Trail of the Eagles' Nests, Medieval castles trail between Krakow and Czestochowa, Poland
The Trail of the Eagles' Nests is a marked route running 163 kilometers through the Polish Jura highlands between Krakow and Czestochowa, connecting 25 medieval fortress ruins. The castles rise on limestone cliffs that tower over the forested hills and open valleys of the region.
Casimir the Great commissioned these defensive structures in the 14th century to protect trade routes to Krakow from incursions from Bohemia and Silesia. Many fortresses fell into disrepair after the Thirty Years' War when their military importance faded.
The name comes from the eagle's nest castles perched on hard-to-reach limestone cliffs, resembling bird nests. Hikers today encounter local groups using these fortresses for historical reenactments and medieval gatherings.
The path offers both hiking and cycling routes with numerous access points from nearby towns. Parking areas are located near the main ruins, and local signage directs visitors to individual castles.
Ogrodzieniec Castle at 515 meters (1,690 feet) above sea level contains the largest fortress remains along the route. Its ruins served as a filming location for several Polish movies and television series from the 1970s.
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