Nowa Huta Reservoir in Krakow: Małpi Gaj island and paths

Fed by the waters of the Młynówka, which starts at a weir in Bieńczyce, Nowa Huta Reservoir in Krakow (Zalew Nowohucki) is the central feature of a park in District XVIII. The reservoir is about 1300 m in a straight line from Central Square (Plac Centralny). The park around the reservoir is public, and you do not need a ticket to enter.

• Address: Bulwarowa Street, Melchiora Wańkowicza Street and Solidarności Avenue, District XVIII, Krakow
• Getting there: the nearest stops are Struga, Os. Zielone and Bulwarowa.
• Tickets: none needed; the reservoir is in a public park.

Małpi Gaj island and the park around Nowa Huta Reservoir

In the middle of the reservoir is a small island called Małpi Gaj (Monkey Grove). It is a safe habitat for many species of waterbirds, including ducks, swans and other migrating and breeding species, and it is popular with people who enjoy nature and photography.

According to the Municipal Greenery Authority, the reservoir is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Krakow. The park around it is an extensive green area with many walking paths, wide lawns and many places to rest, and since it was created it has become one of the favourite places of Krakow residents for relaxation.

The park has a path for running, rollerblading and cycling, multi-purpose sports pitches and a birdwatching point. Family picnics, outdoor events, fairs, concerts, and sports and leisure events take place in the park and attract residents and tourists throughout the year.

History of Nowa Huta Reservoir: dredging and renewal

An investment that used European Union funds made it possible to remove silt from the reservoir and clean it. Playgrounds and small food outlets were built on the developed banks at that time, and by 2012 the first stage of the investment "Zagospodarowanie terenu nad Zalewem Nowohuckim" (development of the area by the reservoir) was completed.

The aim of the investment was to revitalise the degraded area of the reservoir and to create a city facility for recreation and relaxation. In 2025 the city reported that observations from previous years show that reclamation treatments increased the clarity of the water. These treatments also significantly reduced the number of potentially disease-causing microorganisms.

The 2025 decision against a bathing area

In spring 2025 the city authorities announced that Nowa Huta Reservoir would not become a bathing area for now. The reasons given were the ecosystem and the improvement in water quality. A bathing area would disturb the biological balance of the water, which had developed over the years. The city also stated at that time that the water parameters are tested twice a year, in spring and autumn.

How to get to Nowa Huta Reservoir: Struga and Bulwarowa stops

The nearest stops to the park are Struga, Os. Zielone and Bulwarowa. The park appears as Park Zalew Nowohucki in the list of parks on the website of the Municipal Greenery Authority; check the current details on that website before your visit.

Avenue of Roses and other places near the reservoir

The Avenue of Roses (Aleja Róż) and the Steelworks Administration Centre are both about 1050 m from the reservoir in a straight line, and Bar Mleczny Centralny is about 1250 m away.

Nowa Huta Reservoir: questions visitors ask

Where is Nowa Huta Reservoir in Krakow?

In District XVIII. The park around the reservoir lies by Bulwarowa Street, Melchiora Wańkowicza Street and Solidarności Avenue.

What is the island in Nowa Huta Reservoir?

It is Małpi Gaj, a small island in the middle of the water. The island is a safe habitat for waterbirds such as ducks and swans.

Can you swim in Nowa Huta Reservoir?

In spring 2025 the city authorities announced that the reservoir would not become a bathing area for now, giving the biological balance of the water as the reason.

Photo: Mach240390, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0, cropped.