The Mirow and Bobolice Castles, Poland
Discovering the Eagle's Nests Trail
Just 25 km north of the magnificent castle of Ogrodzieniec, the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland reveals another pair of its famous "eagle's nests" – the impressive ruins of Mirów Castle and, a mere half-kilometer to the west, the beautifully restored castle of Bobolice. These two medieval fortresses are the highlights of a scenic and relatively easy hiking trail that connects them, making for a perfect day trip through a landscape dotted with unique limestone rock formations. This short, rewarding trek allows visitors to immerse themselves in both history and nature, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Poland's rich past. It is an ideal route for families, seasoned hikers, and anyone looking to experience the geological wonders of the Jura Upland.
How to get there. Parking in Mirów
Planning your visit to the Mirów and Bobolice castles is straightforward, with excellent access for drivers. Choosing Mirów as your starting point for the hike is a strategic decision, as it allows you to complete a satisfying loop tour before returning to your car. The local roads leading to the village are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey. The proximity of the parking lot to the Mirów castle entrance and a convenient inn makes it an ideal hub for beginning and ending your adventure in the Jura.
We decided to go to Mirów first, see the castle, then walk Mirów-Bobolice trail and finally return to Mirów, where we got some rest and ate something. The Mirów area can be reached via the roads 792 or 789. We turn to local road and get to Mirów village, where we turn to even more local road (albeit a very well-maintained) and after about 200 meters we are already at a large parking lot, where we leave the car (1; GPS: 50.614190, 19.471826). Right next to the parking lot there is an inn "Cottage in the Jura" ("Chata na Jurze" in Polish) which later will be very useful for us.
The Mirów Castle
Mirów Castle, with its rugged, romantic silhouette, stands as a powerful reminder of the medieval past. Despite being a ruin, its imposing stone walls and soaring towers command the landscape, evoking a sense of ancient strength and mystery. The ongoing conservation and restoration efforts ensure that this monument will be preserved for future generations. Its location on a bare limestone outcrop makes it an exceptionally photogenic site, especially when the light creates dramatic contrasts between the white rock and the deep blue sky. It is a place that truly inspires the imagination.
Although these are only ruins (A; GPS: 50.614146, 19.475366), they make a big impression - especially during beautiful weather, when white walls contrast with a dark blue sky. The fourteenth-century castle, built during the reign of King Casimir the Great, is located on a hill devoid of trees - just from limestone rocks suddenly grows slender, austere ruin, which is now protected and will probably be renovated and shared to tourists. That's why you can not go inside. The area is also incredible - a combination of white monadnocks, green vegetation and blue sky - some artists could create more than one picture here.
The Mirów - Bobolice Trail
The trail connecting Mirów and Bobolice is not just a path between two castles; it's a scenic journey through a unique geological landscape. The Kraków-Częstochowa Upland is famous for its karst formations, and this trail allows you to walk right through them. The white limestone monadnocks, carved by millions of years of erosion, rise dramatically from the forest floor, creating a landscape that feels both ancient and otherworldly. The trail itself is a gentle adventure, with well-marked paths that are suitable for walkers of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Polish Jura.
There is another castle close to Mirów - it's the renovated Bobolice castle. You can just drive there on a nice asphalt road, but why to do it when you can walk a much more attractive tourist route. The trail begins at the castle of Mirów and gently winds its way among the rocks. The route is not too difficult, although you should have better shoes because sometimes you walk between the stones or even on them. However during our walk we met both a lot of families with small children as well as seniors, so this is a route simply for all! On the way we pass local flora - there are for example rowan trees, juniper bushes and hawthorn bushes. When we are at the highest point of the route, we can see our goal, which is the castle of Boblice. It however quickly disappears from sight because we immerse in a local grove. When we get out of it, the Boblice castle appears in a full glory - it's a beautiful view.
