On a hot summer day, Krakow has a surprise up its sleeve: you can swim in turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs, less than 3 km from the Main Market Square. Here is where to swim in Krakow – from the floating pools at Zakrzówek, the city’s answer to a lido, to the beaches at Bagry and an indoor water park for rainy days.
In short: Zakrzówek is the most spectacular place to swim in Krakow, with five floating pools in a former quarry lake, but numbers are limited and queues are common on hot days. Bagry Wielkie is a large lake with beaches and lifeguarded swimming areas, and Park Wodny is an indoor water park that’s open all year.
Where can you swim outdoors in Krakow?
| Place | What it is | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zakrzówek | five floating pools in a turquoise former quarry lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs | Dębniki, less than 3 km from the centre | summer season only; visitor numbers are limited, so expect queues on hot days |
| Bagry Wielkie | a large lake with beaches and lifeguarded swimming areas | Płaszów, south-east of the centre | summer season; lifeguards on duty during the day |
| Park Wodny | an indoor water park with pools and slides | north of the centre | open all year – a good plan for rainy days |
Season dates, opening hours and entry rules change every year – check the city’s website before you go.
Zakrzówek: floating pools in a quarry lake
Zakrzówek is one of the most beautiful places in Krakow. A former limestone quarry in the Dębniki district has filled with crystal-clear water up to 32 m deep, framed by the white cliffs of the Twardowski Rocks. For years it was popular with walkers, climbers and divers; since 2023 it has been a city park with a modern swimming complex.
The highlight is a set of five floating pools set into the lake, from 40 cm to 2 m deep, linked by wooden decks where you can sunbathe between swims. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. For safety, the number of swimmers is limited – up to 600 people can use the pools at once – so on hot weekends there can be long queues. The surrounding park is free to enter and well worth a visit even if you don’t swim, with viewing platforms and walking paths around the lake.
The rocks also have a legend: Master Twardowski, Krakow’s very own Faust, is said to have run his school of magic here, although historians place his workshop across the river in Krzemionki Podgórskie.
How to get to Zakrzówek
- By tram or bus: the nearest stops are Park „Skały Twardowskiego”, Kapelanka, Norymberska and Grota-Roweckiego.
- By bike: Zakrzówek is an easy ride from the centre along Krakow’s cycle paths. Grand Ascot guests who skip room cleaning get free bike hire in spring and summer.
- By car: there are car parks on ul. Wyłom and ul. Norymberska, but they fill up quickly on sunny days.
Planning more time outdoors? See our ideas for an active weekend on the water in Krakow.
Bagry Wielkie: beaches by the lake
Bagry Wielkie is a large lake in Płaszów, south-east of the city centre, and a favourite summer spot for locals. It has three bathing areas with beaches and swimming zones marked out by buoys, with lifeguards on duty during the day in the summer season. It’s more relaxed and less crowded than Zakrzówek, and a good choice for a lazy afternoon by the water.
Park Wodny: swimming on a rainy day
If the weather turns, Park Wodny is an indoor water park north of the centre, with pools, slides and a relaxation zone. It’s open all year round and is a hit with families. For more ideas, see what to do in Krakow on a rainy day and our tips for Krakow with kids.
Tips for swimming in Krakow
- Go early: on hot days, arrive in the morning to avoid the longest queues at Zakrzówek.
- Swim only where lifeguards are on duty: swimming outside marked areas and lifeguard hours is at your own risk.
- Check before you go: season dates, opening hours and rules can change from year to year.
- Bring the essentials: water, sun cream and something to eat, as facilities can be busy.
After a day in the sun, there’s nothing like coming back to a comfortable room in the centre. Grand Ascot Hotel is a 6-minute walk from the Main Market Square – see our rooms and apartments and special offers, or find more ideas in our Krakow in 2 days itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular places are the floating pools at Zakrzówek, a turquoise former quarry lake less than 3 km from the centre, and the beaches at Bagry Wielkie lake. On rainy days, Park Wodny is an indoor water park that’s open all year.
The closest thing to a lido is Zakrzówek: five floating pools set into a quarry lake, with wooden decks for sunbathing and lifeguards on duty in the summer season.
Less than 3 km. You can get there by tram or bus to the Park „Skały Twardowskiego”, Kapelanka, Norymberska or Grota-Roweckiego stops, or by bike along the city’s cycle paths.
Open-air swimming areas open in summer, usually from late June to the end of August. Dates change every year, so check the city’s website before you go.
Yes, on hot days. Up to 600 people can use the pools at once, so there are often queues at weekends. Arrive in the morning to avoid the longest wait.
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