Ojców National Park - a guide to the attractions of Ojców and its surroundings

Ojców National Park is one of the most beautiful gems of Małopolska! It includes the Prądnik Valley and the Sąspowska Valley - picturesque Krakow valleys with trails, rocks, caves and other attractions. In addition, you will find castles, a monastery and other monuments. Characteristic here are white, protruding limestone rocks with amazing shapes. They stand out against thebackground of greenery, above the writhing Prądnik. On top of that, there are laughing tourists, and over their heads there are historic guest houses. Be sure to visit this place and see if it will make such a strong impression on you!

Opn is located in the Kraków Częstochowa Upland, in its southern part, a few dozen kilometers from Kraków. It is the smallest national park in Poland, although the number of attractions does not give way to others. It was established in January 1956 on the initiative of Professor Szafer. In the beautiful Prądnik Valley, majestic rock remnants with characteristic shapes and names have accumulated in great numbers. Why spines? Because they are made of a more resistant material and have survived despite the erosion of wind and water. Caves accumulated in the rocks. On the surface, there are interesting species of flora and fauna, such as paternal birch or runner beetles.

Experiences in Opn

You will find many unusual attractions here - valuable architectural monuments, fantastic rocks, caves or historic guest houses, as well as a network of hiking trails that you can walk throughout the day. A real unusual feature is the fact that in such a small area there were as many as two castles. The one in Ojców has been preserved in a state of ruin, while Pieskowa Skała impresses with its entire, wonderful shape.

1. Sand Rock Castle

It is a splendidly preserved and today restored Renaissance building. This is the ancestral nest of Szafraniec, created at least in the fourteenth century. The castle is open to tourists all year round, it is a branch of the Wawel Museum. It is worth taking a look inside, where beautiful exhibitions with works of art await. Theinner courtyard with cloisters is also yearly. In the bastion, there is a tasty restaurant and a viewpoint. Under the building there is a paid car park.

2. Ruins of the castle in Ojców

It was created in the fourteenth century thanks to Casimir the Great as an important fortification element protecting Krakow. Probably there was a wooden and earthen stronghold here before. King Casimir the Great named the castle Father at the Rock in memory of the wanderings of his father - Władysław the Elbow-high. This name has acquired its current form over time. Only the remains of the defensive walls and the residential part, the tower and the entrance gate have survived from the former stronghold. From the specially prepared terrace you can see the panorama of the area. Entrance to the former fortress is paid.

3. Professor Władysław Szafer Nature Exhibition

The year-round Exposition is located in the historic "Hotel Pod Łokietkiem" - a former posthumous building from 1860. The museum was established in 1965 and was then located in the "Jadwiga" villa. It has been operating in its current location since 1972. Currently, the exhibition has been modernized and enlarged. The flora and fauna of the Prądnik Valley, its geology with a cave, hydrology, climate, as well as environmental protection issues are presented here. You will also see interesting facts related to human settlement in these areas, dating back 120,000 years. Or maybe you are interested in souvenirs from Professor Władysław Szafer.

4. Chapel on the Water

The Chapel of St. Joseph the Worker is an extremely interesting monument. It is located on the site of former spa bathrooms. It stands on concrete supports over the stream. Interestingly, this happened in opposition to the order of Tsar Nicholas II. He forbade the construction of sacred buildings on the father's land, so the chapel was built "on the water". Thanks to this, the local population had its church here during the partitions. The ornate chapel is a beautiful wooden monument, standing not only by the stream, but also against the background of a powerful last resort. Under the church, cars are usually parked free of charge.

5. Hercules' club

The most famous last man in the Jura, known even to children, because they learn about him at school. It rises to a height of 25 meters and is one of the most important symbols of the Park. This rock looks like it is standing upside down, supposedly set by the devil himself, at Twardowski's request. The last one rises above the route No. 733, near the Pieskowa Skała castle, creating a very picturesque picture with it. Since 1933, a metal cross 2 m high has been standing on the top of Maczuga. It commemorates the first ascent of the last, made by Leon Witek. Today, you can no longer climb here.

6. Krakow Gate

It is a beautiful, huge rock formation located in the Prądnik Valley. The natural rock gate formed from resistant limestones, creating today an amazing, characteristic last in the shape of a large gate. The rock is about 15 meters high, and on one of the walls there is a picture of Our Lady of Częstochowa. According to tradition, there used to be a trade route from Silesia to Krakow. There are also other similar gates in the Jura, such as the famous Bolechowice Gate opening the Bolechowice Valley or the gate in the Będkowska Valley. Next to the Krakow Gate, it is worth visiting the Source of Love. 