The Bobolice Castle
The Bobolice castle represents a fascinating chapter in the history of Polish heritage restoration. Its complete reconstruction by the Lasecki family was a monumental project aimed at bringing the medieval fortress back to life. The impressive result is a testament to their dedication to preserving the region's cultural legacy. The castle now stands as a symbol of the Polish "eagle's nests," showcasing what these fortresses would have looked like in their prime. The renovation, though a modern undertaking, allows visitors to step back in time and truly visualize the castle's grandeur and its strategic importance within the medieval kingdom.
The Bobolice castle (B; GPS: 50.612955, 19.492713), built like Mirów castle in fourteenth century, was completely renovated and rebuilt by the Lasecki family - the owners of the property. The official opening of the castle for use took place in 2011. Interestingly, during the reconstruction weren't used any documents - the appearance of the castle was restored only on the basis of existing ruins and the knowledge of archaeologists and historians. The castle is situated on a rocky hill - there is a wall, a cylindrical tower and the moat with a drawbridge. Nearby the castle there's a distinctive rock called Lasecki Gate ("Brama Laseckich") - it's a monadnock rock in the shape of an irregular arc formed 100 million years ago, that is, dating from the Jurassic period. For a long time the rock was hidden among the bushes, and was discovered during the renovation of the castle when the whole area was purified. The rock is a big attraction - a lot of people make a picture with it.
The castle can be visited between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00. The ticket prices: adults - 15 zł, reduced - 10 zł. We can not however confirm whether or not is good to invest such amount in visiting the interior, because we were just perfect content with watching the castle from the outside. For more discerning travelers there's also a restaurant and a hotel, which both are located at a foot of the castle hill.
Return to Mirów
The return journey from Bobolice to Mirów is a pleasant descent along a paved road, completing the scenic loop and bringing you back to your starting point. This walk offers a different perspective on the landscape, with rolling hills and agricultural fields replacing the dramatic rock formations of the hiking trail. The convenience of ending your tour where you began means you can easily access your car and relax after the trek. It's a well-designed route that ensures a comfortable and satisfying conclusion to your exploration of the two castles.
We descend from the castle hill and just walk back the asphalt road to Mirów. There you can get something to drink and satisfy your hunger in a really pretty good inn "Cottage in the Jura" ("Chata na Jurze" in Polish) located right next to the parking lot. The food is inexpensive, yet tasty - we really enjoyed the pork chops and french fries - if we visit this place again, we'll order the same things.
Gastronomy in the Jura Upland
The Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, known as the Jura, offers a hearty and traditional culinary experience that is deeply connected to the region's rural and forested landscape. The local cuisine is characterized by its simple yet flavorful dishes, often featuring potatoes, smoked meats, and products from the forests and local farms. After a day of hiking the scenic trails, a satisfying, home-cooked meal is the perfect way to cap off your adventure. Many local inns and restaurants pride themselves on serving authentic regional specialties, providing a true taste of the Jura.
What to Try?
- Prażonki: A classic Jura specialty, this is a delicious one-pot dish cooked over a fire, typically containing potatoes, sausage, bacon, and onion. It's a must-try for a rustic, authentic experience.
- Kwaśnica Jurajska: A hearty and warming soup made from fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) and ribs or smoked bacon, perfect for a chilly day.
- Local Trout: The numerous streams and rivers of the Jura are home to trout farms, so you can often find fresh, pan-fried trout on the menu, served with butter and herbs.
- Wild mushrooms and forest berries: The forests around the castles are a source of mushrooms and berries, which are often used in local dishes, from soups to desserts.
- Traditional Polish fare: You will also find beloved Polish classics like pork chops (`schabowy`), pierogi, and bigos, prepared with a local flair.
Where to Eat?
The inn mentioned in the trail description, "Chata na Jurze," is an excellent place to start. Its location right by the parking lot is unbeatable after a long walk. Look for other `karczmy` (traditional inns) and restaurants in the villages along the trail. These establishments often serve large portions of homemade food at reasonable prices, offering a welcoming atmosphere for tired travelers. It is the perfect way to refuel and immerse yourself in the local culture.
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