Poland never ceases to amaze. Did you know that there’s a route stretching from Kraków to Częstochowa that boasts 25 medieval castles and ruins? Sounds intriguing, right? There’s something undeniably fascinating about the skeletons of lost grandeur. And to make things even better, part of this legendary castle trail winds through the Eagles Nest Landscape park filled with towering rock formations in the most whimsical shapes. Now that’s a combination worth exploring!
Since our road trip takes us from the Czech Republic to Latvia, and Poland is conveniently along the way, we’re taking this opportunity to visit at least a small part of this extraordinary park. So join me on this virtual journey and let’s explore Eagles Nest landscape park in Poland together!
Location: Orlich Gniazd landscape park
Cost: Mix of paid and free attractions, see details below
Length: 1 day
How to get there: By car
A Glimpse of the 25-Castle Trail in eagles Nest Landscape park, Poland
Castle ruins and giant rocks, here we come!
The Eagles Nest Landscape Park offers a true choose-your-own-adventure experience. With a staggering number of attractions, it’s impossible to see everything in one go. Sadly, time constraints mean we have to be selective *wipes away a tear*.So, we are settling on a simple 2×2 plan: two castles and two rock formations. A mini “sampler platter” to see if Eagles Nest Landcape Park in Poland sparks your curiosity. And if it does, don’t worry—I’ve created a Google map with a list of the many sights in Orlich Gniazd that I wish we had time to visit. You can find it here.
And actually we’ll see more than just two rock formations, since both castles are built atop dramatic cliffs and massive boulders. That’s how the park got its name—Eagle’s Nest Landscape Park (Orlich Gniazd in Polish). Just don’t confuse it with that Eagle’s Nest related to events of World War II, which is in Germany.
So fasten your virtual seatbelt—we’re off on an adventure!
I Like Big Rocks and I Can Not Lie
If you have a soft spot for giant rock formations—welcome to the club! You’re about to enter a wonderland of towering stone giants.
Our first encounter with these geological marvels happens unexpectedly. While navigating our way to the first castle using Google Maps, we suddenly find ourselves in front of massive, surreal rock formations. One even resembles a giant’s boot.
The “first rock” effect kicks in—we have to stop, touch, examine, and, of course, snap at least ten photos.
Upon closer inspection, we discover that these formations aren’t just stunning—they’re also an open-air rock climbing area. The rocks have some metal loops for attaching climbing carabiners. Maybe you happen to have climbing gear in your backpack??
We settled for admiring the view. From another angle, the boot-shaped rock morphs into something else—maybe a giant’s belly? With one last look, we continue our journey through Eagles Nest Landscape Park in Poland.
The Crown Jewel of Eagles Nest Landscape Park – The Majestic Ogrodzieniec Castle
This awe-inspiring skeleton of former glory is the very reason we’re in Eagles Nest landscape park—and we’re not alone. Be prepared for a crowd, as this is the most touristy site on our itinerary. The road leading to the Ogrodzieniec castle is lined with food stalls, souvenir stands, and vendors selling Poland’s famous oversized ice creams. (Yes, I caved and got one!)
What makes Ogrodzieniec Castle so unique is how its walls blend seamlessly with the surrounding rock formations. In places where the castle has crumbled, the natural stone pillars still stand, outlining the fortress’s original shape.
After taking another ten photos of giant rocks, we step inside the skeletal remains of the castle. Our first stop inside Ogrodzieniec castle is a chilling chamber ominously labeled Torture Chamber. Not for the faint-hearted, this room displays various medieval torture devices. Reading the descriptions alone is enough to make your stomach turn.
Shaking off the eerie feeling, we move on to the main ruins.
The Ogrodzieniec castle feels like a labyrinth of crumbling walls, tunnels, and stairways. Inside, there’s little left—no furniture or artifacts—just a few cannons, one strangely aimed at the inner courtyard. Who were they planning to attack—their own people?
Despite its emptiness, the Ogrodzieniec castle captivates with its unique architectural features. First, you discover a deep shaft leading into darkness—you can peek inside, but you won’t see anything beyond pitch-black emptiness, making it impossible to determine its depth. Then, there is a tower that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding fields and villages. From this vantage point, you can almost imagine yourself as an eagle surveying your nest.
Overall I find Ogrodzieniec castle a fun place to explore. But now, let’s head to the next stop on our Eagles Nest Landscape Park trip.
More Giant Rocks in Eagles Nest Landscape Park! Okiennik Wielki
This natural wonder of Eagles Nest landscape park in Poland resembles a stone watchtower with a distinctive window carved through it.
We park in a grassy field (a.k.a. a “parking lot”) and follow a narrow, jungle-like path toward the Okiennik Wielki rock. The formation is massive—so large that it won’t even fit in a single photo. To see its peak, you have to tilt your head all the way back.
What would the view be like from the top? Rumor has it—it’s breathtaking. And judging by the distant echoes of voices, someone has already conquered it.
We’re tempted to climb Okiennik Wielki but know it’s risky. I am by no means trying to encourage you to risk your life. Make your own judgement. However, after circling the rock, we find a spot that seems manageable for a cautious ascent, so we decide to climb up ourselves.
Carefully, we make our way up. From the top, the view of the treetops stretching into the distance is worth every effort. And the rock’s window, almost heart-shaped, frames the landscape like a scene from a fairytale.
Another ten photos of giant rocks later, we’re ready to move on to the last stop of our Eagles Nest landscape Park itinerary.
Bobolice Castle – A Fortress on a Cliff
We’ve seen ruins—now let’s visit a castle in eagles Nest landscape park that’s still standing. Enter Bobolice Castle, perched atop a cliff like something out of a medieval legend.
It would be hard to conquer this, wouldn’t it? Apparently, anything is possible because my predictions about it being well-preserved were wrong. It is not an original castle that has survived intact up to this day; it has been damaged and restored. But that’s okay. Everyone has experienced tough times at some point… And if you see castle ruins along the way, and start to question why it is nothing like the pictures – don’t worry. That’s one of the other castles. Our destination is further ahead.
The Bobolice castle emerges above the treetops, exuding an eerie, gothic vibe on this gloomy day. It even resembles Dracula’s lair. It isn’t hard to imagine someone is watching us from those windows. Castle ghosts, perhaps?
It turns out that even if you only want to see this castle from the outside, you’ll still have to part with a few euros. Oh well, nothing to be done.
And guess what we find here? Of course—a big rock. Some giant has propped it up on another rock, creating a beautiful little window. If you look at how small the point of contact is where this rock is resting, it’s almost scary to touch it—just in case it comes tumbling down.
The Bobolice castle itself proudly sits atop a cliff, behind a protective wall. In addition to these security measures, a sign has been put up to ward off intruders: “Beware of the ghost.” And for a bit of humor, a wooden toilet sticks out from the stone wall, creating a funny contrast. At least people knew right away where not to stand—unless they wanted to end up covered in… well, you know what I mean.
Although the Eagles Nest landscape park has much more to offer, time is not on our side. We still have quite a bit of traveling ahead. So, let’s head to our accommodation somewhere along the way and recharge for the next day, when we’ll explore Warsaw.
Whether Poland is your travel destination or just a stop along your route, there’s always something fascinating to discover. Eagles Nest Landscape Park lives up to its name, offering breathtaking scenery and an imagination-fueling glimpse into the past. With giant rocks, castle ruins, and medieval mysteries, this place feels like stepping into a storybook—one that leaves you wanting more.
Find out what else to see in Poland