The heart of Chęciny is undoubtedly the majestic Royal Castle, towering over the city for over 700 years. It is a place that takes us straight back to the medieval era, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

How to get there: The castle is located at 7 Malogoska Street in Chęciny. Access is easy both by car and by public transportation. You can get here from the center of Kielce by bus in about 30 minutes.

What to see: Visiting the castle is a real treat for history lovers. It is worth climbing the towers, from where there is a beautiful panorama of the area. The courtyard often hosts knight shows and historical workshops, which are a great attraction for children.

Practical information:

• Opening hours: daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm)
• Ticket prices: normal - 22 zlotys, reduced - 17 zlotys, children under 7 years - free of charge
• Parking is located at the foot of the castle hill

Note: Visiting the castle requires good physical fitness due to the steep stairs. For families with small children, we recommend bringing a baby carrier instead of a stroller.

After visiting the castle, it's a good idea to go to the nearby Tourist Information Center in Chęciny (7 Małogoska St.), where you can get additional information about the region's attractions and purchase souvenirs.

For those with a thirst for knowledge, another stop might be the Leonardo Da Vinci Science Center in Podzamcze (Podzamcze 45, 26-060 Podzamcze). This state-of-the-art educational center offers interactive exhibits and experiments that are sure to pique the interest of children and adults alike. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and tickets cost PLN 25 for adults and PLN 20 for children.

After a day full of excitement, it is worth staying overnight in one of the numerous guesthouses or agritourism farms in the area, which offer comfortable conditions and a homely atmosphere.

The Chęciny area is a real paradise for lovers of geology and beautiful landscapes. Two unusual attractions that are a must-visit are the Zelejowa Mountain Nature Reserve and the mysterious Hell Cave.

Zelejowa Mountain Nature Reserve: How to get there: The reserve is located about 3 km east of the center of Chęciny. The easiest way to get here is by car or bicycle, parking at the entrance to the reserve.

What to see: Zelejowa Mountain is an unusual place where you can admire unique rock formations, including the famous 'rock mushrooms'. An educational trail leads through the most interesting points of the reserve, offering unforgettable views and the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Practical information:

• Admission to the reserve is free
• It is best to plan a visit from spring to autumn, when the paths are dry and safe
• Hiking shoes and bringing water are recommended

Hell Cave: How to get there: The cave is located in the village of Skiby, about 5 km from the center of Chęciny. Access is possible by car or bicycle.

What to see: Hell Cave is a fascinating creation of nature, which, according to legend, was the habitat of devils. Inside you can admire interesting rock formations and feel the atmosphere of mystery.

Practical information:

• Admission to the cave is free
• Visiting requires a flashlight and appropriate footwear
• Use caution, especially with children, due to the uneven and sometimes slippery surface

Note: Both Zelejowa Mountain and Hell Cave are natural attractions without tourist infrastructure. Be sure to bring appropriate equipment, including snacks and drinks.

For families with children, we recommend visiting Mount Zelejowa first, where the nature trail is more kid-friendly. The Hell Cave may be too challenging for young children, but older ones are sure to be delighted by its mysterious atmosphere.

After an adventurous day in nature, return to Chęciny and visit a local restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Swietokrzyskie dishes. We also recommend a visit to one of the numerous souvenir stores, where you can purchase local handicrafts.

At the end of our journey around Chęciny, we can't leave out one of the region's most beautiful attractions - Mount Miedzianka. This is a place that combines natural, geological and historical values, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

How to get there: Miedzianka is located about 5 km northeast of the center of Chęciny. The most convenient way to get here is by car, parking at the Museum Chamber of Aggregate Mining at the foot of the mountain.

What to see:

1. Miedzianka peak (354 m above sea level) - offers a beautiful panorama of the area, including a view of Chęciny Castle
2. geological path - leads through the most interesting rock formations, presenting the rich geological history of the region
3. remnants of old mines - testimony to the mining past of the area

Practical information:

• Admission to the Miedzianka site is free
• The best time to visit is from spring to autumn
• The route to the top takes about 20-30 minutes, is quite steep, but accessible to families with children
• Hiking shoes and taking water are recommended

For families with children:

• Prepare a 'treasure map' for children, encouraging them to explore different types of rocks and minerals
• Bring binoculars - birdwatching and panoramic views are possible from the vantage point
• Have a picnic in one of the clearings - but remember to take all the trash with you

Note: There is no catering infrastructure at Miedzianka, it is advisable to bring your own provisions.

After descending from Miedzianka, visit the Museum Chamber of Aggregate Mining, where you can learn about the history of copper ore mining in the region. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and tickets cost PLN 10 for adults and PLN 5 for children.

For those who want to continue their geological adventure, we recommend a visit to the nearby Geoeducation Center in Kielce (21 Daleszycka St., 25-202 Kielce), where interactive exhibitions introduce the fascinating world of geology.

All in all, Chęciny and the surrounding area offer an unusual combination of historical and natural attractions, perfect for a family outing full of adventure and discovery. From a majestic castle to mysterious caves to fascinating rock formations, there is something for everyone. Remember to adjust the tour plan to the age and abilities of your children, planning appropriate rest and meal breaks. Chęciny is a place you will certainly want to return to, discovering new secrets of this remarkable region each time.