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Kraków Valleys – trail map and the park’s top attractions

Where is the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park and which valleys does it cover?

The Kraków Valleys Landscape Park (Park Krajobrazowy Dolinki Krakowskie) is one of the most beautiful areas in Lesser Poland. It sits right next to the city of Kraków, so it is very easy to reach for a day trip. The park stretches between towns such as Zabierzów, Jerzmanowice, and Biały Kościół, and includes several limestone valleys of the Kraków–Częstochowa Upland (often called the Jura). Because it is so close to the city, it is a popular one‑day getaway.

The most beautiful valleys in the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park – each one has its own special atmosphere:

Table of Contents

Where is the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park and which valleys does it cover?
1. Bolechowicka Valley – the stone gateway to the Jura
2. Kobylańska Valley – the majesty of limestone cliffs
3. Będkowska Valley – land of trout and caves
4. Racławka Valley – trout, ice cream, and a playground by the stream
5. Eliaszówka Valley – along the stone walls of former hermitages
6. Szklarki Valley – through forest and scenic fields

Valleys near or within the park’s buffer zone:

Mnikowska Valley
Aleksandrowicka Valley
See also:

1. Bolechowicka Valley – the stone gateway to the Jura

The highlight here is the famous Bolechowicka Gate, a striking limestone rock formation that creates a natural entrance to the valley. It is one of the most photographed places in the Kraków Jura. You will find picnic spots, a wide meadow, and access to a small stream where children can splash safely. Although the Bolechowicki Gorge is quite short, there are many kilometers of forest walking paths around it. There are no commercial services in the valley (no restaurants or ice‑cream stands), so this is a place for nature lovers—bring your own water and snacks.

Bolechowicka Valley

Bolechowicka Valley: picnic meadow, Bolechówka stream, rocky walls

2. Kobylańska Valley – the majesty of limestone cliffs

Kobylańska Valley, near the village of Kobylany and not far from Kraków, is one of Poland’s best‑known rock‑climbing areas. An intermittent stream called the Kobylanka flows along the valley floor. Expect impressive limestone towers and a large meadow perfect for picnics. A nearby restaurant, "Sen o Dolinie," serves visitors to the area.

Kobylanska Valley

Kobylanska Valley - view from below the shrine

3. Będkowska Valley – land of trout and caves

Będkowska is one of the longest valleys of the Jura. An asphalt road runs along the bottom. Officially, car access is limited to guests of the local trout farm and the campground, but in high season there can still be quite a few cars, and the road is narrow—walking here (especially with a stroller) may feel uncomfortable. Instead of a through‑walk, we recommend the relaxing spots: the trout farm restaurants, where you can rest under apple trees with a view of the ponds, the hiking trails in the hills around the valley, and a visit to Nietoperzowa Cave (also called Bat Cave).

Będkowska Valley

Nietoperzowa (Bat) Cave - Where Bats Hang!

Nietoperzowa Cave is one of the largest caves in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, located in the village of Jerzmanowice near Ojców. ...

Będkowska Valley - Brandysówka Fish Farm

4. Racławka Valley – trout, ice cream, and a playground by the stream

Racławka Valley is a local favorite. It may not have the tallest limestone walls, but it offers a calm forest setting and the soothing sound of a stream that flows right beside the path.

Near the main entrance you will find the small park called "Dolina Pstrąga" (Trout Valley), with a stream, a playground, and a designated fire‑pit area. There is also a small kiosk with coffee and ice cream, and two trout farm restaurants nearby. Altogether, it makes an easy family day out.

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Raclawka Reserve and Valley

Trout Valley - park in the village of Dubie

Trout Valley - a park in the town of Dubie

“Dolina Pstrąga” Park in the village of Dubie

5. Eliaszówka Valley – along the stone walls of former hermitages

Eliaszówka Valley shows a different side of the Jura, where nature meets history. The path follows stone walls that once enclosed hermitages, passing the ruins of a monastery gatehouse and gate. A highlight is the stone Devil’s Bridge (Diabelski Most), shaped like a Roman aqueduct. It spans the Eliaszówka stream and looks as if it came from an old legend.

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Eliaszówka Valley: Devil’s Bridge and a walk along the monastery wall ruins

Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Czerna and the Carmelite Museum

The monastery was founded in the 17th century by the Discalced Carmelites. It was famous for strict discipline and a hermit way of life — the monks followed rules of silence, prayer, and spiritual work. For centuries it was closed to outsiders. ...

Carmelite Museum, Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Czerna

6. Szklarki Valley – through forest and scenic fields

Szklarki Valley is much quieter and less visited than the better‑known Jura valleys. Unlike most Kraków‑area valleys, the red hiking trail here does not follow the valley floor; it runs higher up. Parts of the route feel very different: some sections are peaceful forest paths with rocks hidden among the trees, while others cross pretty meadows with wide views of the valley. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy nature, views, and rural landscapes, you may really like it.

Szklarki Valley

Valleys near or within the park’s buffer zone:

Mnikowska Valley

This is a short valley, about 2 km long, but very beautiful, surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is ideal for a walk with a small child who is just learning to handle longer distances, or for older visitors. The trail follows a forest path beside the Sanka stream, and you cross several wooden bridges. In summer, the valley is shady and cool thanks to the surrounding rocks. There is a picnic meadow and an outdoor altar with an image of the Virgin Mary painted on the rock.

Mnikowska Valley

Aleksandrowicka Valley

Aleksandrowicka Valley is a short, scenic valley (about 3 km) in the village of Aleksandrowice, inside the Tenczyn Landscape Park. It is less known and less dramatic than the popular Kraków valleys, so it is best for visitors looking for wilder, unusual spots close to the city.