Rowerowy Szlak Orlich Gniazd, the Cycle Trail of the Eagles’ Nests, connects Częstochowa and Kraków across southern Poland. Castles and former defensive sites give the journey its name, while limestone outcrops, wooded hills and valleys shape the landscape between them. The cycling itinerary is a distinct route within the wider Eagles’ Nests trail system, which also has a walking version.
From Częstochowa into castle country
The Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska tourism portal describes the cycling route from Częstochowa railway station towards Olsztyn, where a castle occupies a hill above the town. The trail continues towards Złoty Potok, a place to explore the Wiercica Valley as well as the Raczyński Palace and the Krasiński manor.
Further south, the itinerary passes the remains of Ostrężnik Castle and the former watchtower at Przewodziszowice. Mirów and Bobolice bring two more castles close together, followed by Podlesice. The regional guide suggests leaving the bicycles there for a walk to Góra Zborów and Głęboka Cave.
Through the heart of the Jura
Beyond Podlesice, the route passes the castle ruins at Morsko and reaches Kromołów, a district of Zawiercie where the sources of the Warta can be visited. Ogrodzieniec Castle at Podzamcze is another prominent stop before the route continues through Ryczów towards the castle ruins above Smoleń.
South of Smoleń, the regional description leads through the Wodąca Valley and past the Zegarowe rock formations to Bydlin. Wooded hills near Jaroszowiec and the castle at Rabsztyn follow before Olkusz. This sequence makes it possible to build a trip around a few chosen sites rather than trying to visit every castle in one ride.
The Małopolska section and Kraków
The southern part links Olkusz with Racławice and Paczółtowice, where the regional route description points out wooden churches. The itinerary continues through the Eliaszówka Valley to the Carmelite monastery at Czerna, then through Krzeszowice and towards Tenczyn Castle at Rudno.
VisitMałopolska lists Brzoskwinia and Szczyglice among the places on the cycling itinerary near Kraków. Its route page also identifies several protected landscapes along the Małopolska section, including the Eagles’ Nests, Dolinki Krakowskie and Tenczyn landscape parks.
Planning the ride
The cycling route is marked with red R-1 bicycle signs. The regional guide also describes direction and distance signs for nearby places and attractions. Its trip-planning suggestions include riding a selected section or using an overnight stop to leave more time for the castles and other sights.
The route page carries a warning that road works on national road 94 in Olkusz and bypass construction in Kromołów may make those sections difficult to pass and may involve the removal of some trail signs. Check the latest local information before setting out, take extra care and follow road managers’ directions.