Yes — even if you only have a weekend or a free afternoon. Ojców National Park is the smallest national park in Poland, but it is packed with attractions: rock formations, caves, a castle, scenic valleys and… bats. For students and participants in the Erasmus programme it’s a great alternative to crowded central Kraków: close, varied and relatively cheap. The trip requires no special preparation and can be adjusted to be a relaxed walk, an intensive hike or a bike route — depending on your group’s time and fitness level.
By car from central Kraków it takes about 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic. There are several parking areas near the main entrances; during the season it can get busy — arriving early helps. If you don’t want to drive, you have several relatively cheap options: a Kraków MPK bus line runs toward the villages at the park boundary (check the exact line number and timetable), and at weekends there are sometimes additional local minibuses. For student groups there are also minibuses leaving from the main bus station; connections may be limited, so check timetables before you go.
Many people cycle there — a great choice for active groups. Interesting bike routes lead from Kraków, including sections of the Eagles' Nests Trail and local bike paths. A bike trip makes sense when the weather is good and you want to combine the ride with exploring valleys and castles. If you rent bikes, make sure you have good lights and enough water.
A simple plan ideal for students: leave Kraków in the morning — walk through the Prądnik Valley — visit Łokietek’s Grotto (Grota Łokietka) — lunch at a local restaurant — walk to Kraków Gate and the Hercules’ Club rock (Maczuga Herkulesa) — afternoon stop at Pieskowa Skała Castle and return to Kraków. This pace lets you see the highlights without rushing.
Łokietek’s Grotto and Ciemna Cave are the most frequently visited caves — in season entries are guided and you can expect queues at weekends. Keep in mind that caves are colder year-round — bring a light sweatshirt. The ruins of Ojców Castle and Pieskowa Skała Castle offer many photogenic spots, perfect for group photos for Instagram or Stories.
Entry to the national park territory is free, but certain attractions (caves, castles, exhibitions) charge fees. Students often qualify for reduced fares — bring a valid student ID. Main attractions are open in specific months (most attractions are available from spring through autumn), so check opening dates for particular caves and castles before you travel. Practical tip: mobile reception can be weak in parts of the park and card terminals may not always work, so carry some cash for small purchases.
If you plan to enter caves, note that visits are controlled (guided entries at set times) and at peak season you should expect waits. Some attractions do not offer timed reservations on site and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Near the park you’ll find several tried-and-true places good for student groups: the restaurant "Piwnica pod Nietoperzem" in Ojców serves classic Polish dishes and is convenient for larger groups; Zajazd Wernyhora near Pieskowa Skała offers decent meals and accommodation if you plan to stay longer. Choosing venues with good reviews — fresh, simple menus and local specialties — will be a welcome change after a long walk.
If you plan to spend some time in Kraków before heading out, stop for coffee and a quick breakfast at a student-budget-friendly café in the centre, for example Massolit Books & Café — a cosy spot ideal for planning the day, studying or a relaxed breakfast before the trip.
Ojców National Park has some unusual features: about 17 species of bats live here — a large share of Poland’s bat fauna — which is why habitat protection is often emphasised. The park is also the smallest national park in the country, yet it offers a network of trails whose total length reaches dozens of kilometres and can be combined in many ways. It’s a great place to mix history (fortresses, castles) with active tourism and nature.
Few people know that some paths run along sections of the Eagles' Nests Trail — a chance to see fragments of a larger historic route connecting defensive castles across the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.
Arriving without checking opening hours and ticket availability — result: long queues and disappointment. Solution: check ahead whether the attractions you want to visit are open that day and what time guided entries begin. Bring your student ID if you expect a discount.
Trying to cram an intense plan into one day (wanting to see everything) — result: tiredness and no time to relax. Better approach: pick 2–3 must-see points and treat the rest as extras. The park can be crowded on weekends and public holiday long weekends — if possible choose a weekday or go early in the morning.
Inappropriate footwear and clothing for caves — inside it is cool and can be slippery. Wear shoes with good soles and bring one extra layer compared to what you’d wear in the city.
Will students get a discount? Yes — most attractions offer reduced tickets to holders of a student ID, usually up to a certain age. How long does a typical trip take? A typical programme visiting the key points takes a full day, but it can be shortened to half a day if you choose selectively. Do you need to book a guide? Cave visits usually take place with an on-duty guide and booking is not necessary for small groups, but for larger groups it's worth contacting the site in advance. Can you bring a dog? Dogs are allowed in most park areas but rules apply — keep dogs on a leash and sometimes muzzled in certain places; check local regulations before you go.
Documents: student ID, wallet with a small amount of cash, bank card. Clothing and gear: comfortable shoes, a light jacket/layer, reusable water bottle, powerbank. Plan: check opening hours of the main attractions, bus/MPK timetables, and book or call ahead for lunch if you’re a larger group. Safety and comfort: bring plasters, basic medicines, and in summer an insect repellent.
If you have more time, combine a visit to Ojców with a longer stretch of the Eagles' Nests Trail — for example a walk to Pieskowa Skała and exploring the castle. For those who want it: staying overnight in a guesthouse near the park is a great option if you want to get up early and do a longer route without hurrying. You can also consider a bike trip around the area linking several fortresses of the Jura.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends — post the article on social media or send the link to the group you’re travelling with. And when you want to go beyond the standard route and hear local stories, consider a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) offers guided trips — her contact is available on her guide page. This is a convenient way to make the most of a day, learn local anecdotes and keep a comfortable pace.
If you want, I can prepare a version of the route tailored to a specific date, budget or preferences (more photographic, more active, or with more stops for food).
