Polish Maldives: Price, Admission, and Accommodation Tips

When you say “Maldives,” most of us imagine an exotic island in the Indian Ocean with white beaches and turquoise water. But did you know that just an hour and twenty minutes from Ostrava, you can experience the Polish Maldives? While it’s not an island and the water is more greenish, the Polish Maldives are a phenomenon that has been attracting more and more travelers in recent years.

In this guide on Polish Maldives: Price, Admission, and Accommodation Tips, I’ll show you what the Polish Maldives actually are, where to find them, how to get there, and why they’re worth visiting.

TL;DR

• The Polish Maldives are two different locations in Poland with turquoise water resembling the exotic Maldives from above.
• Gródek Park in Jaworzno (the original and best-known “Polish Maldives”):
  • Former dolomite quarry transformed into a nature park
  • Admission is free and the park is open non-stop all year round
  • Swimming is prohibited here
• Zakrzówek Park in Krakow (the newer “Polish Maldives”):
  • Former limestone quarry transformed into a recreational area
  • It contains five pools of varying depths suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers
  • Opening hours are from June to September, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and only 1000 people are allowed in.
  • There are long queues for admission.
• Accommodation Tips:
  • In Jaworzno: Hotel Brojan, Pańska Góra or Leśny zakątek malediwy Spa
  • In Krakow, we recommend Amber Boutique Hotels
• Nearby Excursion Tips:
  • Jaworzno: Katowice, Silesian Museum, NOSPR Concert Hall, Jaworzno City Park, Tychy Aquapark
  • Krakow: historic center, Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, Wieliczka Salt Mine

What are the Polish Maldives and where to Find Them

The Polish Maldives are not just one place, as it might seem. This name is used for two different locations in Poland, which, thanks to their clear water and footbridge, remotely resemble an exotic paradise. And the Poles themselves even wrote it on a sign. 😁

Gródek Park in Jaworzno

The original and best-known “Polish Maldives” can be found in Gródek Park in the city of Jaworzno, which is located approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Ostrava. When you arrive, even the signs say “Malediwy”. Don’t expect anything huge, though it’s a nice walk and a very pleasant trip.

This park was created on the site of a former dolomite quarry, which was flooded and reclaimed. Since 2019, it has been accessible to the public and has become a tourist sensation.

Gródek Park covers an area of 58.54 hectares, and its dominant features are two azure lakes – Wydra and Orka. It is precisely their incredibly clear water with a distinct turquoise color that resembles the exotic Maldives. In addition to the water bodies, you will also find many other natural habitats here, such as thermophilic grasslands, meadows, rocky biotopes, wetlands, and forests.

A characteristic feature is a winding wooden footbridge leading across Lake Wydra, which you can walk along. When the water level is high, the footbridge goes below its surface, allowing you to dip your feet and walk through the small lake.

It’s a walk of about an hour at most, even with taking photos, so be sure to plan trips to nearby towns if you’re coming from further away.

Zakrzówek Park in Krakow

The newer “Polish Maldives” can be found in Zakrzówek Park in the city of Krakow. It is a former limestone quarry that has been transformed into a recreational oasis. The site features five pools of varying depths, suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers.

Zakrzówek was only opened in 2023 and quickly gained great popularity. To some visitors, it resembles Croatia more than the Maldives, thanks to the high rock cliffs that surround it.

Polish Maldives: when is the Best Time to Visit

You can visit the Polish Maldives year-round, but of course, you’ll have the best experience in the summer months, when you can fully enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of these places.

• Gródek Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Access is free.
• Zakrzówek Park has an official season from mid-June to early September. Entry is limited; a maximum of 1000 people can be there at one time. Entry is only permitted during lifeguard shifts, which are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

If you want to visit Zakrzówek, locals recommend going early in the morning and queuing up before the turnstiles. First come, first served for swimming. For those unsuccessful in gaining entry to the pools, it is possible to swim directly in the quarry.

💡TIP: Vacation in Poland by the sea

Polish Maldives: Price, Admission, and Accommodation Tips

Accommodation in Jaworzno (Gródek Park)

In Jaworzno, you will find several accommodation options, including, for example:

• Hotel Brojan – a newly renovated hotel with a restaurant and wellness center.
• Pańska Góra – a hotel with a wellness center and an elegant restaurant.

If you prefer privacy and romance, you can rent a cottage Leśny zakątek malediwy Spa, where you will have a terrace, garden, and private hot tub at your disposal.

Accommodation in Krakow (Zakrzówek Park)

Krakow offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to hostels. It’s ideal to stay in the city center or near Zakrzówek Park. We recommend Amber Boutique Hotel.

