags fluttering at the top of the mound |
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| Views over the woods to the city beyond |
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Picnic areas, playpark and very gradual path meandering its way upwards
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The Tatra Mountains to the south
Trekking from the Kopiec Piłsudskiego to the Camaldolese Hermit Monastery
From the Piłsudski Mound, you might want to embark on a rewarding trek to the Camaldolese Hermit Monastery (Klasztor Kamedułów). Known as the 'Silver Mountain Hermitage,' this serene monastery is home to the Camaldolites, a branch of the Benedictine monastic orders, who live in peace and solitude. The founder, Mikołaj Wolski, after whom the surrounding forest is named, acquired the land from Sebastian Lubomirski in 1604 upon his arrival from Italy.
Hidden away from the world, the Camaldolites lead a life of deep solitude and contemplation, shrouded in mystery. Clad in flowing white robes and marked by their thick beards, these monks embrace a strict, self-imposed discipline, guided by the principles of ‘Ora et labora’ (‘Pray and work’) and ‘Memento Mori’ (‘Remember you must die’). Their vow of silence means they speak only when necessary, reserving their words for prayer and reflection. Even among themselves, conversations are limited to three brief sessions per week, while contact with the outside world is restricted to just five days a year.
Within the walls of their humble hermitages, each monk lives a life of simplicity—sustaining himself on modest vegetarian meals and dedicating his days to a balance of work and devotion. Their sparsely furnished quarters hold only the bare essentials, sometimes including a chilling reminder of mortality—the skull of a former resident. Enigmatic, unwavering, and deeply spiritual, the Camaldolites remain one of the most intriguing monastic orders, drawing fascination from those who glimpse their way of life.
There are only 60 Camaldolese monks worldwide, with 7 of these residing in Las Wolski.
Visiting
If you are thinking you can just waltz into the monastery as a visitor - forget it. Unfortunately there are fairly strict rules governing this.
Men can visit the monastery daily during the hours of 10:00-11:00 am and 15:30-16:30 pm. In contrast, women are only allowed entry on specific days each year: February 7th, the Annunciation, Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Pentecost Monday, Corpus Christi, June 19th (St. Romuald's feast day), the Sunday after June 19th, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15th), Birth of the Virgin Mary (September 8th), The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (December 8th), and Christmas Day (December 25th).
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| Klasztor Kamedułów viewed from across the river |
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| The entrance to Klasztor Kamedułów |
Getting there from the Piłsudski Mound
Use the map above to negotiate the forest trails from the Piłsudski Mound to Camaldolese Hermit Monastery. Look out for the World War 1 bunker en route.
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| World War1 bunker |
Srebrna Góra Vineyard
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| Srebrna Góra Vineyard |
From the Camaldolese Hermit Monastery, a short stroll downhill brings you to the
Srebrna Góra Vineyard. As you make your way along the asphalt road, broad vistas of vines open out on your left and right with the walk punctuated with information boards detailing the history of the area, and its vineyards.
The vineyard itself has its roots completely intertwined with Krakow's wine history dating back to the early 10th century. In fact, evidence discovered at the Wawel Castle reveals ancient winemaking traditions were practiced by monks in the area. The original 3-acre vineyard at Srebrna Góra, planted in 1660, continues to flourish with the modern-day vineyard that we see today officially opened in 2008.
The wines themselves are crafted in the ancient farm buildings of the neighbouring Camaldolese Monastery then transferred into shiny steel tanks for a touch of more modern practice. From Gewürztraminer to Zweigelt, the wines follow a tradition of centuries of grape-growing magic in Galicia. And keeping a watchful eye over it all is Agnieszka Rousseau, one of Poland's leading ecologists.
From the monastery, through the vineyards to the tasting room, shop and café
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| Wine sampling and coffee stop at the Srebrna Góra Vineyard |
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| Wide selection of wines on offer |
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| Degustation of wines at the Srebrna Góra Vineyard |
After enjoying sampling wines, or simply sipping a coffee whilst admiring the undulating views of the surrounding vines and the Vistula valley beyond, it is a short skip to catch one of the many buses back into Kraków.
Location of bus stop back into Kraków
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