Guide: 7 days of active leisure in small towns of Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska

Guide: 7 days of active leisure in small towns of Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska

June 11, 2025

Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska is a land that delights at any time of the year. Picturesque landscapes, mysterious caves and majestic castles create the perfect backdrop for an active vacation. We invite you on a seven-day adventure, during which you will discover the most beautiful corners of this region, combining relaxation with physical activity and education. Our route will take you through charming towns, let you explore the history written in the walls of medieval fortresses and experience the closeness of nature in its purest form. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will stay in your memory for a long time!

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Day 1-3: Ojcowski National Park and surroundings

Start your adventure with a visit to Ojcow National Park, the pearl of the Krakow-Czestochowa Jurassic Highlands. Established in 1956, the park impresses with its diverse landscape and abundance of wildlife. To reach the park, the most convenient way is by car - the parking lot is located at the entrance to the park in Ojców (address: Ojców 9, 32-045 Sułoszowa). Entrance tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at the entrance - prices range from PLN 4 to PLN 9, depending on the season and type of ticket (as of 2023, it's worth checking current prices on the park's official website before visiting).

On your first day, plan a stroll through the Prądnik Valley, where you'll see characteristic limestone buttresses, including the famous Hercules Mace. Don't forget to visit the Krakow Gate, an impressive rock formation that serves as a natural gateway to the park. It's the perfect place for a family picnic and a rest after a hike.

On the second day, head to Jaskinia Łokietka, one of the most famous caves in Poland. The cave is located in the village of Skała, and takes about 20 minutes to reach from the parking lot in Ojcow. Visiting the cave is only possible with a guide, in groups of up to 15 people. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance - the price for adults is about PLN 30, for children PLN 20 (prices as of 2023). Remember that the cave has a constant temperature of about 7-8°C, so it is worth taking warm clothes.

On the third day, visit Pieskowa Skała Castle, a pearl of Renaissance architecture. The castle is located in the town of Suloszowa (address: Suloszowa 5, 32-045 Pieskowa Skała). Access is possible by car - there is a parking lot next to the castle. The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and tickets cost about PLN 25 for adults and PLN 15 for children (prices from 2023). The castle offers valuable artifacts and magnificent views of the Prądnik Valley.

While in the area of Ojcow National Park, it is worth staying in one of the numerous guesthouses or agritourism farms. They offer not only accommodation, but often also home-cooked meals and the opportunity to experience the local culture. Remember to make reservations in advance, especially during the summer season.

These three days will allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of the region, providing an excellent start to your Jurassic adventure. Remember to bring comfortable trekking shoes, appropriate weather-appropriate clothing, and a supply of water and hiking snacks. For families with children, we recommend bringing binoculars for bird watching and a camera to capture unforgettable views.

Day 4-5: Active recreation in the Bêdkowska Valley and surroundings

On the fourth day of your Jurassic adventure, move to the picturesque Bêdkowska Valley. This charming valley, located just 20 km from Krakow, offers ideal conditions for active recreation for the whole family. To reach the valley, it is best to use a car - you will find a parking lot at the beginning of the valley in the village of Będkowice (address: 32-089 Będkowice). Admission to the valley is free, making it an excellent option for families looking for budget solutions.

The Bêdkowice Valley is famous for its beautiful landscapes and numerous opportunities for active recreation. Start your day with a walk along the Bêkowka stream, admiring the picturesque limestone rocks along the way. For families with children, we recommend the route to the Shum waterfall - an easy trail of about 2 km one way, accessible even to the youngest tourists. Remember to bring comfortable footwear and enough water.

For more advanced climbers, the Bêdkowska Valley offers numerous climbing routes of varying difficulty. If you plan to climb, be sure to check the current conditions and regulations for climbing in the area. For beginners, we recommend using the services of local climbing schools, which offer equipment and instruction.

After an active day in the Bêlkova Valley, on the fifth day of your trip, it is worth visiting the nearby Upper Wierzchowska Cave. The cave is located in the village of Wierzchowie (address: Wierzchowie 53, 32-089 Wielka Wieś). Access is possible by car - there is a parking lot near the cave. Sightseeing of the cave takes place with a guide, in groups of up to 30 people. Tickets can be purchased on site - the price for adults is about 30 zlotys, for children 25 zlotys (prices from 2023, it is worth checking current prices before visiting).

The Upper Wierzchowska Cave is the largest cave in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland available to visit. The tourist route is about 700 meters long and leads through picturesque passages and chambers. The cave has a constant temperature of about 8°C, so it is advisable to bring warm clothes. The tour lasts about an hour and is suitable for families with children over 5 years old.

In the area around the Będkowska Valley and Wierzchowska Cave, you'll find plenty of lodging options - from campsites to cozy guesthouses. Consider staying at one of the agritourism farms, which often offer home-cooked meals and opportunities to experience the local culture.

These two days will allow you to combine active rest with a fascinating exploration of the underground world of the Jura Mountains. Remember to bring appropriate clothing (including warm ones for the cave visit), comfortable trekking shoes, UV sunscreen and a supply of water and snacks. For families with children, we recommend taking a small backpack for each child with basic equipment, which will help them feel like real explorers!

Day 6-7: Ogrodzieniec Castle and Siedlce Desert

Start the sixth day of your Jurassic adventure with a visit to the majestic Ogrodzieniec Castle. This impressive fortress, considered one of the most beautiful on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests, is located in Podzamcze (address: Zamkowa, 42-440 Podzamcze). The most convenient way to get here is by car - there is a large parking lot next to the castle (paid, about PLN 10 per day, as of 2023). The castle is open daily, and admission tickets cost about PLN 25 for adults and PLN 18 for children (prices as of 2023, it's worth checking current prices on the official castle website before visiting).

Visiting the castle ruins is a fascinating trip back in time. It is worth using the services of a guide, who will colorfully tell you about the turbulent history of the place. Special thematic tours and historical workshops are organized for families with children. The castle tower offers a beautiful view of the surroundings - don't forget to bring your camera!

After visiting the castle, take a walk along the educational path around the castle hill. The trail is easy and accessible for families with children, offering beautiful views and the opportunity to learn about local flora and fauna.

Spend the seventh and final day of your trip exploring an unusual natural phenomenon - the Siedlce Desert. This small desert, also known as the Bledowska Desert, is located in the town of Siedlec (about 30 km from Ogrodzieniec Castle). To reach the viewpoint, head to the village of Siedlec and then follow the signs.

The Siedlec Desert is a unique sandy area in Europe, which was created by human activity. Today it is a fascinating ecosystem where you can observe the process of plant succession. For families with children, this is a great opportunity to learn about geology and ecology in practice.

There is an observation tower in the desert, which offers a panoramic view of the entire area. Admission to the desert is free. Remember to bring water, headgear and UV sunscreen - there is no natural shade in the desert.

In the area around Ogrodzieniec Castle and Siedlce Desert, you'll find plenty of lodging options - from campsites to hotels. Consider staying at one of the guesthouses in Podzamcze, which will allow you to enjoy the view of the castle at different times of the day.

These two days are the perfect culmination of your Jurassic adventure, combining elements of history, geology and nature. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, appropriate weather-appropriate clothing, water and snacks. For families with children, we recommend bringing a small shovel and bucket - in the desert, children will be able to feel like little archaeologists!

All in all, the seven-day expedition in Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska is an excellent option for families looking for active recreation surrounded by beautiful nature and fascinating history. Each day brings new impressions and opportunities for exploration, allowing for a deeper understanding of this unique region of Poland. Remember to always respect the rules of nature conservation and exercise caution while exploring. We wish you a successful trip and an unforgettable experience!

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