The best traffic-free bike rides around gmina Pilica

The view of the castle is simply fantastic. If you arrive before noon, the sun glints off the castle's surface, and it looks stunning.

Pilcza Castle in Smoleń is a picturesque ruin of a medieval stronghold, situated on a lofty hill amidst the forests of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The castle was once the seat of the mighty Toporczyk family, and later became associated with the Pilecki family – hence its name. Today, you can visit the restored tower and fragments of the defensive walls, from which there is an extensive view of the surrounding area. The castle is an attraction of the Eagle's Nests Trail and a great stopping point on a bicycle trip through the Jura – although the ascent to the ruins is steep, it is worth taking shoes for a short walk.

Brzuchacka Skała (also known as Brzuchaczna) is a characteristic limestone outcrop, about 15 meters high, located in the forest between Ryczów and Pilica, in the Częstochowa Upland. It is popular with climbers - it offers over 20 routes of varying degrees of difficulty, including very demanding routes with overhangs and a large overhang.

Pilcza Castle in Smoleń is a picturesque ruin of a medieval stronghold located on a hill among the forests of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Although only fragments of walls and a tower have survived, the viewing point offers a beautiful panorama of the area. It is a peaceful place, ideal for a break during a bicycle trip through the Jura, especially since the castle is located near popular trails (Eagle's Nests Trail, Jura Fortresses Trail). Next to the ruins you will also find information boards and a place to rest.

Ogrodzieniec Castle in Podzamcze is the largest and one of the best-preserved strongholds on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests and the Trail of Jurassic Strongholds. The impressive ruins tower over the area and offer numerous viewing terraces and chambers, towers and courtyards open to the public. It is a popular tourist attraction with catering facilities and bicycle-friendly infrastructure. In the season, it is worth visiting the castle first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Access by bike is possible via the asphalt road from the Podzamcze side or via a more off-road option through the Towarne Mountains.

Ogrodzieniec Castle in Podzamcze is the largest and one of the best-preserved strongholds on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. The impressive ruins tower over the area and offer numerous viewing terraces and chambers, towers and courtyards open to the public. It is a popular tourist attraction with catering facilities and bicycle-friendly infrastructure. During the season, it is worth visiting the castle first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Access by bike is possible via the asphalt road from the Podzamcze side or via a more off-road option through the Towarne Mountains.

To avoid the crowds of visitors to the castle, it is better to arrive on a weekday.

The origins of defensive architecture in Podzamcze date back to the time of Bolesław III Wrymouth, when a defensive stronghold was built on the rocky hill of Birów Mountain, manned by a guard force to protect the border against incursions from Czech princes. Instead of this structure, destroyed during King Łokietek's struggle for the throne of Kraków, Casimir the Great built a Gothic castle on Janowski Hill in the mid-14th century. Władysław Jagiełło gifted it to Włodek of Charbinowice, of the Sulima coat of arms, in 1386. The stronghold changed hands several times, ending up in the hands of the Boner family in the first half of the 16th century, among the wealthiest and most influential in Poland at the time. At the initiative of Seweryn Boner, the castle was rebuilt between 1530 and 1545 into a magnificent Renaissance-style structure. The ambitious owners modeled their plans on Wawel Castle, ultimately furnishing one of the most magnificent residences in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth with great splendor. After the Boner family's male line died out, the castle changed hands again many times. Unfortunately, the building also fell victim to invasions and disasters, which caused increasing damage. In 1587, Ogrodzieniec Castle was captured by the forces of Archduke Maximilian, a pretender to the Polish throne. In 1655, during the Deluge, Swedish troops stationed there caused a fire that destroyed a significant portion of the castle. In 1702, the building fell victim to another fire, also started by Swedish troops, this time stationed there during the Great Northern War. From then on, the castle declined, as the costs of reconstruction exceeded the capabilities of subsequent owners. In the early 19th century, the last residents abandoned the building, and its walls were dismantled and used as building materials. Since the early 20th century, a number of initiatives have been undertaken to preserve the picturesque ruins. They are now open to the public, and mass events are held there. The ruins have served as film locations several times, including for Andrzej Wajda's "The Knight," "Janosik," and "Revenge," as well as Netflix's "The Witcher."