Backpacking in Poland: Sleeping in the Countryside at Pokoje Gościnne u Grażyny, Ojców

“It’s all too beautiful” – The Small Faces.

Poland continues to surprise me, day by day and week by week. My latest adventure inside the country that has become my home was to the tranquil countryside village of Ojców. Here in misty, magical Ojców there are a range of less commercial, touristic sites away from the more popular cities, sights and towns in Poland. It’s a totally beautiful place, very tranquil, peaceful, remote and rural yet a short drive from the huge city of Kraków.

We spent a night in the totally beautiful village of Ojców and we chose to stay at the marvellous family run guesthouse – Pokoje Gościnne u Grażyny, which translates as “Guest Rooms from Grażyna”. Grażyna is our host for the evening, as my Polish friend Aleksandra and I arrive in darkness into the magic of Ojców, via Skała.

Here are some great reasons to stay at the Pokoje Gościnne u Grażyny.

1.Tranquil Village Life

I loved the peaceful charm here. I live in Warszawa these days, and it’s years since I lived in a remote village or island so any time I get a chance to escape the big fast moving, commercial city life, I do it. We had such a relaxing time here in Pokoje Gościnne u Grażyny, Ojców. The views out of our window in the morning were stunning – so peaceful.

2.Self Catering

We headed to the Zabka (frog local shop) in nearby Skała to buy food as this was self catering. We were able to use the fridge and freezer in the nice kitchen here to go self catering. There is also a microwave, a kettle and a cooker.

3.Compact and Cosy Rooms

I was here with my lovely Polish friend Aleksandra and we both live a busy city life day on day, so the escape to a compact and cosy room was great. We had a window to the misty morning world, our own ensuite shower room, a television, a desk and a cosy bed. Overall, our room was excellent, we were in Room 1.

4.Within Walking Distance to Lots of Sights

We were able to walk to the marvellous St. Joseph’s Church (Chapel on the Water – Kaplica Na Wodzie), a monument to Mother Mary and the lofty Ojców Castle (4 złotych normal entrance, 2 złotych student price).

Aside from that we were also able to drive to the Rock of Hercules and the famous Castle of Pieskowa Skała. We also planned to have coffee and cake at the wonderful Boroniowka Cafe, but it was closed when we arrived (and later open on the way back). We drove to those sites as they are a wee bit further north.

5.Friendly, family vibe thanks to Grażyna

Our larger than life host is Grażyna, who even apologises to me for her lack of English. Honestly, this is even a shame for me as my Polish language level is so low (now on A2).

There are four main rooms here and one larger room, on the upper floor which is life the “Penthouse Suite”. All five rooms are housed in one building. There is also free Wi-Fi and in the summer months, an outdoor bar and restaurant.

Here are the details for booking a room at the Pokoje Gościnne u Grażyny, Ojców

Pokoje Gościnne u Grażyny website:

http://www.ugrazyny.com/index.html

Pokoje Gościnne u Grażyny on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ugrazyny/

Ojców tourist website:

https://www.ojcow.pl/

Here are some videos I made while backpacking in Ojców: