Zakrzówek: Relaxation and Training

Recreation, Swimming Lessons, Training, and Connecting with Nature. The former quarry has become a place to discover a passion for swimming and physical activity. We spoke with Aleksandra Mikolaszek, Head of the Resident Engagement Team, and Grzegorz Bednarczyk, a swimmer training at this location and a participant in the relay "Swimming to Gotland"!

Zakrzówek for Water Enthusiasts of All Ages

Who is Zakrzówek Swimming Area designed for: seniors, children, health seekers, athletes...?

The Zakrzówek Swimming Area is open to everyone, with facilities designed to cater to all visitors. Floating platforms provide a space for walks and, during the summer season, for swimming. The pools vary in depth, making them suitable for both younger and older users. Visitors can also take advantage of amenities such as toilets, showers, and changing rooms.

What makes Zakrzówek truly unique and exceptional is its location in a former quarry. Due to the special requirements of this area, it’s essential to use the facility responsibly, ensuring your own safety and that of others. It's important to note that the average water depth around the pools is over 20 meters.

Safe Recreation by the Water

Qualified lifeguards will ensure the safety of swimmers during the swimming area's operation. Zakrzówek will also host a Water Sports Center, serving as a base for divers and professional athletes. It’s worth noting that the swimming area is just a small part of the entire Zakrzówek Park, which spans over 50 hectares, and together with the adjacent area, encompasses approximately 100 hectares of greenery practically in the heart of the city.

Zakrzówek also features stunning and picturesque walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and ideal spaces for runners. Specially measured and prepared running paths allow for professional training or the perfect start to your running journey. Along the trails, elements like stretching stations and water fountains make the experience even better. Zakrzówek also offers great opportunities for cyclists and climbers, who eagerly take advantage of this exceptional location.

Swimming to Gotland

Training for the Gotland Expedition – Grzegorz Bednarczyk

Since Zakrzówek reopened after renovations, I’ve been conducting all my open water training sessions there. It offers excellent conditions for preparing for swimming marathons—a full lap is approximately 1900 meters (half-ironman distance), and the newly built platforms allow for simulated breaks for food and drink without having to leave the water. It was at Zakrzówek that I prepared for my main race last season, the Wörthersee Swim (34 km).

The experience I gained during that event is now being applied in my training for this year’s challenge—Swimming to Gotland. It’s worth noting that during the Wörthersee Swim, I swam without a wetsuit but wore AQUA SPEED Vortex Mirror goggles. Since they worked perfectly, I’ll be using them again for the Gotland swim [smile].

Swimming at Any Time of Day and…

Many people probably dream of a morning swim workout—before work…

The swimming area will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM between June 22 and September 3. Outside of these hours, swimming is allowed only at your own risk. It’s important to remember that this is a very challenging area, and non-pool sections should be reserved for professionals.

Is this facility intended only for Krakow residents?

Zakrzówek has always attracted people from all over Poland and, in the context of diving, even from around the world. Krakow residents have undoubtedly gained an exceptional green space that is now accessible in a much safer and expanded form. Previously, the area was also used, but now it has been significantly improved to cater to all social groups, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal was to enhance the safety of the area and make it as accessible as possible—given the conditions of a former quarry—to users of all ages and physical abilities.

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Interview by: Maciej Mazerant / Editor-in-Chief, AQUA SPEED Magazine
Photos courtesy of the Municipal Greenery Board (City of Krakow, Piotr Kempf) and Grzegorz Bednarczyk