Zamek Ogrodzieniec pils Orlich Gniazd parkā

Poland - Orlich Gniazd Landscape Park and Warsaw.

Poland never ceases to amaze. Did you know that there's a route from Krakow to Czestochowa that passes by 25 medieval castles and castle ruins? It sounds intriguing. "Skeletons" of former glory are always fascinating. And a part of this castle route is located in a landscape park where you can also see large stone formations. Even more intriguing. 

Since we have to get from the Czech Republic to Latvia, and Poland is right on the way, let's explore at least a part of this park. And to break up the long journey with another adventure, we'll also make a stop in Warsaw. What's interesting there? How about the fusion of a library and a botanical garden? That also sounds intriguing. So, let's go!

Liels akmens ar caurumu Krajobrazowy Orlich Gniazd

A part of the Eagles Nest Trail in the Krajobrazowy Orlich Gniazd

Castle ruins and giant stones, here we come!

Orlich Gniazd is definitely a "choose your adventure" type of place. There are sooo many points of interest in the park. Yes, very much so with three "o's"! But due to limited time, we won't be able to see everything *wipes away a tear*.

Therefore, to be fair, let's go with 2x2. 2 castles and 2 stones. So to speak - a little tester to see if this route might interest you at all. And if you feel hungry for more after trying it out, don't be sad! I've created a Google list that compiles a large portion of the Orlich Gniazd sightseeing spots I would have wanted to visit (castle ruins, stones, caves) if I had a week rather than a day. You can find this map here.

And there will actually be more stones. Both castles were built on large rocks and cliffs. This is how the park got its name - Eagle's Nest Landscape Park (Polish: Orlich Gniazd). However, don't confuse this with the Eagle's Nest associated with World War II (that one is located in Germany).

So, buckle up your virtual seatbelt and let's go on an adventure!

I like big rocks and I can not lie! And in the Orlich Gniazd Park, there are plenty of them.

Location.

If you have a weakness for massive rocks – first, welcome to the club, and second, get ready to satisfy your rock cravings on an epic scale. 

We unexpectedly encounter the first stones while trying to find our way to the first castle. As we follow Google Maps, mighty stone giants emerge in front of us. They have quirky shapes - one even resembles a giant's boot.

Liels akmens zābaka formā

Here's where the "first stones" phenomenon kicks in – you absolutely must stop to marvel, explore, and take at least 10 pictures. 

When we get closer, it becomes apparent that these stones aren't just natural decorations in the countryside. They have carved areas for rock climbing anchors. It turns out this is a sort of wild, freely accessible rock climbing trail. Don't happen to have climbing gear in your backpack, do you?

Since we lack the gear, we can only admire the fact that from the other side, that same boot-shaped rock looks completely different, maybe like a giant's potbelly, and continue our journey. 

Liels akmens Krajobrazowy Orlich Gniazd

The gem of Orlich Gniazd Park - The Zamek Ogrodzieniec

Location.

Entrance fee and working hours..

This skeleton of an ancient castle is the reason we're here. 

And the locals know it well. So brace yourself for the most touristy stop of this trip. Your car will most likely end up in a makeshift parking lot, and the path to the castle ruins is adorned with stalls selling snacks, toys, and the giant ice cream that Poland is known for. The ice cream got me too! 

What makes these remains of ancient glory special is the fact that the castle walls are intertwined with massive stones. This means that where the walls have crumbled into dust, variously shaped stone columns reveal the castle's former contours.

Akmeņi pie Zamek Ogrodzieniec

I need to take another 10 pictures with huge stones. Ok done now we proceed to explore what's inside the skeletal remains of Ogrodzieniec Castle.

Let's start with the chamber separated from the main castle building, proudly displaying a sign that reads "Torture Chamber." This room is not for the faint of heart. It's filled with torture devices, and if you read the descriptions, you might feel like throwing up. 

No, maybe it's better to briskly move on to the main ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle, which, as it turns out, is like a labyrinth of chambers, walls, and tunnels. What will you surprise us with, ancient fortress?

Zamek Ogrodzieniec pils Krajobrazowy Orlich Gniazd dabas parkā

It seems that the belly of the castle is empty. There are no furnishings or other items. Just some cannons, one of which is aiming towards the courtyard. What were they aiming at – themselves?  

Zamek Ogrodzieniec pils iekšpuse

But as there's a lack of furnishing, the castle ruins attempt to charm us with interesting architectural elements. It appears that the old fortress is trying to impress us with a large shaft, leading deep underground. You can try to peer inside, but all you'll see is pitch-black darkness. The blackest of voids.