And this place is associated with the legend that the pillars come closer to each other every year. And when they meet, the end of the world will come. I hope they get as close as possible, because I regret such a beautiful world 🙂

7. Rocks of Wernyhora

A large set of limestone ostańców, located in the longest Polish village - Sułoszowa. It is near Pieskowa Skała. These rocks are perfectly visible from the road that leads from Ojców to Olkusz. The name of the rocks comes from the name of Wernyhora - the legendary Cossack bard. There is a small inn with the same name - Wernyhora. 

8. Trench Hill

Trench Mountain is a great vantage point. There is a green trail leading to it, further behind the opening of the Dark Cave. It is a popular and popular trail for tourists, as the beautiful panorama of the picturesque Prądnik Valley stretches from above in several places. Here, too, it is usually quite quiet compared to the main asphalt road leading through the Valley. On the Mount of the Trench, fragments of the embankments of an early medieval hillfort from the 13th century have been preserved. You can also see the huge opening of the Cave of the Great Lower Trench. Other popular rocks in Ojców are the Deotyma Needle and the Glove.

9. Dark Cave

In the area of the Park, there is the largest concentration of caves and caves in the Jura. The Dark Cave (12/380-10-11), which is open to tourists from April to October, is the most popular here. Its opening is located on the slope of Mount Trench. All caves provide a convenient habitat for bats - small amazing flying mammals moving by echolocation. They are protected in Poland, and in addition, they are exceptionally cared for in the Dark Cave. Therefore, in October, as soon as the bats gather in the cave for hibernation, a kind of winter dream, the cave is closed to tourists. Interestingly, the cave is visited without electricity, by candlelight, as it used to be. Hence its name.

10. Elbow Cave

No less well-known and popular cave (12/419-08-01), also called the Royal Cave. Like Ciemna, this one is also available for tourists from April to October. It is located a little deeper in the Park, next to the black trail, on Chełmowa Góra. About 125 m above the bottom of the Sąspowska Valley. It is the largest of all known caves in the Park. Its length is 320 meters. A metal gate with a spider web motif leads to it. This refers to the legend that Kazimierz Wielki's father - Łokietek - was hiding here. In fact, it is a very likely legend and is often accepted as true, at least in large part.

The ruler was hiding here from the armies of Wenceslaus II - the Czech king, who attacked Poland and occupied Krakow at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. Then Łokietek was forced to flee and decided to take refuge in the grotto in Ojców. He was saved by a spider, because a huge net was wrapped in the opening of the cave and thanks to this cobweb it seemed uninhabited and forgotten. Wenceslaus' troops rode away, and the ruler survived safely inside the grotto. How did this happen? The faithful population lowered the ruler on a rope to the inside of the cave through a narrow opening from the ceiling and brought him food. Hence, today the chambers of the grotto bear names related to him, e.g. Elbow's Kitchen, the largest bedroom with Elbow's bed, where he slept, and the Knight's Hall, where soldiers swore allegiance to him.

11. Jonaszówka

Also called Fat Jan. It is a rock in the Prądnik Valley, at the foot of Chełmowa Góra. It rises at the exit of the Sąspowska Valley and offers a nice view of the Ojców National Park. At its foot, ponds with rainbow trout breeding spill over. The rock itself is about 20 m high, a steep path with a handrail leads to its top. This place is quite difficult to reach, albeit a short climb. At the top there is a viewing platform secured with barriers and a board with a panoramic view. The Fathers can be seen from here and in the distance the ruins of the castle, and on the opposite slope there are distinctive rocks.

12. Sąspowska Valley

Much quieter Krakow valley, adjacent to the Prądnik Valley. A yellow trail leads through it. You can walk here from Jonaszówka in Ojców or from the paid parking lot at Złota Góra. From the parking lot, you must first walk along the green trail. You can find the loop suggestion under the photos. The valley is very charming, Sąspówka flows through the bottom, and rocks stick out around it, although not as spectacular as in the Prądnik valley.

13. Loop through the Sąspowska Valley and the Prądnik Valley

In total, the loop is 10 km long, it took us over 4 hours to walk it.

