Nature

Skalne Miasto Rock City in Podzamcze

Right below the walls of Ogrodzieniec Castle, on the summit of Góra Janowskiego (516 m above sea level, the highest elevation of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland), stretches a rock labyrinth called the Rock City. It is a compact group of a dozen-odd limestone outcrops with fanciful shapes, one of the more interesting natural features of the Jura, with the Trail of the Eagles' Nests running alongside.

Sfinks, Lalka and Niedźwiedź

The rocks have their own names and characters. The best known are Sfinks and Lalka, fused together, with Niedźwiedź (Bear), Wielbłąd (Camel) and Okiennik standing nearby — the latter has an opening you can enter without climbing gear. Some formations, including Niedźwiedź, are territory for the advanced: climbing them requires skills and belaying. The whole area is a popular climbing region, often used as a practice ground for beginners under instructors' supervision.

The walk and practicalities

You reach the rocks via the nature-education path „Przez skalne miasto Podzamcza” leading from the castle — a short, scenic route with a panorama of the fortress. The site is available around the clock, all year round, and admission is free; leave your car at the parking lots run by local residents by the market square. A rope park operates nearby, so it is easy to arrange a full-day programme for the family — rocks, castle and a nature path in one place.