Another card that the castle ruins play is a little tower where you can climb up, to look at a panorama of the surrounding fields and houses. It's as if you have the opportunity to imagine what it was like to be a vigilant guard, peering from the tower, watching for any potential intruders.

Skats no Zamek Ogrodzieniec pils mūriem

Even more giant stones! Okiennik Wielki

Location.

These stones are like a viewing tower with a little window.

We park the car in a "parking lot," which is essentially a grassy field, and head off into the jungle-like path towards a natural wonder. This rock formation in Orlich Gniazd Park is truly impressive. The first stones in front of it may pale in comparison. It's so big that it doesn't fit in a photo and you have to tilt your head back to see the top.

Okiennik Wielki akmeņi Krajobrazowy Orlich Gniazd parkā

But what view might unfold from the top? Rumor has it - it's very beautiful. And judging from the voices of other adventure seekers, someone has just conquered this stone monolith. It's tempting to give it a try. Do we dare? 

I can't recommend it because, as you can imagine, it's dangerous. But I think if we find a slightly narrower spot, we'll attempt to climb a bit higher. 

Okiennik Wielki akmens

We circle around the stone, and sure enough, there's a spot where you can ascend without superhuman strength in your hands. The key is to be cautious. 

From the top, a truly beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding treetops opens up. Just like from an observation tower! Another bonus is the stone's eye, which is almost heart-shaped.

Nature is truly full of wonders. 

Caurums Okiennik Wielki akmenī

And I've lost count of how many photos of giant stones we've taken today.

Royal Castle Bobolice - a castle atop a cliff

Location.

Entrance fee and working hours..

We've already explored the skeletal remains of the castle on this trip. So, how about we throw a castle that's slightly better preserved into the adventure mix? Let's opt for the small Bobolice Castle perched on a cliff.

Wouldn't it be hard to conquer this one? Turns out that's not true because my predictions about it being better preserved were way off. The castle hasn't survived till now; it's been restored. But that's alright. Everyone has had bad days… And if you see a ruin on your way, don't panic. It's another castle. We are yet to reach our destination. 

You can spot Bobolice Castle from a distance, and on a gloomy day like today, it slightly resembles Dracula's residence. It's not hard to imagine someone watching us approach from those windows. Maybe castle ghosts...

Royal Castle Bobolice virs koku galotnēm

It turns out that even if you only want to see the castle from the outside, you'll still have to part with a few euros. Not a big deal though. 

And guess what we find here? Of course, a massive stone. Some giant has propped it up on another stone, creating a beautiful little window. Looking at how small the pillar this stone rests on is, it's almost scary to touch it – it feels like it might topple over.

Liels akmens ar caurumu pie Royal Castle Bobolice

The castle itself proudly sits on top of the cliff, behind a protective wall. In addition to these safety measures, there's a sign that says, "Attention Ghosts." And for a bit of humor, contrasting with the stone wall, there's a wooden toilet placed outside on the second floor. At least people could instantly figure out where not to stand to avoid... Well, you know what. 

Royal Castle Bobolice pils

But even though the Orlich Gniazd Park offers a lot more, this is all we have time for today. We still have to spend a couple of hours on the road. So, let's head to our overnight stay "somewhere along the way" and recharge for the next day. 

What to see in Warsaw in 1 day?

Varšavas Universitātes bibliotēkas jumts

Good morning, fellow explorers! Today, we're setting sail for the vibrant city of Warsaw, and our adventure awaits.

Imagine this: we kick off our day with high hopes of visiting the Copernicus Science Center, but alas, all tickets have vanished into thin air. Let this be a mantra for our future travels – during peak tourist seasons, securing tickets in advance is the secret code to avoid disappointment.

Nothing to do about it this time, I guess. Let's then explore Warsaw's timeless classics – the Old Town and the majestic castle. Plus, we've got a local gem hidden up our sleeves...

Warsaw Library – where books and botanical wonders collide

Location.

Ever wondered what happens when a house is fused together with a garden? Well, here's your chance to find out!

A wonder is made - a living and breathing house, where walls and a roof play host to a variety of lush greenery.

From the outside, the building resembles a glass-covered greenhouse. Vines gracefully climb up almost every wall, and there's an abundance of glass details.

Let's follow the signs leading to the rooftop.

Varšavas Universitātes bibliotēka

Have you ever stood on a grass-covered roof? Now is your chance!

But the greenery doesn't stop there. Winding tunnels of climbing plants guide us in different directions. We can ascend to a dome, which, much like the walls, is covered by a living, breathing green mass.