We started on the green trail from the paid parking lot on Złota Góra. The route initially leads through the forest, without special views and attractions. It was only when we entered the yellow trail after about 15 minutes that it got much more interesting. Here we walked along Sąspówka and the rocks. We were completely alone until Jonaszówka, where the Prądnik Valley begins. We listened to the murmuring stream and the singing of birds.  

It was not so quiet in the Prądnik Valley, although there were still no crowds. We climbed Jonaszówka, and later we wanted to go through the green trail leading through the rocks, through the Trench Mountain. It gives fantastic views, but unfortunately the trail was closed in October 2022. So we went through the bottom, the walk went forward along the valley anyway, because the weather was perfect. However, we visited the castle in Ojców and we were also delighted by the views here. Tired of wandering, we reached the car.

14. Church and hermitage of Blessed Salomea in Grodzisk

The historically interesting hill stands above the road leading from Ojców to the Pieskowa Skała Castle. It hides the former hermitage of blessed Salomea. You can easily get here by car from the village of Skała. Free parking is available on site, and Ojców can be reached on foot along the blue and red trails. The history of local buildings is long. 800 years ago, at the beginning of the 13th century, Henry the Bearded built a defensive stronghold here. In 1243, Bolesław the Chaste came to power, who handed Grodzisko over to his sister Salomea.

Having entered the Poor Clares monastery after the death of her husband, she moved the order to Grodzisk in 1262. Today, on the foundations of the former monastery stands a Baroque architectural complex - the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Blessed Salomea from 1677-91. Next to it, prayer houses, the Grotto of the Garden of Gethsemane and the house of the prebendary were built. There is also an original Romanesque hermitage from the 13th century, where Salomea, later beatified, was to sleep and pray. The hermitage should be descended by stone stairs.

Hiking trails in Opn

There are several marked hiking trails, including:

• Red Trail of Eagles' Nests, which is 12.5 km long in the Opn area. It enters the Park in Prądnik Korzkiewski and runs through the bottom of the Prądnik Valley, and from the Kraków Gate to Grodzisk it follows the blue trail. Interesting objects on the red trail in the Opn: the hermit's hut in the rock of the Cloth Hall, the Source of Love, the Source of St. John, the villa "Pod Koroną" and the neighboring rock of the Needle of Deotyme, specimens of paternal birch, the ruins of the castle in Ojców, the chapel "Na Wodzie", the church and hermitage of Blessed Salomea on the rock of Długa in Grodzisko, the club of Hercules and the castle in Pieskowa Skała. Between Ojcow and Pieskowa Skała there are several mills from the end of the 19th century.
• Green trail: Sąspowska Valley - Złota Góra - Castle Park - Villa "Pod Korona" - Ciemna Cave - Trench Mountain - Prądnik Valley - Krakow Gate - Castle Park, 6 km away. The scenically attractive trail leads through the Castle Park next to the former "Pod Łokietkiem" (Under the Elbow) and "Pod Kazimierzem" hotels, and then first by the way to the Dark Cave ticket office, and then sharply up to the Cave itself. Above the Cave, the trail leads through the peaks of the Crown Mountain, through the rock Wapiennik to the Hill of the Trench with traces of earth embankments. Next, the green trail descends again to the bottom of the Prądnik Valley and returns to Ojców.
• Black trail: Złota Góra (parking lot) - Castle Park - Chełmowa Góra - Łokietka Cave, about 3 km away. The trail leads by the shortest route to the most visited facility in the Opn - the Elbow Cave. The distance from the Castle Park is 2.6 km (45 minutes).

Children's and dog-friendly park

Ojcowski National Park is a dream destination for weekend walks for both the two of us and the whole family. By car, you can only get to the castle in Ojców. Parking is payable here, but admission to the Park is free. From the parking lot, tourists can follow on foot, by bicycle or by carriage, which are waiting at the exit of the valley. A walk through the valley creates a lot of aesthetic impressions due to the unique beauty of this place. In summer and on warm weekends, it is crowded here. It is one of the few places in the Jura that can be easily visited with small children. Throughout the valley there is an asphalt road and the trolley is not a problem. You can also take your dog with you, of course on a leash 🙂

Where to eat in Ojców National Park?

There is no shortage of gastronomic points and restaurants in Opn. The most iconic place in the entire Park is the Ojcowski Trout. It is a family farm that saved historical ponds from destruction and oblivion. Today, it is a very tasty, healthy and popular place where everyone eagerly reaches for smoked or grilled trout. The extras are not fries, but delicious bread and sauerkraut accompanied by pickled cucumbers. Just like grandma's, healthy and tasty. Next to the trout house, there are also other restaurants, such as Pod Stocanem.

