Great scenic viewing point for free

Looking for a viewing point in Krakow? We went on a quest for one and climbed the Krak Hill. A fantastic spot in the middle of the city, and completely free!

It was not exactly easy to find, the Krak Hill. Our GPS led us to a busy road but didn’t bother to warn us of the newly built train tracks. Where it wanted us to turn right a massive construction side blocked our way. We walked further down the road and turned at another junction.
We walked through a lovely residential area and then up a path that led up to the viewing point for free.

A wide-angle shot of Krakus Mound (Krak Hill) in Krakow, featuring a large, grass-covered man-made hill under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. In the foreground, a lush green lawn leads toward the mound, with a small tree and a wooden bench situated to the left.

The Legend

Legend has it that Krak Hill is the tomb of King Krak, founder of the city. The people of the city supposedly erected a hill out of gratitude for his reign of justice. The Wanda Hill, approximately 10 km from the Krak Hill is said to have been erected for his daughter Wanda. But is this true?

A wide panoramic view of Kakow shows the city's sprawling urban landscape and red-roofed buildings nestled among lush green trees under a clear blue sky.

The Facts

The Krak Hill is 16 meters high and has a footprint of 60 meters.
It is right of the Vistula in the Podórze district and part of the Krzemionki elevation. It is one of the oldest structures in the city and was probably raised in the 8th century. Archaeologists found a brass clasp buried under the hill that seems to prove that date. Other scholars theorised that the hill could have been connected to the astronomical calendar of the Celts. His position to the Wanda Hill is supposed to prove their theories. Other pointed out that possibly the hill could have played a role in Slavic burial rites. But no one knows for sure.

A high-angle, panoramic view of Wawel Royal Castle and the historic skyline of Kraków, Poland, as seen from the Krakus Mound (Krak Hill) scenic viewing point.

Scenic viewpoint in Krakow. For free.

If the weather is nice the view right upon arrival on the lawn beneath the hill is already quite stunning. We even spotted a small sign that pointed to – unfortunately, In Polish only – the most important landmarks around the hill.

This high-angle shot from the Krak Hill scenic viewing point captures a sprawling view of Krakow's neubaugebiete, featuring a dense landscape of modern apartment blocks and industrial buildings interspersed with lush green trees under a clear sky. In the foreground, a large dark-grey office building sits near an older structure with Polish signage, while numerous high-rise residential complexes stretch toward the horizon.

To get even higher to the top of the hill, one only has to follow the little path that spirals all the way up. Once on top of the hill, it is noticeable that the top is not a naturally shaped crest. It is an even surface. The view from here over the city is wonderful. From Nova Huta to Wawel; there is plenty to discover! I found this view to be quite amazing!

A scenic panoramic view of Krakow, Poland, from Krak Hill, showcasing a dense cityscape of historic red-roofed buildings, lush green trees, and the prominent spires of St. Joseph's Church and Wawel Castle against a backdrop of distant hills.

Address:

Scenic viewing point for free – Krak Hill
al. Powstańców Śląskich / ul. Wielicka
Krakau

Published 20 December 2017

The Legend

The Facts

Scenic viewpoint in Krakow. For free.

Address:

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