Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska Landscape Park is a protected area in southern Poland renowned for its unique limestone cliffs, medieval castles, and rich biodiversity, offering exceptional opportunities for hiking, climbing, and cultural exploration.
Established in 1980, Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska Landscape Park encompasses approximately 597 km² of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, a region characterized by Jurassic limestone formations creating dramatic cliffs, valleys, caves, and rock towers. The park stretches across parts of Silesian and Lesser Poland Voivodeships, featuring a diverse mosaic of forests, meadows, and karst landscapes. It protects remnants of oak-hornbeam forests and provides habitat to rare flora and fauna, including protected bird species and various bats inhabiting its caves. Historically, the area is famed for the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests, a chain of about 25 medieval castles linked by hiking and biking trails, attracting history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. This trail showcases fortress ruins perched on limestone cliffs, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Poland's medieval past. Outdoor recreation thrives here with well-marked trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as extensive rock climbing routes on the spectacular limestone walls. The park also offers speleological attractions with notable caves such as the Olsztyn Caves complex. Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty, fascinating geology, and cultural heritage, making Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska Landscape Park a year-round destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.
Trail of the Eagles’ Nests – a historic castle trail linking numerous medieval fortresses
Karst limestone cliffs and extensive cave systems offering unique geological features
Rare plant communities including protected oak-hornbeam forests
Olsztyn Castle ruins perched on a limestone hill with panoramic views
A famous tourist trail running about 160 kilometers, connecting over 25 medieval castles and fortresses situated mostly on limestone cliffs.
A group of notable limestone caves offering unique speleological experiences and habitats for bat colonies.
Karst rock formations that dominate the landscape, providing scenic vistas and popular climbing sites.