Old Chinese
proverb says: "When I hear something-I'll easier forget,
when I see something-I'll easier remember, when I do something-I'll
easier understand". So if we spend some time on exploring
the nature ourselves, we'll understand her, respect and get to know
better. The Cracow-Czestochowa Upland gives you a various possibility
of spending time: hiking, cycling, riding, climbing and speology. Also
horse-riding, skiing and paragliding are becoming famous there.
Hiking
It has always been strongly promoted in Jura.
The best example is the fact that there are some thousands of registered
trails giving you a perfect view of polish nature. The most important
and famous is Eagles' Nests Trail (Szlak Orlich Gniazd) which connects
Cracow with Czestochowa, most frequently taken by huge numbers of tourists.
During this 163km length trail we can admire different plant species
or pick up forest fruits (wild strawberries, blackberries, red berries,
and especially mushrooms). But the most attractive things to see, not
only on this trail, are the ruins of mighty castles.
Castles
Visiting Jura's castles will give you a taste of
polish history. The majority of them was built in the XIV century,
when Poland was commanded by its most powerful king-Kazimierz Wielki.
Then a big complicated system of watchtowers and castles was built.
They were put on the hills, which made them more difficult to capture.
Unfortunately not all of them have survived till now. But till now
each ruin seems to hide its own mystery. There are lots of legends
describing, sometimes very drastically, the events which have taken
place. Although, not everything is explained. Very often the masters
haven't left their castles after death. If you are the one, you may
meet them…
Olsztyn - it's one of the most beautiful ruins, in the past one of the biggest
and most powerful Jurassic strongholds. It was situated on a rocky
hill called Sunny Rocks. It consisted of the upper and lower castles
and two outer ones. But those Sunny Rocks are bright only during sunny
days. In autumn rainy days, and especially at night the terror raises.
When the darkness comes, on the round tower a strong broad-shouldered
man appears. Clinking of chains and terrifying screaming are heard.
It lasts till midnight.
This ghost is high situated king's helper. Behind
king's back he cooperated with thieves and soon became their leader.
As a punishment he was put in the underground. His punishment was death
of starvation. He got only water and hay. It made him so desperate,
that he started eating parts of his body to fight against the hunger
…
Bobolice - the king's castle built in the middle of XIVc. on a rocky hill,
in the site of the anterior wooden castle. An amazing thing happened
there. A boy called John 'White' found here great treasure…
There are much more stories. I hope this little
part gave you some sight about our region.
Worth seeing are also Jurassic caves, which also
have own legends. This time they are mostly about witches and magic.
They show how water can change the stone into an art during thousands
of years. If you are still not satisfied with what I've just mentioned,
you can try rock climbing and paragliding. What I mean-there's a
lot to do in here.
The Beskidy Mountains
There are beautiful mountains in the south part
of Silesia Province. They are called The Beskidy Mountains: Beskid
of Silesia and part of Beskid of Zywiec. This place is one of the
most beautiful in Silesia. It is an important tourism centre.
-If
You like mountain climbing there are lots of high mountains (with
Skrzyczne 1257 and Pilsko 1557metres above sea level)
-For
forest hiking fans and for those who don't like climbing there are
beautiful valleys and small hills
-You
love skiing! Here You'll find the best ski runs in Silesia (for some
these are the best in Poland) with large number of lifts - chairlifts,
T-bar lifts and ski lifts.
-You
look for a quiet place with fresh air and comfortable accommodation
- You'll find it here.
-For
mountain bikers there are downhill driving routes (one of the best
on Czantoria).
-For
those who like water, dams (and lakes) were built so that they can't
complain.
There is always a lot to do here. Everyone will
find something interesting - both youngsters and seniority, families
as well as lovers.