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Nielepice - Rock with the Cross

Nearby: Krakow

Region:

Jura (Jura), Okolica Krakowa (The Surroundings of Krakow), Małopolskie (Małopolskie)

straighten 0.5km

timer 11min

north_east 29m

south_east 10m

Medium - For young hikers, steep sections possible

The slope of the terrain
Route in the sun

The Rock with the Cross is the highest rock in the Nielepice Rocks, on the ridge of Dymniok Hill (about 320 m a.s.l. / 1,050 ft) in the village of Nielepice, around 20 km (12 mi) from Kraków (Krakow). On its top there is a small viewing platform with wide views of the Olkusz Upland, the Tenczyński Ridge, and mountains in the distance.

From Kraków (Krakow), take suburban bus 298 from the Bronowice terminus to Nielepice Pętla, the last stop. From there it is about 10 minutes on foot along the green-marked trail to the rock.
A large, free car park is next to the Nielepice bus loop and Piłsudski Park.
The final approach with a stroller is difficult. The path starts on asphalt but changes to loose gravel with a steep uphill section.
At the foot of the rock there is a small green area with benches and a fire ring.
The area has little shade and can be very sunny.
There are no cafes, restaurants, or shops nearby. Bring your own water and snacks.

Nielepice Pętla - start point

This is where the city buses from Kraków finish the route, so you cannot miss your stop. The ride itself is scenic: rolling hills and distant mountains hint that you picked a good destination for a short trip outside the city.

There is a fairly large car park by the stop, so whether you arrive by car or bus, you start the walk from the same place.

After getting off, walk back in the direction the bus arrived from, not toward the center of Nielepice.

A small rock shrine marks the start of the trail right by the bus loop. Cross the main road here. The trail then follows a quiet rural asphalt lane.

Nielepice - approach to the Rock with the Cross

Leave the asphalt and turn onto a gravel road that leads to the small square under the rock.

Rock with the Cross in Nielepice

This is a lovely viewpoint that combines culture and nature. You will find a tall cross, the Stations of the Cross, and local pilgrimage traditions, together with attractive scenery. Thanks to easy access, it is a great idea for a short half-day trip from Kraków.

The rock also attracts climbers. It is 6-14 m high (20-46 ft), with at least 16 routes, graded around UIAA IV to VI.5.

The first cross was put up here in 1874-75 by parish members. Several crosses were later damaged by lightning and wind. The current steel cross is 15.6 m tall (51 ft) with arms 6 m wide (20 ft), installed in 2010. At that time solid steps were built, and the final Station of the Cross was placed in a niche at the base of the rock.

You reach the top by comfortable stone steps with handrails.

View from the Rock with the Cross, Nielepice

Nielepców Square

At the foot of the rock there is a picnic-friendly lawn with a fire ring, benches, tables, and bike racks. The name of the square comes from the former owners of the village. In the 15th century, one part of Nielepice belonged to the Tenczyn Castle estate, while another part belonged to minor nobility who took the surname Nielepiec. The Nielepiec family owned the village until 1770.