Małopolska is one of the best regions in Poland for a road trip. Within a short drive from Kraków, you can find many medieval castles, ruins, and fortresses located on the hills of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.
1. Ojców Castle
The first stop is located around 30 minutes from Kraków. It is a small castle situated in the heart of the Ojców National Park — a perfect place for a morning walk and coffee.
What is worth seeing?
- castle ruins,
- Kraków Gate,
- Hercules’ Club,
- the Prądnik Valley.
2. Pieskowa Skała Castle
One of the most famous places in Małopolska. This Renaissance castle looks amazing in every season and often appears in travel guides.
On site:
- museum,
- castle courtyard,
- viewpoint,
- restaurant and parking area.
3. Rabsztyn Castle
A less crowded but very atmospheric fortress with beautiful views of the surrounding area. The ruins are located on a limestone hill near Olkusz and offer an amazing panorama of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.
What is worth seeing?
- restored observation tower,
- stone castle walls,
- castle courtyard,
- scenic views of forests and hills,
- atmospheric evening illumination.
4. Ogrodzieniec Castle
The most impressive point of the entire route and one of the most famous castles in Poland. The monumental ruins are located on limestone rocks of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland
Perfect place for:
- sunset views,
- photography,
- walking through the ruins,
- finishing the whole road trip.
How long does the route take?
The entire route is approximately:
- 250–300 km,
- 1 full day of relaxed driving,
- around 5–6 hours of travel including stops.
Which car is best for this trip?
For this type of route, the following cars work perfectly:
- SUVs for family trips,
- economical hybrids,
- comfortable sedans for longer distances.
Popular choices among customers include:
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota RAV4
- Škoda Kodiaq
Tips before the trip
- it is best to leave early in the morning,
- parking lots fill up quickly on weekends,
- comfortable shoes are recommended,
- some castles require paid entrance tickets,
- spring and autumn are the best seasons for this route.
Check our car rental offer
If you are planning a road trip around Małopolska, check the car rental offer at GO Rental Cars.
