Ojcowski National Park
What to See in Ojcowski National Park and Why Visit?
Ojcowski National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Poland. It is located in the Małopolskie Voivodeship, about 16 kilometers north of Krakow. The park was established on January 14, 1956, and covers an area of 21.46 km². It is known for its picturesque landscapes, numerous caves, and interesting rock formations.
Getting There and Parking:
Ojcowski National Park is about 15 km from Krakow, making it a popular trip destination for both locals and tourists visiting Krakow.
- The most convenient way to get there by car is to park in the village of Ojców. However, this parking lot is small and often full.
- On weekends and during the high season, it is easier to park in the nearby village of Czajowice and walk to the park via a stroller-friendly trail, or in Sąspów and walk through the Sąspowska Valley, which is a scenic walking route.
1. Prądnik Valley - Main Trail in Ojcowski National Park
Prądnik Valley in Ojców is the main trail of Ojcowski National Park. It is an easy, paved road suitable for families with strollers and young cyclists (the road is closed to car traffic, except for access to properties). The valley is surrounded by limestone, steep rocks with interesting shapes - many of them have their own names!
Easy
Ojców, Prądnik Valley - Ojcowski National Park
2. Green Educational Trail with Viewpoints Over the Entire Valley
This is a beautiful, scenic, and educational trail located in Ojcowski National Park near Prądnik Valley. The trail leads along the tops of the rocks forming the valley. There are viewpoints along the entire length of the trail overlooking the valley below. You can enter the trail from the side of the Dark Cave or the Krakow Gate.
Difficult
Ojców - Green Educational Trail
3. Ojców Castle
The castle was built on a limestone rock and looks beautiful from the valley floor. It was one of the defensive fortresses of the "Eagle's Nests" - its role was to protect Krakow and merchants traveling the trade route to Silesia. Unfortunately, only a ruin remains of the defensive fortress today. The main attraction of the castle is the entrance gate surrounded by limestone rocks.
Ojcow Castle
Ojcow Castle - how to get there? The ruins of the castle are located on Castle Hill in Ojcow, at the entrance to Ojcow National Park. ...
4. Pieskowa Skała Castle and Hercules' Club
Pieskowa Skała Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Poland, situated in the picturesque Prądnik River Valley, within Ojcowski National Park. It is one of the castles of the so-called "Eagle's Nests" - castles built on the order of King Casimir the Great, forming a defensive chain to protect the borders of the Kingdom of Poland and trade routes.
Right next to the castle, a few hundred meters away, is one of the most characteristic elements of the Ojcowski National Park landscape – Hercules' Club. It is an impressive rock formation about 25 meters high, resembling a club, hence its name.
Pieskowa Skala Castle
Pieskowa Skala Castle - Directions and Parking There are two parking lots near the castle: 1) Paid unguarded parking under ...
5. Caves in Ojcowski National Park
The park has two caves open to visitors - the most famous (and most crowded!) is Łokietek's Grotto. The second is the Dark Cave. However, we highly recommend visiting the Wierzchowska Cave, located a bit off the beaten path from Ojcowski National Park - it is much more peaceful, and the cave offers the longest tourist route among all caves in Poland.
Wierzchowska Cave
Getting to and Accessing the Cave The cave is located on the route from Krakow to Olkusz. When driving towards Olkusz, in the village of Bi ...
6. Eagle's Nests Trail - Coloring Book for Kids
See Also:
The most beautiful castles of the Eagles' Nests trail
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