Looking for a plan for an active but not exhausting day with friends? Great idea - a morning in Krakow’s historic center and an afternoon in a green Jurassic valley gives you an ideal mix of city and nature.
Ojców National Park lies north of Krakow and covers a relatively small area - which means you don’t spend much time getting there, and in return you get limestone formations, caves, castles and atmospheric walking paths.
A one-day plan lets you taste the highlights of both places without excessive rushing - you’ll take nice photos, rest in nature and learn a bit of the city’s history.
7:45–8:30 - breakfast near the Main Market Square. Pick a place with quick service so you don’t waste time. A short coffee and something to eat is enough.
9:00–11:00 - walk through the Old Town: Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (outside or a quick visit), St. Mary’s Basilica (entry optional), a short stroll through the Planty. If you want, drop by Wawel and view the castle from the outside - interior tours can wait for another visit.
11:15–12:00 - quick lunch or take sandwiches to go; pack walking shoes and light backpacks.
12:00–12:45 - drive to Ojców National Park (by car about 30–45 minutes from central Krakow, depending on traffic).
13:00–16:30 - explore the park: walk the Prądnik Valley, see the Hercules’ Club (Maczuga Herkulesa), the Kraków Gate rock formation, and the ruins of the castle in Ojców. It’s also worth going to Pieskowa Skała to see the Renaissance castle perched on a cliff and its surroundings.
16:30–17:15 - coffee/cake at one of the small local spots by the parking area or a short picnic outdoors.
17:15–18:00 - return to Krakow; in the evening you can finish the day with dinner in Kazimierz or relax by the Vistula River.
Hercules’ Club (Maczuga Herkulesa) - a distinctive tall limestone outcrop, a perfect spot for photos. It’s the park’s symbol and worth seeing up close.
Ojców Castle - picturesque ruins on the edge of the village; a short visit gives great atmosphere and views over the valley.
Łokietek Cave (Jaskinia Łokietka) - the largest and most famous cave in the park, linked to the legend of King Łokietek; interior access can be limited, so check visiting rules.
Kraków Gate (Brama Krakowska) - an impressive rock formation that looks like a natural gate, very scenic during a walk in the Prądnik Valley.
Pieskowa Skała - a Renaissance castle on a high rock (worth seeing from the outside; the on-site museum is an option for those interested).
The Chapel on the Water and other smaller formations - along the route you’ll find many charming spots perfect for a short stop.
Car - the most convenient option for a group of friends: the drive usually takes about 30–45 minutes from central Krakow, and parking areas near park entrances make starting the trip easy. In peak season keep in mind parking can fill up, so arriving earlier is wise.
Public transport - there are minibuses and buses running toward Ojców and nearby towns; in season there are also recreational lines serving attractions directly. Schedules can be seasonal, so check timings before travel.
Alternatives - a taxi or rideshare is a convenient solution for smaller groups, though more expensive than public transport. For people without a car it’s a sensible option if you want to save time.
Shoes - comfortable, preferably sporty or hiking shoes. Park trails can be rocky and uneven, so flip-flops or high heels are not recommended.
Layered clothing - weather can change quickly, and the valley can be cooler than the city. A light windbreaker or fleece is a good idea.
Water and snacks - there aren’t always open food points in the park; even a short trip is nicer with a bottle of water and something to nibble on.
Phone and powerbank - for photos and navigation. Coverage is often good, but having extra battery is handy.
Documents and small cash - for parking fees, small purchases or any on-site charges.
Lunch before leaving the city - a quick bistro near the Market or takeaway sandwiches are a good choice if you want to save time.
Near the park - small cafés and guesthouses by the parking areas and park entrances serve homemade meals, coffee and cakes; the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Examples include local cafes near Ojców and the snack points by Pieskowa Skała (seasonal).
Picnic outdoors - if the weather is nice, spread a blanket and enjoy a mini-picnic in one of the clearings. It’s a simple and pleasant way to bond with friends.
Trails in Ojców National Park are generally short and accessible - suitable for most people with average fitness. You can combine walks with a few climbs and short photo stops.
If someone in the group has limited mobility, plan a route that avoids steep climbs. Some attractions are close to parking areas and easy to reach.
For active visitors - the park’s network of paths allows you to extend the route and try a longer hike (several hours) through the Jurassic ravines and ridges.
Respect nature - stay on marked trails, don’t litter and avoid excessive noise. A national park is a protected area.
Do not enter closed caves - some shelters and caves are seasonally closed or closed for nature protection reasons; follow signs and park staff instructions.
Parking fees and park regulations apply - have small cash or a card ready if the parking meter accepts it. Pay attention to opening hours and on-site signage.
Weather and preparedness - trails get slippery in the rain; in bad weather consider shortening the route and returning earlier.
If you have an extra afternoon or an overnight, consider a longer visit to Pieskowa Skała including the museum, or explore neighboring Jurassic valleys.
For food lovers: finish the day with dinner in Kazimierz - it’s a great place to recap the trip with friends.
If someone prefers a slower pace, you can leave part of the group in the city while others go to the park - everyone returns later and shares stories.
Planning a trip with friends is above all about fun and shared moments. This option combines what’s most beautiful in Krakow - history and urban atmosphere - with calm and fresh air in Ojców National Park.
If you’d like, I can help tailor the route to your group - a short stroll through the Old Town, a later breakfast, longer exploration of the park or a guided visit to Pieskowa Skała. I’m Margaret Kasprowicz, guide at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, and I’ll gladly advise and help plan your day.
Have a lovely trip - may it be full of laughter, beautiful photos and moments you’ll remember for a long time!
