Despite the density of visitors to Kraków since the budget airline boom, it’s still incredibly easy to derail yourself from the tourist trail. One of Kraków’s best diversions is Las Wolski (Wolski Forest) - a massive protected woodland atop several hills that majestically tower over the city centre a mere 8km to the west (just beyond Salwator and Kościuszko Mound). The forest’s close proximity and easy access make it one of the best recreational areas available to Cracovians; Las Wolski’s 422 hectares (1042 acres) include eight marked hiking trails (total length 35km/22 miles), a cycling path, horse-riding trail and cross-country skiing route. In addition to being an important local recreational enclave and wildlife habitat for deer, badgers, hares, foxes and other critters, the forest also shelters several tourist and family destinations, including the Kraków Zoo, Przegorzały Castle, Pilsudski Mound and the mysterious Camaldolese Monastery atop Srebrna Góra (Silver Mountain). If you're eager to escape the city, this is the easiest way to do it; go out and spend an afternoon getting lost in Las Wolski.