Looking for a nice mountains near Kraków to hike? Or you just find yourself asking, „What’s next after a hectic week?” Yes, we all do! So, what about Saturday? And if not, then there’s always Sunday! Let me say this: If you happen to be in Krakow or nearby, and if you’re as busy as I usually am, you still have an opportunity to escape the urban hustle and bustle.
What do you need? Just one day off, your comfiest shoes, a backpack, a thermos, and a few sandwiches. Don’t forget a car or other source of transportation – it’s going to be a trusty companion on this journey. Here, I’ll share some tested-and-approved ideas for day trips to the mountains from Krakow. Ready to roll? Let’s get going.
1. A Hike to Mogielica Summit from Jurków
When thinking about a mountain escape from Krakow, the first place that springs to mind is Mogielica.
It’s a favorite of mine, and the most convenient to reach, no matter the season. The blue trail from Jurków to Mogielica is the way to go.
Jurków, about 70 km from Krakow, has a comfy, public car park right at the trailhead. The hike to the summit spans about 5.5 km one way, winding mostly through forests. A couple of clearings along the path offer a captivating view of the Beskid Wyspowy (Island Beskid) and the majestic Babia Góra Peak.
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
The entire trip will take you around 4-5 hours, including rest stops for admiring the stunning panorama of the Tatra Mountains. You’ll get the best views from the hall at the top of Mogielica (found by following the blue and yellow trails downwards from the summit and turning right at the tower) or the clearing by the papal cross church (just beyond the tower).
- My suggest you also read this article about Tatra Mountains: Tatra Mountains – An Insider’s Guide to All Attractions and Info
For the adventurous ones, climbing to the top of the tower is a must – just beware, it’s often quite windy! In my opinion, Mogielica is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday brunch while sipping hot tea from a thermos.
- Route: Available here
- Parking: Free Car Park
- Pros:
- Convenient parking
- Quick access
- Scenic route
- Beautiful views at the top
- Cons:
- No shelter/hostel en route
2. Mogielica Summit from Zalesie
Looking for a shorter alternative? The path from the Zalesie-Wyrębiska car park to Mogielica is your best bet. A green trail, only 4,2 km from the car park to the summit, awaits you here. However, getting to the starting point will take about 30 minutes longer.
During winter, the local road to the car park might pose challenges. In winter, the parking lot can also be crowded as it doubles as a starting point for a cross-country skiing route.
The trail from Wyrębiska to Mogielica is quick and steep, taking you through the forest – perfect for a sunrise trip.
- Route: Available Here
- Parking: Car Park
- Pros:
- Fast climb to the top
- Beautiful views at the top
- Cons:
- Longer drive
- Potential parking issues in winter
- Less scenic route
3. Luboń Wielki Peak from Rabka Zaryte
Ready for more? Let’s head to Luboń Wielki. It’s an hour’s drive from Krakow to our starting point in Rabka Zaryte. Up until now, we’ve only explored the blue trail to the summit, but yellow and green routes are also available. A tourist-friendly car park awaits you at the trailhead, just behind the Lewiatan store.
The blue trail leads primarily through the forest. After a less than 4km hike, you’ll find yourself at the summit of Luboń Wielki, greeted by a charming shelter and, of course, stunning views.
- Route: Click Here
- Parking: Car Park
- Pros:
- Quick access
- Fast and pleasant trail to the top
- Shelter at the top
- Beautiful views at the top
- Convenient parking
- Cons:
- Trail runs almost entirely through the forest
- Views only at the top
4. Hike to Kudłacze from Poręba
Another mountain escape from Krakow is just 40 minutes by car. This time we’re aiming for the PTTK Shelter in Kudłacze. We begin our route at the parking lot by the church in Poręba. Following the green trail initially, we make our way to the Plots hill, then turn left onto the red trail to the PTTK Shelter in Kudłacze.
The green trail takes us the rest of the way, passing through „Polana Sucha” and Kamienna. The entire route spans about 12.5 km and will take about 4 hours, including a rest at the sheltr.
