Eagle Nests Landscape Park

The Eagle Nests Landscape Park, stretching from Częstochowa to Olkusz and Dąbrowa Górnicza, is located in the Silesian and Lesser Poland voivodeships. Its boundaries encompass an area with unique landscape features, primarily composed of Mesozoic rocks dating back to the Jurassic period. The park is characterized by its rocky ridges, including the Smoleńsko-Niegowonickie, Zborowsko-Ogrodzienieckie, and Mirowsko-Olsztyńskie ranges, as well as the highest peak—Góra Janowskiego, reaching 516 meters above sea level. The area hosts diverse ecosystems where, thanks to specific limestone soils, many rare and protected plant species thrive, including numerous orchids such as the lady's slipper and the red helleborine. The park's fauna is notable for its variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, including bats, kestrels, and adders, making it a valuable area for biodiversity conservation. The region's history is linked to the presence of numerous castles, known as "Eagle Nests," which served defensive purposes and now function as tourist attractions. The park also contains several nature reserves, such as Góra Zborów and Bukowa Kępa. A protection plan has been established for the park, highlighting its ecological and cultural significance, as well as the commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage. An interesting fact is the presence of unique species, such as the Polish scurvygrass—an endemic plant—as well as the park’s use for tourist activities, including climbing and hiking, which attract nature and history enthusiasts.