Kąpielisko Przylasek Rusiecki

In a picturesque corner in the east of Krakow lies a unique destination for relaxation — the Przylasek Rusiecki Swimming Beach. This modern recreational complex in Poland emerged on the site of former gravel pits, which over time filled with water and turned into a chain of 14 pristine reservoirs. The largest of them has become a center of attraction for residents and guests of the city.

Przylasek Rusiecki Bathing Area. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

After a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2021, the beach was completely transformed: over 7,000 tons of fresh sand appeared here, along with almost a kilometer of elegant wooden pontoons that skirt the shoreline and allow you to walk directly over the water. Przylasek Rusiecki harmoniously combines the comfort of urban infrastructure with the untouched beauty of semi-wild nature.

The total area of the entire water complex is about 86 hectares, making it one of the largest spaces for water recreation in the region. The site is fully adapted for people with disabilities and offers all necessary amenities — from modern changing rooms and showers to smart lighting and a video surveillance system for the safety of visitors.

This recreational area is a public municipal facility, so city services are responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. All official information regarding swimming safety and current events on the territory is usually published on the city administration portals. To plan your visit and for navigation, you can use the following contact details:

Here, everyone will find an activity to their liking: from lazy sunbathing on the spacious sandy beach to active water sports. For thrill-seekers, there is a wakeboarding tower, while those who prefer peace and quiet can rent a kayak or boat to explore remote corners of the reservoir. Specially designated zones with "floating" pools on platforms ensure comfort and safety while swimming.

A stroll along the long wooden pontoons is a must-do. They create a unique space for a promenade, allowing you to enjoy views of the water surface and surrounding greenery. If you prefer walking on land, a network of pedestrian trails several kilometers long will lead you to scenic viewpoints where you can observe local birds and plants.

For family vacations, there are modern playgrounds and beach football pitches. Anglers also highly value this place, as most of the 14 reservoirs maintain their wild character and are open for fishing. After an active day, you can grab a bite in the gastronomy zone or have a picnic in specially designated areas among shady trees.

Finding this aquatic oasis among the urban landscape is easy, as it is located in the eastern part of the Nowa Huta district. For those who prefer a private car, there is convenient access and a spacious parking lot. The trip from the city center takes about 20–30 minutes, and a navigator will lead you straight to the goal at the address Kąpielisko Przylasek Rusiecki.

If you plan to use public transport, look for bus routes heading towards the Nowa Huta district to the Przylasek Rusiecki stop. The journey from the center can take up to one hour. It is also worth considering a taxi, which will be much faster and more comfortable, especially for groups with beach gear.

For fans of an active lifestyle, a bicycle ride is an excellent option. Several scenic paths and trails lead from Krakow towards Przylasek, passing through green zones. This allows you to turn an ordinary trip to the beach into a pleasant journey in the fresh air, away from noisy highways.

The history of this place began long before it became a popular resort. Originally, Przylasek Rusiecki was a small village established in a bend of the Vistula River. In the 19th century, these lands were part of an estate belonging to the famous Polish politician and publicist Paweł Popiel. It wasn't until 1973 that the territory was officially incorporated into the city as part of the industrial district of Nowa Huta.

The area acquired its current landscape thanks to its industrial past. In the mid-20th century, a gravel pit actively operated here, supplying materials for the grand construction projects of socialist Krakow. After the extraction ended, the massive pits were flooded by groundwater, leading to the formation of a system of 14 artificial lakes, which locals call "bagry".

For a long time, the reservoirs remained a spot for "wild" recreation until a large-scale modernization began in 2020 as part of the "Krakow — Nowa Huta of the Future" project. The reconstruction, for which more than 18 million zlotys were allocated, transformed the abandoned industrial zone into a modern recreational center. At the same time, the architects managed to preserve the semi-wild character of the area, skillfully integrating the infrastructure into the natural landscape.

To fully relax and get to know all the infrastructure of the complex, we recommend setting aside 3 to 5 hours for your visit. This time is enough for a leisurely swim, a walk along the long wooden pontoons, and relaxation on the sandy shore. If you plan to rent a boat or kayak, time will fly even faster.

Families with children, as well as fishing enthusiasts or those who enjoy long walks, should plan a full-day trip. The territory around the 14 reservoirs is quite extensive, and exploring all the nature trails can be a true adventure. Keep in mind that it can get very crowded on hot summer weekends, so it's worth arriving in the first half of the day to snag the best spot on the beach.

The official swimming season at the complex usually opens in June and lasts until the end of August. During this period, the beach area is accessible daily from early morning until late evening. An important feature is that admission to the territory is free, making this place one of the most attractive options for summer recreation within the city limits.

Since the exact operating hours of lifeguards, equipment rentals, and food outlets may change depending on the weather and the time of year, visitors are advised to check current information on the official Krakow website or directly on the information boards at the entrance to the recreational area.

Exploring the surroundings of the beach complex can significantly enrich your experience of visiting this part of the city. Nearby, there are many venues for active recreation that will be of interest to both children and adults who prefer an engaging leisure time.

Below are some interesting sites located within driving distance of the complex: