Ojców National Park
Ojców National Park, the smallest of all national parks in Poland, is a place where natural values are inseparably intertwined with cultural wealth. That is why the heritage preserved here requires our attention, care and various methods of protection. Ojców National Park (ONP) was established in 1956. It covers the charming Prądnik Valley, one of the so-called Podkrakowskie Valleys, in the southern part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. A characteristic element of the landscape are limestone rocks of fabulous shapes, among them the most famous one – Maczuga Herkulesa (Hercules’ cudgel), which seems to stand against the laws of nature. The sunlit rocks are not only pretty, but also provide home for many rare plants and animals. The underground world of Ojców and its vicinity is equally valuable and requires protection as well. There are about 700 caves which provide shelter for numerous species of bats. Cave sediments hide treasures of the past in the form of archaeological monuments and bones of extinct animals. The longest of the caves is the King Łokietek Cave where, according to legend, famous Polish king was said to hide. The second one is the Dark Cave where the remains of a Neanderthal have recently been found. The charms of the ONP can be discovered at any time of the year.
Our Logo
On each educational board, at the entrance to the Park and on the outfits of its employees, you can see the symbol of a bat. These unusual flying mammals deserve special protection. Thanks to the presence of caves – their winter shelters – we have as many as 19 species of bats here. During the hibernating season, caves are closed to visitors. In summer, these animals stay in forests and buildings (most often wooden, old houses). Thanks to the protection of forests, left without human intervention, bats find shelter in old, hollow or broken trees. Young lesser horseshoe bats (one of the bat species) are born in the attic of the Willa Jadwiga - the seat of the Ojcow National Park head office. Female usually gives birth to one young each year. Anyone who spends an evening in Ojcow can observe the shape of the nocturnal aviators in the sky. It is time to hunt insects. With a bit of luck, in spring and summer you can see bats in a cave.
These animals are our allies – they eat large amounts of mosquitoes.
There is also a sad chapter in the history of these flying mammals. In the past, the use of insecticides almost led to their extinction. Today, thanks to the efforts of people and the decision to protect them, they are slowly becoming more numerous.
These animals are our allies – they eat large amounts of mosquitoes.
There is also a sad chapter in the history of these flying mammals. In the past, the use of insecticides almost led to their extinction. Today, thanks to the efforts of people and the decision to protect them, they are slowly becoming more numerous.
What’s worth seeing?
+48 12 419 08 01
- April - August: 9 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.
- September: 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
- October: 9 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
- November: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- regular ticket - PLN 30
- discount ticket - PLN 15
+48 12 380 10 11
- April - September: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- regular ticket - PLN 20
- discount ticket - PLN 10
+48 12 389 20 05
- April - October: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- November - December: 9 a.m. - 2.40 p.m. (only for groups of at least 10 people, reservation required at least 1 day in advance)
- regular ticket - PLN 20
- discount ticket - PLN 10
+48 12 389 20 05
- April: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- May-August: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- September: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- October: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- November-March: Saturday, Sunday - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- regular ticket - PLN 22
- discount ticket - PLN 11
Tourist trail
Sąspowska Valley - Złota Góra car park - Castle ruins - Ojców - Dark Cave - Krakow Gate - Ojców, departure of black trail - Ojców
We start our hike among the meadows of the Sąspowska Valley. It is one of the most charming places in the Park. The green trail runs along a slope through a patch of beech forest next to rocks of diverse shapes, and then through a coniferous forest, leading to the car park in Złota Góra. Then we go down the forest path to the centre of Ojców, passing the DW Zosia PTTK Hostel on the way. The majestic tower of the medieval King Casimir’s Castle becomes visible as we approach the floor of the Prądnik Valley. We go past the ruins to the Castle Park where two historic hotels have been preserved in the former health resort – “Pod Kazimierzem” and “Pod Łokietkiem.” Today, they house an Educational Centre and a nature exhibition.
Further along the road, we head towards Jaskinia Ciemna (Dark Cave), passing the historic wooden buildings of Ojców, including Willa pod Koroną (Villa “Under the Crown”), Skały Panieńskie (Maiden Rocks) and Igła Deotymy (Diotima’s Needle). From the ticket office to the cave, we still have 400 m of a steep path to cover. The Dark Cave is one of two caves open to visitors. It is one of the most valuable archaeological sites in the country. Recent years have brought the finds of the remains of Neanderthal men. There is a viewing platform and figures of Neanderthals by the cave. The trail above the cave has the most beautiful views in the Park. It leads, among others, through the remains of a stronghold from the times of Konrad of Masovia.
Tourist trails:
- Walking routes – 5 trails – 46.6 km
- paths – 6 trails – 7.95 km
- Biking routes – 7 trails – 19.75 km
- public roads – 2 trails – 13 km
Educational paths:
- 6 trails – 24.3 km
For people with reduced mobility, there are sections of public roads and a path (external part of the exhibition) at the Education and Museum Centre for wheelchair users – 0.5 km