The best MTB trails around Alwernia

A beautiful bridge over the Skawinka river, with green, rural views - perfect for taking photos. Right next to the Vistula Cycling Route.

It's worth visiting, there's a cafe and you can buy souvenirs

Visiting the Ruins: The castle is open to the public, and tourists can see, among other things, the walled-up prison cells. Tower: The castle's distinctive feature is the towering, nearly 30-meter-tall tower, which can be climbed to admire the views of the surrounding area. Access to the top via a narrow, winding staircase and ladder is an additional attraction. Vistula Ethnographic Park: The castle ruins are part of a museum complex, along with the adjacent open-air museum, where visitors can see examples of the region's traditional wooden architecture, including a 17th-century church. Events: The castle and the open-air museum frequently host outdoor events, such as history weekends, rallies, and concerts.

Lipowiec Castle is a picturesque medieval castle ruin situated on a limestone hill within the Lipowiec Nature Reserve, near the villages of Wygiełzów and Babice, in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Located in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, it once served as a castle for the Kraków bishops and a prison.

The place has become a bit ugly, I think there are a few missing elements as of August 27, 2025

At night the castle is illuminated and gives the scene a mystical feel.

This Gothic fortress once protected the trade route from Kraków to Silesia. Fragments of the upper castle, including a well and a tower from the earliest period of construction, still survive today. In the 15th century, the fortress, owned by the Kraków bishops, also served as a prison for clergy, particularly during the Reformation. The fortress was destroyed by wars and fires and was finally abandoned in the early 19th century. In the 20th century, the building was opened to the public, and annual festivals were organized there to showcase the medieval era. In August, the Knights' and Archery Tournament takes place, offering visitors the opportunity to observe military performances, visit the craftsmen's village, and participate in numerous games and shows, all accompanied by the sounds of early music. Another August attraction is the Witches' and Witches' Rally.

Lipowiec Castle is open to visitors again. Extensive security work has been completed. The ruins can now be safely viewed. However, some parts are not open to the public. The high keep is accessible via a narrow stone spiral staircase. Two artillery loopholes have been restored in the keep and are now accessible on the way to the top viewing platform. The last 3 meters must be climbed with the help of a permanently installed ladder. You are rewarded with a magnificent 360° view. A view that makes you want to hike in the surrounding forests. The newly built, chic café does not detract from the ensemble at all. It blends well with the old ensemble. Admission costs 20 zloty (as of July 2025).