The route, mostly forested, offers occasional glimpses of the Makowski and Island Beskids and a few charming glades – perfect for an outdoor picnic. If you’re seeking a winter smog escape or a respite from the summer heat, this route is a perfect choice. Coincidentally, it shares a portion of its path with the spring Mustang Half Marathon – definitely worth a try!
- Route: Click Here
- Parking: car park near church
- Pros:
- Very quick access
- Pleasant, walking route
- Shelter on the route
- Convenient parking
- Cons:
- Trail runs mostly through the forest (more suited to those seeking refuge rather than extensive mountain views)
5. Kudłacze from Myślenice
In less than 40 minutes, you can go from Krakow to Myślenice (Zarabie) to hit another trail to the PTTK Shelter in Kudłacze. At the local stadium, there’s ample parking for your car. Starting with the red trail, you’ll first come across the Reserve Zamczysko nad Rabą, an interesting site that houses the ruins of a medieval castle.
To add a twist, consider making a detour to Chełm mountain on your way back. At the top, you’ll find a lookout tower (though access isn’t free), offering a fantastic view of Myślenice and surrounding mountain ranges. Just keep in mind, if you choose this return route, a good portion of your journey will be on asphalt. The total length of this trip is around 19 km.
- Route: Available Here
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Quick, hassle-free access
- Pleasant, walking route
- Shelter on the route
- Convenient parking
- Cons:
- Trail runs mostly through the forest
- Considerable amount of asphalt (if returning via Chełm mountain)
6. Leskowiec Peak from Rzyki
Our next exploration brings us to the Beskid Mały mountain range, starting with a short yet captivating trip to Leskowiec from Rzyk Jagódek. Parking is available at the trailhead, although it is paid. The quickest path to the summit of Leskowiec follows the black trail, transitioning into the red trail near the end. An alternative route, though slightly longer, is the papal route.
The trail mostly winds through the forest, opening up to a striking panorama as you near the red trail. The view from Leskowiec’s summit is equally impressive, with the mighty Babia Góra in the foreground and the Tatra Mountains looming in the distance.
Take a moment to relish the serene clearing at the summit. On your way back, a pitstop at the Shelter PTTK Leskowiec is highly recommended for a taste of their local sour rye soup – it’s a delight! But that’s not all, I’ve also savored their delicious bigos and coffee with homemade cake. It’s a perfect Sunday dinner idea, letting you off the hook from cooking duties.
- Speaking of dinners, you may also want to read: Culinary Paradise – Best Traditional Food You Can Eat In Kraków
You might choose the papal route for your return journey, which offers a view of Krakow…in winter, sadly, it’s often just a grey smog line. The entire route covers less than 8 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Quick access
- Short and pleasant route
- A charming shelter on the route
- Beautiful views at the top
- Cons:
- The route runs largely through the forest
7. Trekking to Potrójna from Rzyki
Starting from Rzyki, just as we did for Leskowiec, there’s another peak of the Beskid Mały range to consider – Triple / Potrójna. This time, our journey begins at the Czarny Groń ski resort, where ample parking awaits. Setting off along the black trail, we ascend to the peak of Triple Mountain, which rewards us with astounding vistas.
The summit itself is a personal favorite, marked by its vast, open clearing that offers breath-taking views, especially of the majestic Babia Góra. The sight from Triple left a significant impression on me.
In the winter, the snow-covered peak of Babia Góra Mountain presents a magnificent spectacle, though the summer view remains a mystery to me.
Descending slightly, we arrive at Chatka na Trójna Street, a spot that continues to delight with its freshly baked, delicious buns – a delight I hope you encounter too. The remainder of the journey follows the yellow trail, passing another charming spot – Chatka Pod Podrójna. After traversing the intriguing Madahora nature reserve, we make our way back down to Rzyki. The entire route covers approximately 15 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Quick access
- Charming huts along the route
- Route offering a fascinating encounter with nature
- Beautiful views at the peak of Triple Mountain
- Convenient parking
8. Hiking to Turbacz Peak from Obidowa
Here’s a classic – Turbacz from Obidowa. We start our journey from the parking lot in Obidowa, which is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Krakow. We follow the green trail to the PTTK Hostel in Stare Wierchy, a great spot to take a breather and enjoy some cofee and traditional Gorce apple pie with blueberry sauce.
