Mountains near Kraków — the best day hikes from the city
The closest mountains to Kraków are the Maków Beskids — they begin about 30 km south of the city, beyond Myślenice. Kraków is the large Polish city closest to the mountains; on a clear day you can even see the Tatras from here. So a longer stay is well worth combining with a day trip. Here are ideas for beginners and more experienced hikers.
The closest mountains to Kraków: the Maków Beskids
The Maków Beskids (Beskid Makowski) aren’t very high — perfect for gentle hikes. To get there, just head for Myślenice or Pcim.
A pleasant outing is the walk to the PTTK mountain hut at Kudłacze (about 730 m above sea level) — easy trails from Pcim or Działek take around 2–2.5 hours. A similar trip is Lubomir (904 m) in the same range. On its summit stands the Tadeusz Banachiewicz Astronomical Observatory — the pre-war one burned down in 1944, and the new one has been open since 2007 and can be visited.
The Island Beskids: Mogielica
Heading further south, it’s worth climbing Mogielica (1,170 m) — the highest peak of the Island Beskids (Beskid Wyspowy) and one of the Crown of Polish Mountains. There’s an observation tower on top. The shortest trail (green) starts at Rydza-Śmigłego Pass near Jurków — about 3 hours there and back. From Kraków it’s about 65–80 km, depending on the route. The summit is a nature reserve, so dogs are not allowed.
Scenic trails for everyone: Przehyba and Three Crowns
East of the Island Beskids lie the Sądecki Beskids. It’s worth going up Przehyba (1,175 m) in the Radziejowa range, where there’s a PTTK mountain hut with accommodation. One easy way up is a comfortable, largely paved road from Gaboń.
Further south are the Pieniny — one of Poland’s smallest ranges, but unique for its cliffs above the Dunajec gorge. The must-see is Three Crowns (Trzy Korony) — its highest point, Okrąglica, is about 982 m — with a view of the Tatras. Entry to Pieniny National Park is free; the viewing platform on the summit is paid in season and there are often queues at weekends.
More serious hikes: Babia Góra and the Tatras
For a bigger challenge there’s Babia Góra, the highest peak in Poland outside the Tatras — Diablak is 1,725 m high. It’s not called the “Mother of Bad Weather” for nothing: the weather changes very fast here. The most popular trail (red) starts at Krowiarki Pass — about 4.6 km and 2.5 hours up. From Kraków it’s about a 2-hour drive. Entry to Babia Góra National Park is paid, and out of season tickets are sold online.
It takes about as long to reach the Tatras — by car if you leave early and avoid traffic, or by train. There are countless trails, including the hardest, such as Orla Perć — for experienced hikers only. Entry to Tatra National Park is paid (tickets also online), and parking for the Morskie Oko trail must be booked in advance. Before setting off, check the TPN announcements — some trail sections are closed for repairs from time to time.
How to get to the mountains from Kraków without a car
- Myślenice — minibuses and buses from several operators leave from the MDA bus station at Bosacka 18 (there’s no railway to Myślenice).
- Zakopane — PKP Intercity trains from Kraków Główny station; the fastest take about 2 hours. There are also minibuses from the bus station.
- Szczawnica (Pieniny) — direct minibuses and buses, about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Zawoja (Babia Góra) — minibuses from the bus station next to Kraków Główny, about 2 hours.
Where to stay in Kraków before a mountain trip
If you’re travelling by car, a convenient base is Best Western Plus Kraków Old Town at Świętej Gertrudy 6 — the hotel has its own car park in the very centre (limited spaces, book ahead), and Kraków Główny station is about 1.6 km away. A characterful alternative is Hotel Regent in a historic townhouse in Kazimierz — ideal if you’re heading to the mountains by train or bus.
Plan your stay in Kraków
Frequently asked questions
What are the closest mountains to Kraków?
The Maków Beskids — they begin about 30 km south of Kraków, around Myślenice. Easy goals include the Kudłacze hut and Lubomir with its astronomical observatory.
Where can I go hiking on a day trip from Kraków?
For easy hikes: Kudłacze, Lubomir, Mogielica, Przehyba and Three Crowns. For a more ambitious day: Babia Góra (about a 2-hour drive) or the Tatras.
How long is the train from Kraków to Zakopane?
The fastest trains from Kraków Główny take about 2 hours.
Updated in October 2026.