The green heart of Nowa Huta. Discover the best places to go for a walk in Kraków

A dog running happily in the Nowa Huta Meadows
Nowa Huta is one of those places in Kraków that is famous not only for its unique architecture, iconic neon signs – such as the one at the Stylowa Restaurant – and the impressive remains of the former Lenin Metallurgical Combine but, above all, for the wealth of greenery. It occupies an honourable second place among Kraków's greenest districts, and there are as many as 18 of them! So let's discover Nowa Huta's parks and squares together. We assure you, they delight in every season!

For those active in sports, twenty minutes of walking per day is recommended, and for those less active, 40 minutes. We should adhere to a WHO recommendation to maintain wellbeing and physical and mental health. In Kraków, this is easy to do, as there are quite a few exciting places to visit. Here are some suggestions for scenic walks in Nowa Huta. A sound mind in a sound body. So, off we go!

Take a deep breath at the Nowa Huta Reservoir

The Nowa Huta Reservoir is one of the most picturesque and attractive recreational areas in Kraków. It is a sizable reservoir with ducks swimming around, wide paths, a playground, a dog run, playing fields, a beach, a brine graduation tower and a food truck zone. It sounds like you could spend all day here, doesn't it?  Of course, you could.

The Nowa Huta Reservoir is one of the most popular places among Nowa Huta residents. Some come here on rollerblades or bicycles, others for walks topped off with an ice cream at one of Nowa Huta's ice cream parlours. There are also those who come regularly to oxygenate themselves with the precious iodine in the graduation tower. It used to be possible to rent a canoe or pedal boat here, but this idea has now been abandoned. From the Nowa Huta Reservoir it is not far to the wooden   Church of St John the Baptist and Our Lady of the Scapular and the Jan Matejko Manor House which can be visited from Friday to Sunday.

Among the wetlands and grasses of the New Huta Meadows

Although it is not a park, the meadows of Nowa Huta could be included in this list. It is one of the three areas within Kraków awarded and protected by the Natura 2000 list!

Here, you can find a variety of bird species (corncrake, whitethroat, little bittern), butterflies (violet copper, large copper), and interesting plant specimens (early marsh orchid, valerian, narrow-leaved rue). Many more species inhabit the Nowa Huta Meadows, but we recommend reading about these from the educational boards on site. The Meadows are ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. It is also possible to cycle here, but skaters, unfortunately, will not be able to cope on the pebbled path.

The Nowa Huta Cultural Centre, the Nowohuckie Przestrzenie restaurant, and the food truck zone are all within a stone's throw. So after a walk, you can indulge in art, eat a tasty burger or drink a delicious coffee.

Mogiła Forest – in the area of the former primeval forest

Let's move on then... The Mogiła Forest  is undoubtedly a rather wild place that's not so popular and isn't visited by many people. It is a place where you can encounter amazing wildlife and nature. It can be found between Mogiła and the roundabout by the Wanda Bridge.

It's a dense, tall, old-growth forest that used to be part of the wet forest that covered our country. It is not a huge area with a huge number of attractions. Instead, there areasphalted pathways ideal for rollerblades, skateboards andbaby carriages. There's also no shortage of benches –- almost like a park, even though it's a forest. There is also the wooden Chapel of Our Lady of Częstochowa and the salutary silence we so often desire.

Żeromski Park with a view of the Nowa Huta Meadows.

Right next door to the Stefan Żeromski Hospital, there is a picturesque park named after the eminent writer. It is beloved by children and their parents. This is not surprising, as the playground is divided into two parts, and holds plenty of entertainment for both children and adults.

The playground teaches through play about the animal species that inhabit the neighbouring Nowa Huta Meadows. Here, you will find life-like replicas of native birds' eggsfive times bigger than their real eggs,and a grass snake of even larger dimensions. Also noteworthy are the children's slides and mini-trampolines, and the aroma path reminiscent of delicious lemonade with mint. The park is pleasing to the eye, and you'll have toadmit, it really is adorable here. All this with a magnificent view of the Nowa Huta Meadows.

The Cherry Orchard without cherries but with sculptures

Let's move to the area around the Kocmyrzowskiego Roundabout, where another of Nowa Huta's parks hides. On nearly 3 hectares, you will find ideal places for walking, playing and relaxing. Admittedly, it's quite an ample space for an estate park.

It was renovated a few years ago, and with the renovation came new benches and bins and new walkways. The youngest can play on the modern playground, and the older can try their hand at outdoor exercise equipment. A distinctive feature of the site is the outdoor sculptures. Even though the number of outdoor sculptures has reduced to two, each continues to exude the same fun and excitement, ensuring a timeless enjoyment for all. Look for abstract sculptures of mermaids and seaweed in the nooks and crannies of the park.

Bieńczyckie Planty – from Kalinowe to Kocmyrzowskiego Roundabout

One could say that Bieńczyce is no longer Nowa Huta. According to the current administrative division, this is true. However, if you ask an elderly person living in Bieńczyce where he/she lives, he/she will certainly reply that he/she lives in Huta.

Planty Bieńczyckie is a long green belt stretching through the housing estates: Kalinowe, Strusia, Na Lotnisku, Wysokie, Kazimierzowskie, Jagiellońskie and Przy Arce. The 13-hectare area is a green belt with numerous trees, shrubs and alleys and a place for activity and relaxation. We have checked for you that the plantations can be covered in half an hour, one way, of course. Along the way you will pass playgrounds, playing fields, rest areas and several food and drink establishments, including the famous ice cream from Good Lood. It is well worth venturing into these areas for a walk.

Finally, the Kaczeńcowy Pond

Although it is not a park, it is hard not to mention it. The pond at Kaczeńcowa Street, a little pond among old trees, has seen a revitalisation. This charming place is located in the middle of... a neighbourhood full of detached houses. There are benches, a swing and several pathways. It's quiet and peaceful, making it the perfect place for a picnic, a walk with the dog, or a date with your other half or by yourself.

Sometimes, we travel far away, looking for excitement, beautiful views, and tranquillity, but what is beautiful is most often right next to us. This is also the case here. Inspired by ideas for a weekend walk in Nowa Huta? Green Nowa Huta is waiting for you – discover its charm!

 

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