Continuing along the red trail, we reach the Turbacz peak and move on to the PTTK shelter in Turbacz, where you can indulge in another Gorce dessert. From there, we take the yellow, black, and green trails leading us back to Obidowa.
For views, it’s worth extending the red trail to Hala Długa, which on clear days offers a spectacular panorama of the Tatra Mountains. The descent from Turbacz along the yellow trail is also scenic. The entire route measures less than 17 km.
If you’re feeling energetic, you might add a few extra kilometers to your hike and walk a bit further along the black trail to Koliba in Łapsowa Polana – a charming place with delicious food and a beautiful view of the Tatra Mountains.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Shelters on the route (with Gorce dessert)
- Beautiful views at the top
- Convenient parking
- Cons:
- The route is quite long
9. Lubań Peak from Snozka Pass
Venturing slightly further, approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes from Krakow, brings us to the Snozka Pass, which serves as our stepping-stone to Lubań. A sizable parking lot is conveniently situated at the start of the trail.
We follow the blue trail all the way to the top of Lubań, retracing our steps on the way back. The entire journey is graced with stunning panoramas of the Tatras and Pieniny. En route, we pass the Czorsztyn Ski lift and Wdżar mountain, followed by a forest trail leading to the exposed Lubań peak, home to a tent base and a sturdy observation tower.
The views from the tower are splendid, showcasing the Tatras and surrounding mountain ranges in all their glory. The entire route covers roughly 12 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Beautiful views along the trail and from the peak
- Convenient parking
- Cons:
- Farther distance from Krakow
- Need to retrace the same route
10. Szyndzielnia and Klimczok Peak from Bielsko-Biała
If a trip from Krakow lasting less than 2 hours doesn’t daunt you, then the Silesian Beskids range could be your next destination. Starting with Szyndzielnia and Klimczok, our journey begins in Bielsko-Biała, from the car park on Karbowa Street.
Following the red trail via Dębowiec, we arrive at the PTTK Szyndzielnia Hostel. If you wish to shorten your trip, the green trail is also an option. From the peak of Szyndzielnia, you’re treated to a beautiful panorama of Bielsko-Biała.
Our next goal, Klimczok, is accessed via the yellow trail. From Klimczok, the neighbouring Skrzyczne peak and, on clear days, the Tatra Mountains are visible. Nestled below the peak is another shelter where I had the pleasure of tasting a delicious cheesecake.
Returning to our starting point, we could take the same route, or choose to bypass the top of Klimczok via the red trail. The entire route spans less than 16 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Beautiful views along the route
- Shelters on the route
- Convenient parking
- Cons:
- Slightly farther access
11. Skrzyczne Peak and Malinowska Skała from Ostre
Having completed Klimczok, we move towards Skrzyczne and Malinowska Skała. Our journey begins on the blue trail from the village of Lipowa Ostre, situated near Żywiec city, which is less than 2 hours away from Krakow.
There is ample parking at the trailhead, but it’s advisable to arrive early in peak seasons as spots fill up quickly. The blue trail leads to the Schronisko PTTK Skrzyczne, with breathtaking views of the Silesian and Żywiecki Beskids, Babia Góra in the foreground, potentially emerging from a sea of fog if fortune favours us.
Adjacent to the shelter is a viewing platform, offering vistas of the city of Szczyrk and Klimczok across it. Following the green trail, we reach Malinowska Skała, the journey being adorned with stunning landscapes all the way from the shelter. Malinowska Skała itself presents a similar visual treat. To conclude our journey, we follow the yellow trail through the forest, covering a total of less than 17 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: Car park
- Pros:
- Beautiful scenic route
- Shelters on the trail
- Convenient parking
- Cons:
- Slightly farther access
- Last few kilometers are on an asphalt road
12. Babia Góra from Krowiarki Pass
While some adore it and others are less fond of it, for me, Babia Góra possesses an enchanting aura. This mountain can be ascended from the Krowiarki Pass, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Krakow. At the starting point, there’s a parking lot, although it’s usually paid throughout the year.
