The country for travel and trips

If you have time for only one other stop after Ojców, make it this one. About 60km and an hour’s drive from Kraków, Ogrodzieniec Castle offers some of the most stunning views in Jura; in fact, it was exactly here that Aleksander Janowski was inspired to found the Polish Tourism Association (PTTK) back in 1906. Perched atop the highest point in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland chain at 504 metres, this legendary castle is surrounded by some of the most picturesque, imposing inselbergs in the area – an attraction in themselves. The castle and its scenic surrounds are actually located about 2km east of Ogrodzieniec in Podzamcze. Like the other Jura castles, Ogrodzieniec was built on the initiative of King Kazimierz in the 14th century before the Boner family (the same unfortunately surnamed clan of the ‘palace’ on Kraków’s market square) enlarged and converted it into a Renaissance residence said to rival Wawel Castle beginning in 1532. Subsequently destroyed three times with the Swedes tallying two of the devastating tantrums, Ogrodzieniec fell into ruin and several of its once great walls were even razed in the 19th century to provide masonry for other building works. Today its a picturesque ruin eclipsing all others in the country and has been stabilised safely so that visitors can lose their orientation inside its maze of dead ends and dizzying vantage points – including two intact towers – over several levels. Admission is required and guests will find a PTTK tourist information office – the first in the country – inside its walled courtyard just past the impressive gate. A seasonal cafe and restaurant in one cellar, as well as a touristy torture museum and medieval kitsch merchants do little to detract from the charm of this imposing site, one of PL’s most treasured.

The largest in the U.S., the Missouri river is the main water source for the entire country. On the territory of the state of North Dakota in the Missouri river empties into the famous "Heart" (Heart River), and is not difficult to guess, making the river got such a romantic name.

Dendrological parks of Ukraine — the zone of cultivation of various plant species, often rare and exotic. Next for creating beautiful ornamental structures, sculptures, artificial lakes, sometimes even simulates the masterpieces of world architecture.

So we brought such parks have been decades or centuries of hard work. And most importantly — put in a great love of nature and artistic enthusiasm of the gardeners, foresters, sculptors...

In our country there are many arboreta. Some of them have a history of 200 years and belong to the oldest in Europe — founded in the last decade and only supplemented and developed. And most of them require more attention than they have now. Rehabilitation, reconstruction, or just a caring attitude of people waiting for dozens of protected parks, the beauty of which is often so stupid exploited us.
Sofiyivka

The city of Uman, Cherkasy region. Area — 179,2 hectares.

This is really the greatest parks of our country and one of the most beautiful in the world. He was named after the wife of Stanislaw Potocki Sofia. Now in his honor called the space asteroid, and even dedicated a poem (Polish writer S. trembecki was).

Once here, you will visit like in ancient Greece or Rome. The Park is very beautiful and rich: there are fountains, ponds and waterfalls, and lake, and the rocks and statues of Roman gods.
A monument of landscape gardening art of the end XVIII — first half XIX centuries is of global significance. This is confirmed by numerous medals, diplomas and awards.

Mainly decorated with antique sculptures. On the whole, the composition of the Park was conceived by author-architect as live replay of the described constructions and other elements from parts of the "Iliad" and "Odyssey" of Homer.
The main gate is built like the entrance to the Athenian market, and the details that complete the watchtower, taken from the temple of the goddess Vesta in Italy. Towers that adorn the main entrance is preserved to our time since the mid-nineteenth century.

Norway’s severe and poetic beauty made famous by Scandinavian sagas was reflected in the laconic and majestic architecture of old Norwegian castles and strongholds which became a real symbol of the bravery and fierce spirit of this northern nation. Akershus Fortress is the best known fortification in Norway. It had protected both Oslofjorden Bay and the roads running to the capital against enemies for many centuries. Although this vast fortress complex is now a popular tourist facility with a number of museum displays, it has not lost its important defensive function, the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Norway’s Defence Staff are located behind its walls. However, not only Akershus Fortress reminds of Norway’s heroic past, but also Kristiansten Fortress which saved the city of Trondheim many times during a war with Sweden. The elegant Oscarshall Castle (Oscarshall Slott), erected in the 19th century on a steep slope of Bygdøy, became not only a real gem of the peninsula, but also proof that even in severe Norway one can find splendid examples of neo-Gothic buildings.