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Eagle-Nest Castles

The Eagle Nests Trail is one of the best tourist trails in Poland, and is noted as no. 1 on the official Polish trail list. The name of the trail derives from the so-called Eagle-Nest Castles – a group of castles picturesquely situated on limestone hills in the Krakow-Czestochowa Jurassic Highland Chain (Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska), mostly erected in the 14^th century during the reign of king Casimir the Great. He wanted to protect the current Polish borders, running in immediate vicinity of Krakow, (then the capital of Poland) and important trading routes.

Traditionally, the Eagle Nests Trail runs from Krakow to Czestochowa through about 25 castles, watchtowers and other fortifications (most of them more or less ruined), all in particularly charming landscapes. The walking trail of the Eagle Nest Castles is 163 kilometers long, and the one for bikers is about 20 kilometers longer.

The most interesting objects of the Eagle-Nest Castles can be reached either by car or bus from Krakow, and since walking or biking the whole trail could take up to a week, those who don't have this kind of time can still experience the beauty of at least one of the castles.

Ojcow

The picturesque ruins of the 14^th century Ojcow Castle are situated in the Ojcow National Park. Though ruined, the Ojcow Castle remains a magnificent sight, and especially the gate and the tower are worth noticing. The tower currently houses an exhibition devoted to the history of the Ojcow Castle.

To get from Krakow to Ojcow, drive about 15 kilometers on the road no. 94 in the direction of Olkusz, and then turn right to Ojcow.

Buses from Krakow to Ojcow leave from Helcow Street (the company is called UNIBUS) every hour or so.

Pieskowa Skala

The magnificent castle in Pieskowa Skala dates back to the 14^th century, but it owes its looks to a 16^th-century renovation that made it one of the pearls of the Polish Renaissance. After some ups and downs throughout the centuries, it was bought by the Polish state in 1902. It was thoroughly renovated and since the 1950s houses one of the divisions of the Wawel Castle museum. Apart from the castle itself and its courtyard, the garden and the five ponds near the Pieskowa Skala castle are worth noticing.

Pieskowa Skala is about 30 kilometers from Krakow. To get there, you need to take the 794 road north (direction Wolbrom) and turn left on the roundabout in Skala to the road 773 (direction Olkusz).

Ogrodzieniec

Contrary to the name, the castle of Ogrodzieniec is not situated in the town of Ogrodzieniec, but in the nearby town of Podzamcze. The 14^th century castle was built on the remains of earlier, wooden fortifications. Though ruined in the 19^th century, the castle is still quite a breathtaking site, and the remains are carefully maintained. Charmed by the looks and the atmosphere of the castle, Andrzej Wajda filmed his 'Zemsta' (The Revenge, a commedy by Aleksander Fredro) there. Visitors can still see some of the sceneries built by Wajda's crew as well as the castle museum, the inn and other attractions. At nights, one can even see the Black Dog, the castle's own ghost. Also, in the summers, knight's tournaments are organized in the castle.

The Ogrodzieniec Castle is about 60 kilometers away from Krakow. Take the road no. 94 to Olkusz, then 791 to Ogrodzieniec, then turn right to the 790 to Podzamcze.

Other of the Eagle-Nest castles include Korzkiew, Pilica, Bobolice and Olsztyn, all situated between Krakow and Czestochowa.