One of the nicest views is usually the one from above. What interesting vantage points can be used during a trip to Krakow? We check places from which you can see the panorama of Krakow. Where to go to look at Krakow’s rooftops? Here are the most interesting publicly accessible viewpoints in Krakow.
Town Hall Tower
The Town Hall Tower in Krakow is the last remnant of the historic Town Hall missing from the Main Square. The previously existing bay window did not survive in the new post-war era. Only the tower and several rooms with exhibitions remain available to visitors. Climbing the tower of Krakow’s Town Hall, due to the high stone stairs, is not the easiest thing to do, but it is worth it. The view, especially when there is no smog, is truly magnificent. Read more about the Town Hall Tower in Krakow in a previous article.
Piłsudski Mound
Although there are 5 mounds in Krakow, not all of them are interesting enough to devote attention to them in the list of vantage points. The Piłsudski Mound is the largest mound in Poland and an interesting vantage point in Kraków. Although you cannot see the panorama of the city itself from here, and the car park in Wolski Forest is more expensive than in Western countries, it is worth coming here to admire the surroundings of Krakow and to see the highest mound in Poland. The entrance to the mound itself – fortunately – is free.
Kosciuszko Mound
Due to the post-war change of borders, it is not the Union of Lublin Mound (Kopiec Unii Lubelskiej) but the Kosciuszko Mound (Kopiec Kosciuszko) in Krakow that is probably the most popular and well-known mound in Krakow. Kosciuszko Mound was erected to commemorate one of the greatest Polish patriots. The erection of the mound was commenced on 16 October 1820. The base of the Kosciuszko Mound contains soil from the famous Raclawice, Maciejowice, as well as Dubienka and Szczekocin. Over the years, the Kosciuszko Mound has been an important patriotic symbol. It remains so to this day. The mound, which has been renovated many times, is available for sightseeing. Several days a year, entry to the Mound is free. From the top there is a view of Błonia, Krakow and the surrounding area of Krakow.
Sigismund Tower and Wawel Castle
It may not be very high up here, but it’s an interesting and, moreover, completely free viewing point in Krakow. After climbing Wawel, you can go to a specially prepared viewing terrace on the Vistula side. From here, you have a view of a bend in the river, the famous Jubilat department store or the Manggha museum of Japanese art in Dębniki. There is another, much higher and more attractive, vantage point on Wawel Castle. Unfortunately, it requires the purchase of a ticket. We are, of course, talking about the Sigismund Tower which houses the most famous bell in Poland – the Sigismund Bell.
Krakus Mound
The Krakus Mound, which is one of the attractions of Podgórze in Krakow, is another free place that is an interesting vantage point. The mound is located near the famous Lasota Hill, the Old Cemetery of Podgórze and Fort 31 Benedykt. According to legend, Krakus Mound is supposed to be the grave of the mythical founder of Krakow. There used to be a fort erected by the Austrian invaders around the mound. Today, it is a place of rest and Rękawka, organised every year. Visiting the mound is free of charge.
Przegorzaly Castle
The castle in Przegorzaly is another non-obvious place bypassed by many tourists. The building was erected by the Germans during the occupation of Krakow during World War II. The building was commissioned by Otto Wachter and built right next to the villa of the famous architect Adolf Szyszko-Bohusz, which has survived to this day. From the terraces of the villa and the castle and its surroundings, one can see the Vistula River valley, the south-west of Krakow and the Wieliczka Foothills and part of the Beskids.
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