The red trail leads us to the summit of Babia Góra, with the first stop being Sokolica upon exiting the forest. From Sokolica to Diablak (the highest point), we’re treated with magnificent views, including the panorama of the Tatra Mountains on clear days. You can either return the same way or opt for a route via the PTTK Markowe Szczawiny Hostel, where you can indulge in a delicious apple pie.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Beautiful views along the route
- Potential detour to the hostel
- Cons:
- Often crowded parking lot
- Specific climate (can be particularly dangerous in winter)
13. Trzy Korony and Sokolica from Krościenko nad Dunajcem
Venturing less than 2 hours by car from Krakow, we arrive at the picturesque Pieniny Mountains. Our first expedition in Pieniny comprises the classic trek to Trzy Korony and Sokolica from Krościenko. I suggest parking in the center of Krościenko, as the parking near the trailhead (Trzy Korona Street) is paid.
We follow the yellow trail to the Szopka Pass, where we’re greeted by a stunning panorama of the Tatra Mountains for the first time. Turning left onto the blue trail, we ascend to the summit where a metal stairway leads us to the viewing platform. The spectacular views of the Tatra Mountains, Gorce, Beskid Wyspowy, and Beskid Sądecki surround us.
I then recommend proceeding to the next peak – Sokolica – via the blue trail, offering the unique sight of the winding Dunajec River and distant Tatra Mountains.
- If you are interested in Dunajec River, please read this article too: Dunajec Rafting: The Ideal Summer Escape From Zakopane
We descend along the green trail, with the entire route stretching to approximately 12 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: car park
- Pros:
- Wonderful summit views
- Varied and interesting route
- Fairly convenient parkng
- Cons:
- Long distance from Krakow
14. Hike To Wysoki Wierch, Durbaszka and Wysoka from Szlachtowa
Our next enchanting route begins in Szlachtowa, a few kilometers from Szczawnica, presenting breathtaking panoramas of the Tatras from both the summit of Wysoki Wierch and Wysoka.
The yellow trail takes us to Wysoki Wierch, from where we proceed on the blue trail to the summit of Wysoka. The approach to Wysoka can be quite challenging, but the views are well worth the effort. The route also passes by the Shelter near Durbaszka.
Most of the trail winds through beautiful mountain meadows, with a large stretch offering spectacular views of the Tatra Mountains. The entire route is about 18 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: free car park
- Pros:
- Great views at the summit and along the route
- Shelter along the trail
- Cons:
- Long distance from Krakow
- Lack of a proper car park at the trailhead
15. Wysoka from Jaworki through Homole Gorge and Biała Woda Reserve
Our next loop in Pieniny targets Małe Pieniny. We begin in Jaworki, where several parking lots are available, albeit paid. Following the Homole Gorge (green, and at the end, blue trail), we head towards Wysoka. Upon descending from Wysoka, we veer right at the fork onto the blue trail.
The trail offers lovely clearings where sheep graze in the summer. We reach the Rozdziela Pass and turn left onto the yellow trail towards the Biała Woda Reserve. On a sunny day, you can observe the neighboring mountains set against the backdrop of sprawling green meadows. The entire route is just over 14 km.
- Route: Open Map
- Parking: Car Park
- Pros:
- Wonderful views at the summit and along the route
- Cons:
- Fairly long drive from Krakow
- Paid parking at the trailhead
16. Tatra Mountains
Regarding the Tatra Mountains, I won’t detail the trekking possibilities here. There are numerous options to explore, suitable for everyone, from tranquil valleys to more challenging trails.
The journey to Zakopane from Krakow also takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, buses departing every half-hour from Krakow are an option. Once in Zakopane, buses from the train station leave every few minutes to various trail starting points.
- Read more about Tatra mountains in this section.
References:
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorce
- https://gazetakrakowska.pl/gdzie-na-majowke-w-gory-z-dziecmi-top-10-pomyslow-na-jednodniowy-wypad-z-krakowa-trasy-szlaki-zdjecia/ar/c2-14984828
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beskidy
