The Krakow-Czestochowa Highland
You do not need to go to the Tatra Mountains or the Pieniny Mountains to be close to nature near Krakow. The Kraków-Częstochowa Highland, also known as the Jura, is an incredibly rich touristic area. It abounds in natural attractions – charming valleys surrounded by limestone rocks, which are a paradise for climbing fans, but also historical ones, because the area is dotted with the ruins of former castles and strongholds, known as the Eagles’ Nests.
The Highland owes its special character to the geological processes that took place here over the course of millions of years, leaving behind numerous pointed rocks and caves protruding from the ground.
The main highlight is the Ojców National Park, which is the smallest of its kind in Poland. But its small size is not a disadvantage at all since it contains a real abundance of beautiful views and interesting attractions – the Łokietek Cave and the Dark Caves, or interesting rock formations (among them the famous Hercules’ Club).
Fans of history will surely enjoy seventeen medieval buildings, including the castles in Ogrodzieniec, Rudno or the castle on Pieskowa Skała, which is in great condition. Walking along the walls of these medieval buildings will surely take you back to the old days.
A peculiar attraction on the map of the Kraków-Częstochowa Highland is… the desert. The Błędów Desert, because that is its name, is an area of 33 km² filled with sand. It needs to be emphasized that this is quite an unusual sight for this latitude.
The Kraków-Częstochowa Highland, its numerous valleys and monuments, is a place definitely worth discovering.