Or we can take a peek through a glass tunnel. Or even visit a petite viewing platform – though I must warn you, competition for the best spot is fierce!

Varšavas Universitātes bibliotēkas jumts

But wait, there's more! Believe it or not, there's even a small pond up here, with fish living on the roof. Fish, on a rooftop – now, that's something you don't see every day! And through the glass, we can catch glimpses of diligent students studying in the library below.

This is indeed a true wonder. 

Tunelis uz Varšavas Universitātes bibliotēkas juta

Now, let's explore two faces of Warsaw's castle.

Warsaw Royal Castle and gardens

Location.

As we approach the Warsaw Royal Castle from the garden side, a sense of grandeur envelops us. While it may not boast as many embellishments as some other castles, the sense of importance it radiates is undeniable.

Little do passersby know that during the turmoil of war, this magnificent edifice was reduced to rubble and then rebuilt.

Before the castle lies a flawless lawn – a sea of lush, immaculate green, without a single weed in sight (something homeowners will surely appreciate).

Here, you can take a moment to breathe and relax. After visiting Belvedere Castle in Vienna, this comes as a pleasant surprise. You'll even spot some savvy individuals who've brought along picnic baskets. What better place for a picnic than with a castle as your backdrop? But let's leave the perfectly manicured lawns behind and venture into the gardens!

Varšavas Karaliskā pils

The Warsaw Royal Castle boasts two gardens – the upper and lower. That marvelous lawn I've been raving about belongs to the lower garden. Here, we discover hedgerows and exquisite flower beds.

To reach the upper garden, we ascend a flight of stairs. Here, you'll be captivated by a hedge that has been turned into a work of lace by the hands of a skilled gardener, adorned with flower beds.

Dzīvžogs Varšavas karaliskajā pilī

And check out the view to the thuja below and the city opposite the river. The colorful planters with the trees in them complements it very well.

Skats no Varšavas Karaliskās pils augšējā dārza

Now comes a surprise – when you view the castle from the other side, it appears entirely different. Red bricks replace the white walls, and the window shapes take on a new form. A tower graces the castle's presence. Both sides of the castle seem like they belong to two entirely different buildings.

But I have a confession to make. I forgot to take a picture of the front side of the castle *facepalm*. So the only thing I can recommend is to Google it. I hope you can forgive me?

Colorful houses of Warsaw's Old Town – a feast for the eyes

Location.

Warsaw's Old Town is nothing short of a visual feast.

In Market Square, each house boasts its own color and unique mural. One depicts musicians, another showcases fantastical creatures, while yet another proudly displays geometric shapes. Let's play a game – which one's your favorite? It's a tough call; they're all incredibly decorative and complement each other perfectly.

Nami Varšavas tirgus laukumā

But if the hustle and bustle of Market Square isn't your cup of tea, exploring the side streets is equally enchanting. Some houses here might remind you of the Three Brothers in Riga – except here, there are four and a half. One in the corner seems to have had a little less luck, as a portion appears to have been snipped away.

Mājas Varšavas vecpilsētā

The boundary between old and new – Warsaw's Fortifications

Location.

As we follow the trail of tourists down one of the quaint streets, we stumble upon something entirely different from the splendid, ornate buildings of Warsaw's Old Town. It's the striking orange-brick defensive wall that separates the Old Town from the rest of Warsaw.

At first glance, it may feel a bit bland compared to the fun houses we just saw. It's a bit like tasting anything after eating something supper sweet. But as we take a closer look, we discover there are interesting details here as well.

Varšavas nocietinājumu mūri

For instance, the Barbican gate – remember its cousin from our Krakow adventures? And every so often, a tower or a row of protrusions interrupts the monotony of the walls. It's also unexpected that these defensive walls are built in two levels, I don't think that's typical, is it?

Barbikāns un Varšavas nocietinājumi

Warsaw - you did leave a good first impression! But the clock is working against us so we have to move one. Though I do believe we will be back someday.


It doesn't matter if Poland is the destination of your trip or your passing through as part of a longer road trip there is always something amazing to discover here. But our Europe trip is not over yet. We have one more stop - Lithuania.

Birštonas minerālūdens iztvaikošanas tornis

Next stop - Birštonas

Let's end our trip with a peaceful day in Lithuania's spa town

Kalnu pilsētiņa Čehijā - panorāmas skats uz jumtiem

Czech Republic - the previous stop on our road trip

Let's explore caves and a beautiful mountain town

Thanks for visiting my little corner of the internet, and I hope this article was helpful to You :)

Best regards, Armanda

Zvans

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