Boroniówka – an idyll near Ojcowo!

Boroniówka – an idyll near Ojcowo!

Every inhabitant of Cracow must have heard of Ojców National Park and most of them probably have been there more than once to see the King Łokietek’s Cave, Maczuga Herlulesa (Bludgeon of Hercules) or Pieskowa Skała Castle – a highlight of trips in the area of Cracow. But only few heard about the place which we want to present today, that is Boroniówka, which is an old milling settlement. “Flour and Meadow” – this motto lures tourists to pay a visit to this magical place, which stole our hearts at the last weekend of holidays.
A few words about the history of Boroniówka (but not too many so as not to make anyone sleepy)… Anyway, the story will seem much more interesting on site. The mill’s history dates back to the 15th century. Its first owner were the Poor Clares from Grodzisk. The sisters transferred the mill and the water sawmill into private hands in 1816. The current residential and farming buildings were erected in 1850. They constitute a wonderful example of wooden industrial architecture with preserved original equipment and old machinery which is still in operation.

HOW TO GET THERE?

The best way to get to Boroniówka is to drive there by car. Pass the ruins of the Castle in Ojców and drive in the direction of Grodzisko. At some point you’ll see a signpost after which you need to turn sharp right (180 degrees). It’s hard to make the turn at one go! From there on you need to follow a gravel road until a small car park.
You’ll be welcomed by a nice lady who sells tickets – PLN14 per person. The fee covers mainly a presentation you can participate in inside. The owners tell visitors about the history of the place and show the historical mill and water sawmill put into operation once again after many decades of downtime. They also present traditional methods of flour milling and boulting. You may also buy flour produced with the use of these traditional methods and elegantly packed in bags (PLN5 per kg).

WHAT ELSE?

Apart from the old mill smelling wonderfully of old wood, in Boroniówka there is also a coffee shop furnished with real taste. Its atmosphere recalls Kazimierz neighbourhood in Cracow, but with a pinch of modernity. Similarly the coffee shop attracts visitors not only with beautiful interiors but also with an aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicious pies. If you are lucky to come here when the weather is fair, you will have a perfect day!
Boroniówka opened its doors for tourists in the summer 2015. It’s got a lot to offer and the owners are open to propositions of new activities. They conduct interesting educational activities for children focused on endangered occupations (miller), in addition they also rent their garden and orchard as setting for photo sessions as well as picnics, open-air events or even exhibitions.
Boroniówka welcomes tourists only at weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you want to visit it during the week, you need to make a prior appointment by phone.

You may feel here the atmosphere of Polish countryside – wooden cottage, colourful window frames , aromatic herbs. The place is hidden right next to a forest.

Boroniówka’s area isn’t very big. It’s just the right size for a short walk and lazy coffee and cake combined with the owners’ story about the origins of this place. Here is a place for everyone, either by the table or on a blanket spread on the grass.