It is the smallest, but according to many, one of the most beautiful national parks in Poland. In an area of just over 21 square kilometers, it has everything that is most characteristic of the Jura region – deeply incised valleys, white limestone rocks of fanciful shapes, caves and castles suspended over precipices.
It is possible to take a day trip to Ojców from Kraków. In the summer, city buses run here, and you can also easily get here from the city center by bicycle.
The national park stretches over several kilometers and includes two valleys. White limestone rocks pile up on their slopes. Some form a natural rock gate, another took the form of a needle, while another, having the shape of a mace, has become one of the symbols of the park.
The village of Ojców includes the Polish word “father” in its name. It is said that the village was named by King Casimir the Great in honor of his father, Ladislaus the Short (Władysław Łokietek), who hid in one of the local caves from a Czech invasion in the early 14th century.
Whatever the case, a medieval castle founded by King Casimir towers over the village. The second, much more imposing, is located in the northern part of the park in Pieskowa Skała and, after later reconstructions, is a beautiful renaissance residence integrated into its surroundings.
Ojców developed as a health resort village in later centuries, as evidenced by single Swiss-style wooden villas.
The surrounding area is a wonderful place for walking and cycling. It is especially worth coming here in autumn, when the forests sparkle with the colors of yellowing leaves.
Ojców National Park – attractions:
Pieskowa Skała Castle – a charming castle rebuilt in the 16th century into an Italian-style renaissance residence. Just below the castle, the Hercules Mace creeps upward.
Chapel “on the Water” – an unusual chapel suspended over the current of the Prądnik River is the result of the policy of the Russian government, to which Ojców belonged in the 19th century. Tsar Nicholas II forbade the construction of sacred buildings on Ojców land, so the chapel was built “on the water.”
Boroniówka Mill – an original wooden watermill powered by the waters of the Prądnik River. During the season, flour production demonstrations are held here every month.
Ojców – center – castle park and old spa villas.
Ciemna Cave – a cave suspended high above the valley, where Neanderthals lived.
Okopy Mountain– behind the Ciemna Cave, the green trail climbs up the slopes of the Prądnik valley to a beautiful viewpoint.
Sąspowska Valley – a secluded side valley ideal for a walk or bicycle tour. The yellow trail from Ojców runs here. You will meet far fewer tourists here than in other parts of the park. In the middle section of the valley, an impressive dam was erected by beavers.
Krakowska Gate and Łokietek Cave – a beautiful rock gate in the lower part of Ojców opens a side gorge. At its end is a cave where a Polish king hid in the 14th century.
Ojców trout – while in Ojców, be sure to try the smoked trout from a local farm that has been restored in recent years!
EXPLORE THE REGION – JURA
