Niepołomice Forest: Cycling to the Black Pond
Town: Stanisławice Nearby: Krakówstroller Route for stroller (small wheels)
directions_bike Bike route
directions_bike Bike route without motorized traffic
beach_access Route in the shade
directions_car Access by car
train Access by train possible
directions_bike Bike route
The Niepołomice Forest is a vast area with dozens of kilometers of comfortable, wide, well-maintained forest roads - perfect for off-road bike trips! If you don't like crowds, we recommend exploring the central and southern parts of the forest, as it is much quieter than the Niepołomice area itself, the western edge of the forest, and along the "Royal Road" from the north.
Exploring the Niepołomice Forest with a Stroller or Bicycle
Our favorite route is the road around the Długosz Royal Reserve in Stanisławice. You can easily reach the charming Black Pond hidden in the forest by following the comfortable asphalt path.
Getting to the Forest without a Car!
One big advantage of this route is the possibility of reaching it by train (Stanisławice train station).
From the train station, you can walk (or ride) through a quiet residential street to reach the forest in about 10 minutes.
If you prefer to arrive by car, there is a fairly large parking lot at the forest's edge.
Cycling to the Black Pond from Stanisławice
From the forest's edge, there is a convenient asphalt path leading all the way to the Black Pond, which is perfect for bicycles, strollers, and rollerblades.
Unfortunately, the path is not marked in any way (the marked green trail turns right onto dirt roads). However, orientation should not be a big problem. Although there are several intersections along the way, always choose the asphalt path. You can also use the map in the article's header to navigate the area.
Along the way, you will pass a memorial site: the cemetery of Polish soldiers at Osikówka. It is a mass grave of over 50 soldiers who died near here in September 1939. [More about the cemetery at Osikówka and the circumstances of the fallen soldiers' deaths >>]
Attention! Near the pond, at an intersection, you will see a sign pointing "to the water intake point" - turn left there. The road remains asphalt:
After a small bridge, continue straight until you see another sign - this time, turn right:
The Black Pond in the Niepołomice Forest
This is a peaceful and charming place, perfect for a family picnic.
There is only one bench at the site, narrow paths around the pond, and interesting vegetation, such as fluffy cotton grass:
PS. There are no benches or designated resting areas along the road. The only exceptions are two wooden "shelters" - one near the cemetery at Osikówka, and the other near the intersection close to the pond, as well as the one and only bench near the pond. If you want to take a break along the way, it's a good idea to bring your own blanket or make use of this "natural infrastructure":
Other Walking and Cycling Routes in the Niepołomice Forest
If you don't have a stroller or bikes with you and simply want to take a walk in the forest and visit the Black Pond, you can also take more natural, forest paths instead of the asphalt road.
In this case, you can choose the green trail (which eventually leads all the way to Niepołomice - 17 km from Stanisławice). So, if you want to reach the Black Pond after reaching the asphalt road, you need to abandon the green signs.
With a good map and location awareness, you can also explore other non-asphalt forest roads and paths!
Or perhaps you're interested in an educational walk? We recommend the educational trail in Damienice (southeastern part of the Niepołomice Forest):
Easy
Niepołomice Forest: educational forest trail
Other Forests near Kraków
Forests in Krakow and forests around Krakow
Tired of your local park? Even the most elaborate and modern playground doesn't excite you anymore? ...
PS. We have included this route in our article "Family Bike Routes near Kraków". Check out the others too!
Family Bike Routes near Krakow
Are you tired of cycling on paths in urban parks? It's time to go on a family bike trip outside the city! Here are a few of our favorite and tested bike routes. ...
More in the Region Małopolskie (Małopolskie)
