Pstrąg Ojcowski Trout Farm

In the heart of Ojców National Park, by the Jonaszówka viewpoint, ponds holding brown trout have been in use since 1935. A few years ago they were due to be filled in – today they form a trout farm and grill garden serving trout smoked over beech wood. Ojców trout is on the list of traditional products of the Małopolska region, and the place itself makes a handy stop on the trails of the Prądnik valley.

History of the ponds

The trout farm was founded in 1935 on land belonging to Princess Ludwika Czartoryska and was one of the first of its kind in the region. Over time the ponds fell out of use and were set to be filled in. In 2014 Magda Węgiel and her daughter Agnieszka Sendor leased them, revived brown trout breeding and opened the site to guests. In 2015 Ojców trout – both rainbow and brown – was announced as an addition to Małopolska's list of traditional products.

Water from the Młynówka

The ponds are fed by crystal-clear, well-oxygenated water from the Młynówka stream. Together with the valley's microclimate this creates conditions close to a mountain stream, the brown trout's natural habitat. The farm practises conservation breeding of the species and has its own smokehouse: the speciality is trout smoked naturally over beech wood, without preservatives or artificial colouring.

On site

Trout is served smoked or grilled, with local bread. The owners describe about 60 seats, a 160 m² terrace with deckchairs and a boat that guests can use. The farm lies about 1 km from the car park below Ojców Castle, where the trails to Łokietek Cave, the Kraków Gate rock and the Sąspowska valley meet (Ojców 48).

Tripto tip

Build the stop into a walking loop through the Prądnik valley – ideally after visiting Łokietek Cave or before the walk to the Kraków Gate. The garden is seasonal and in winter tends to open mainly at weekends, so check current hours before you go. Remember that you are in a national park: stay on the marked trails.