Looking for a day trip idea? Be sure to visit the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The Trail of the Eagle’s Nests is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque routes in Poland. A walk among castles is a great opportunity to uncover the secrets of Polish kings and princes. In addition to castles, the "Eagle’s Nests" trail offers many attractions—historic religious buildings and natural wonders.
Upland This is one of the most beautiful sites on the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests. The castle, or rather its ruins, located on a hill, makes a strong impression on visitors. The stone watchtower was built around the mid-14th century during the reign of Casimir the Great. The castle changed hands several times, and by the end of the 16th century, the fortress began to deteriorate gradually. Interestingly, the ruins were systematically dismantled by locals from nearby villages, who used the stones to build their homes.
Mentions of Tenczyn Castle appear in documents as early as 1308. It was likely built by Andrzej of Morawica, who took the name Tenczyński from the castle’s name. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded many times. It’s worth noting that many Polish artists visited the castle. Jan Długosz lived there for a year, and in the second half of the 16th century, many notable figures of the Renaissance, such as Mikołaj Rej of Nagłowice, Jan Kochanowski, and Piotr Kochanowski, visited the castle.
The Castle in Ogrodzieniec is the largest fortress on the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The castle is surrounded by beautiful rock formations that add to the unique atmosphere of the place. This beautiful Gothic castle on Janowski Hill, built by Casimir the Great, was perfectly integrated into the landscape—high rocks protected it on three sides, and a stone wall enclosed the perimeter. The exit from the fortress led through a narrow gap between the rocks. The castle is located in the central part of the Upland and is easily accessible. The red-marked Trail of the Eagle’s Nests passes nearby.