It is worth climbing the Jonaszówka rock, which overlooks the village and the ruins of the stronghold. Then the trail leads past the house "Pod Scepter", through Ostry Kamień to Chełmowa Mountain with the Łokietka Cave. You can go back along the blue trail to the Krakowska Gate, and then to the center of Ojców, where the popular Cellar under the Bat awaits. You will taste, for example, tasty cakes.

On the other side of Jonaszówka, there is a café Nezapominajka - a nice and tasty place 🙂 A 10-minute drive from Ojców National Park, you will find Chochołowy Dwór - a hotel with a delicious restaurant. It serves Polish and Italian cuisine, as well as typical home flavors.

Ojców National Park - accommodation

The aforementioned Chochołowy Dwór in Jerzmanowice is not only a delicious restaurant, but also a very pleasant hotel with a beautiful walk. In the vicinity, it is also worth going to Glamping to Jura Glamp in Wola Kalinowska. It is a combination of "glamour" and "camping", i.e. luxury camping. Jura Glamp is located in an open field, with a wonderful view of the green Ojcowski National Park.

Suggestion for a walking route in the Ojców National Park

Suggested route for the whole day. The walk itself will take about 3-4 hours. It has a total of about 8 kilometers. 2 kilometers lead through a mountain trail. It can be omitted and then the route is available for families with small children in wheelchairs and for people with disabilities. The time for visiting several facilities, taking photos, resting, etc. should be added to the time of the transition.

We leave the car in the parking lot under the castle. The car park is paid and may be full on non-working days, so it is better to go early in the morning. If it is full, there is a parking lot in Złota Góra, but unfortunately it is an additional 1.5 km of walk.

It is worth visiting the paternal stronghold, if not for the exhibitions inside the buildings, then certainly for the view from the viewing platform. The tour of the castle should take about 30 minutes. Next, we go towards the Opn Museum, where we can see a nature exhibition. Continue along the red Trail of Eagles' Nests (not on the main road), where historic guest houses stand. We reach the restaurant Trout Ojcowski, where we can taste the famous smoked or grilled trout. After a meal, it is worth climbing the Jonaszówka rock with a nice view (the black Elbow Grotto Trail, a fragment inaccessible to wheelchairs).

We go to the main road, the green trail. We pass the Maiden Rocks and the Needle of Deotyma. We walk along the trail and turn towards the Dark Cave. The trail leads quite steeply uphill (not suitable for wheelchairs). This is how we get to the Dark Cave. Visiting the Dark Cave is an additional adrenaline rush, because there is no lighting here. After the Dark Cave, we continue along the green trail to the Trench Mountain. On the way, we pass a few viewpoints on the rock Glove and the beautiful Prądnik Valley - here you can relax for a while. There is also a viewpoint at the very top of the Trench - here you can probably see the winding ribbon of Prądnik. We descend from above, passing the hillfort and other caves. This is how we get to the red Eagle's Nest Trail and return to the right, but this is not the end of the attraction for today. Nearby there is a super café Nezapominajka with a beautiful view and equally delicious sweets. The trail leads us to the Source of Love. Then the mandatory passage through the Krakowska Gate and again we return to the red trail - a moment by the main road, and then to the left by the forest. Behind the ponds, we cross the bridge so as not to return the same way to the parking lot under the ruins of the fortress.

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Our videos

See also our videos about the Ojców National Park.

Practical information

Open daily throughout the day
Tickets: free entrance
Parking: very expensive paid under the Castle in Ojców
toll road Złota Góra
Parking fee is valid from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm throughout the year daily, payment in parking meters.
Other cheaper private car parks: one is located 5 minutes from the entrance to the Łokietek Cave,
the other on Szkolna Street in Wola Kalinowska, in front of the youth hostel
Nature exhibition - Mon-Fri after prior notification
Tickets: normal PLN 16, reduced PLN 8
Castle in Ojców - Sat-Sun 10.00-15.00 
Tickets: normal PLN 18, reduced PLN 9
Park available for dogs, only on a leash
Main path in the Park available for prams, because it is asphalt

Ojcowski National Park Ojców
9, Sułoszowa
tel. 12/ 389-20-05