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The Eagles' Nests Cycling Trail is one of the most spectacular bike routes in Poland, running through the picturesque landscapes of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The route connects Kraków with Częstochowa, stretches for about 190 km, and leads through limestone hills, valleys, forests, and – most notably – medieval castles and fortresses known as the Eagles’ Nests. The trail impresses with its diverse scenery and natural beauty, while also allowing riders to discover the history and heritage of the region. It’s an ideal choice for cyclists who enjoy active leisure with a touch of adventure.
The section from Kraków to the border with Silesian Voivodeship is well marked – red bike signs with an eagle symbol guide you through the entire Kraków Upland. You’ll also find educational boards and rest points along the way.
In the Częstochowa Upland area, signage is more varied – some segments are clearly marked, others require GPS navigation. Work is ongoing to improve continuity and upgrade the surface, especially around Złoty Potok and Olsztyn.
The route can be done in either direction, but the most recommended option is to ride south to north – from Kraków to Częstochowa. This direction makes the hills easier to handle and helps with planning overnight stays more conveniently.
The best season is late spring, summer, and early autumn. In May and June, the trail is surrounded by lush greenery and moderate tourist traffic. In summer, you’ll benefit from full food service infrastructure, while autumn offers colorful forests and hills for a scenic, peaceful ride.
The route begins through valleys near Kraków and the picturesque Ojców National Park. Be sure to stop in Ojców to see the castle ruins and the Hercules’ Club rock formation. In Rabsztyn, you’ll find a restored castle with a scenic tower.
This is one of the most scenic segments – passing through hills and Jurassic rock formations. Ogrodzieniec Castle in Podzamcze is the crown jewel of the Upland and a must-see. The route is challenging in parts, but the views are worth the effort.
This stage offers a calmer pace with more forests and historic villages. In Złoty Potok, you can visit the Raczyński Palace and a nature reserve. Olsztyn, with its castle ruins, is a great place to spend the night before the final stretch.
The last segment runs on gentle roads to the center of Częstochowa. The trail ends at Jasna Góra – a symbolic and popular pilgrimage site. It’s the perfect place to finish your journey and visit the monastery.
The trail runs through tourist-friendly areas, with a wide range of accommodation options in all major towns:
Although the Eagles’ Nests Cycling Trail mostly offers bike-friendly surfaces, around 1% of the total route may be less comfortable – especially for less experienced cyclists or those carrying panniers. Below are the most challenging segments with alternative options.
This approx. 400 m segment climbs a steep, damaged rocky road – once a service route to a former holiday resort. It now resembles a dry riverbed and may require walking the bike. Alternative: asphalt detour through Morsko (note – this route skips Bąkowiec Castle).
After leaving the asphalt, the trail enters a forested area with sandy and more technical terrain. The most difficult part is around 200 m of loose, unstable ground. Alternative: asphalt detour via Zalesie Golczowskie.
This approx. 800 m stretch runs on a narrow, uneven dirt track resembling a singletrack, ending with a short but steep climb. It may be tough with a heavily loaded bike. Alternative: asphalt detour via Koziary and the Aleksandrowicka Valley.
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