How to get to the Polish Maldives

From Ostrava to Gródek Park

By car: The journey from Ostrava by car takes approximately 1.5 hours. Just follow the signs for Katowice and then Jaworzno.

By train: The train journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. You need to go from Ostrava to Bohumín, then to Katowice, and from Katowice to Jaworzno – Szczakowa.

In Jaworzno, two relatively large parking lots are available for visitors. Parking can be paid by card and costs 15 zloty. It’s ideal to choose the parking lot near the roundabout, where you can grab a bite or have ice cream on your way to or from your walk.

Plan your trip in advance and don’t forget to check your valid compulsory insurance – you can easily find advantageous offers through the insurance comparison tool Suri.

From Ostrava to Zakrzówek Park in Krakow

You can get to Krakow from Ostrava by car in less than 2 hours. You can also use bus or train connections, which take approximately 3-4 hours.

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What to Do and See in Gródek Park

Gródek Park offers many ways to spend a pleasant day in nature. You can:

1. Walk along the wooden footbridge over Lake Wydra’s water; it’s the main attraction.
2. Admire the turquoise color of the water from various viewpoints.
3. Walk along the nature trail around the lakes and discover the local fauna and flora.
4. Take photos – the park offers many beautiful and photogenic spots.
5. Sit in nature and enjoy peace and relaxation.

What not to Do in the Park

• Do not swim – swimming in the lakes is prohibited for safety reasons. After mining ceased, the quarry flooded, and no one knows exactly what the ground is like here. Lake Orka is reserved exclusively for a diving center.
• Do not drive into the area by car, motorcycle, or other noisy means of transport
• Do not light fires
• Do not pollute the environment
• Do not camp

💡You might also be interested in: 16 tips for wellness hotels in Poland near the border

What to Do and See in Zakrzówek Park

In Zakrzówek Park, you can:

1. Swim in the pools of varying depths, suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers.
2. Relax on the beaches around the pools.
3. Swim in the quarry – if you can’t get to the pools, you can swim directly in the quarry.
4. Admire the rock cliffs that surround the park.

More Tips for Trips in the Surroundings

Surroundings of Jaworzno (Gródek Park)

• Katowice – a modern industrial city with a rich history and culture. You can visit the Silesian Museum, located in a former mine. The complex, completed in 2013, includes original historic halls and a mining tower complemented by a group of glass blocks. The museum itself is hidden underground.
• NOSPR Concert Hall – a globally renowned building that was constructed on the site of a former coal mine in 2014. Its facade is made of red bricks, typical for the Silesian region.
• Park with a water playground in Jaworzno – located next to the Galena Gallery shopping center in the very heart of the city. It is an atypical city park with several interconnected bubbles and a meandering channel, which in the widest part of the park takes the form of a wading pool with fountains for children.
• Tychy Aquapark – an ideal place for water fun if you want to combine your visit to Gródek Park with swimming.
• Sosina Lake – a natural lake with a beach near Jaworzno, where you can swim.

Surroundings of Krakow (Zakrzówek Park)

• Historic center of Krakow – one of the most beautiful historic centers in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Wawel Castle – a former residence of Polish kings with a beautiful view of the city.
• Main Market Square – one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, where you’ll find the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) and other historic monuments.
• Jewish Quarter Kazimierz – a historic district full of interesting sights, cafes, and restaurants.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine – unique salt mines with underground chapels and salt sculptures, which are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Practical Information for your Visit

We have compiled some practical information for your visit.

Prices around Gródek Park

• Parking: 15 zloty
• Refreshments: A Jaworzno burger costs approximately 220 CZK, a mini burger 130 CZK, fries 100 CZK
• Ice cream: 7 zloty (40 CZK per scoop)
• Coffee: cappuccino approximately 80 CZK

Practical Tips for your Visit

• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking in both parks.
• Don’t forget sunscreen – especially in the summer months.
• Bring plenty of water – especially on hot days.
• Have Polish zloty or a payment card ready (we recommend Revolut) – for parking and refreshments.
• Follow park rules – especially the swimming ban in Gródek Park.
• Arrive at Zakrzówek Park early in the morning to avoid queues.
• Check the weather before your visit – the experience might not be as pleasant on rainy days.

Is it Really like the Maldives?

Not really, but it’s beautiful here. Of course, the Polish Maldives cannot fully replace the experience of the exotic Maldives. In Poland, you won’t find palm groves, coral reefs, or white sandy beaches. However, it’s a very beautiful and photogenic trip, so if you live near the Polish border or are planning a road trip through Poland, definitely come here!

Frequently Asked Questions