Attractions in Silesia - what interesting places are worth visiting there? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Silesian Park in Chorzow is one of Europe's largest parks, hosting a planetarium, zoo and amusement park
• Guido Mine in Zabrze offers underground tours at 320 m depth lasting at least 2 hours
• Direct trains to Katowice run from Warsaw, Cracow, Wroclaw and Gdansk
• Nikiszowiec, a UNESCO-listed workers' district, is reachable by tram or bus from Katowice station
• Pogoria Lake complex in Dabrowa Gornicza comprises four interconnected bodies of water with cycling paths
• The Silesian Museum in Katowice is within easy walking distance of the main railway station

Silesian Park in Chorzów

What to visit in Silesia? The Upper Silesian Ethnographic Park is part of the Silesian Park in Chorzów. It is one of the largest parks in Europe, where you will find many attractions: the planetarium, the Legendia amusement park, the stadium or the zoo. What's more, at the open-air museum you'll definitely be transported back to times gone by. This is all thanks to the cottages and other rural buildings originally from the region. This is a good place to show your children the culture of the past. What's more, during the summer season there are plenty of open-air events waiting for visitors. However, regardless of the season, the Silesian Park is easily accessible by public transport and is about 4 kilometres from the Chorzów Batory train station.

Pogoria

Some people think that Silesia does not have much to offer in terms of green spaces, but this is a myth! There is no shortage of lakes and forests. One of the most popular leisure spots is the Pogoria Lake complex in Dąbrowa Górnicza. The whole complex consists of as many as four interconnected bodies of water, which can be cycled around thanks to a special path. It is best to visit them in the off-season, when there are fewer people - it is one of the tourist attractions of Silesia that you should not miss in your plans. At Lake Pogoria III you will find a sandy beach and a wooden pier. And, most importantly, you can get here by public transport from other cities of the agglomeration.

Lake Paprocany

What is worth seeing in Silesia? Lake Paprocanskie is certainly worth including on the list of places to visit. This water reservoir in Tychy is located close to urban buildings, which is why it is a favourite place for weekend relaxation for the residents of the Silesian agglomeration. There is a beach with a pier and romantic wooden piers. It is best to come here at sunset to fully enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful views. The lake is easiest to reach from Tychy Żwaków station, which is reached by local trains.

Palowickie Lake District

The Palowickie Lake District, often referred to as the 'Silesian Masuria', is a picturesque area near Zory and Orzesze. The area is full of diverse bodies of water and surrounding forests, which together create beautiful landscapes. The Lake District is situated in the valley of the Jesionka River and forms part of the "Cistercian Landscape Compositions of the Ore Mountains" Landscape Park , which further emphasises its natural and historical value.

The Palowickie Lake District is a perfect place for walks, bike rides and relaxing in nature. There are paths winding among the enchanting ponds where you can walk or cycle, while admiring the wildlife and animals. The waters of the ponds and their wooded surroundings are particularly popular with nature photographers and those seeking peace and quiet.

The area is also popular with anglers, who appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and the abundance of fish species. The Lake District is perfect for both short and long trips, and its proximity to Zory makes it easily accessible also for non-motorised visitors.

Silesian Beskid

The picturesque mountains of the Silesian Beskid are a highlight of the Silesian Voivodeship. The highest peak is Skrzyczne (1257 m), which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. In good weather, you can even see the Tatras and the hills on the Czech and Slovak sides. There is a mountain chalet on the summit, built in 1933, and it is accessible by a chairlift from Szczyrk. Thanks to its terrain and high altitude, Skrzyczne is one of the most popular ski resorts in Poland. What's more, the numerous trails allow you to choose a route to suit different skill levels.

Another well-known mountain in the Beskid Śląski region is Barania Góra, a majestic mountain measuring just 1,220 metres. The hike to its summit is a challenge, but along the way you can admire the White Vistula Valley and the Rodła Cascades - picturesque waterfalls and water rapids. At the top of the mountain, there is a viewing platform from which, in good weather, you can see the Tatra Mountains.

It is also worth taking a walk in Wisła - a town at the foot of Barania Góra, where you can find the Cieńków Bench, which is a viewing point for the Silesian Beskids and one of Silesia's attractions for adults and others. The Cieńków Bench can be reached by car, by chairlift from Wisła Malinka or on foot along the yellow trail from Wisła Czarne. On the other hand, in the Malinka district, it is worth visiting the ski jump named after Adam Małysz. This is the most modern complex of its kind in Poland, where you can take a tour of the facility and ride up to the viewing platform to admire the surroundings and the jump itself.

Another picturesque spot is the dam on Lake Czerniański, where the White and Black Vistula rivers join to form the Vistula River. You can walk around the dam, and nearby is the Presidential Castle - a modernist building from the 1930s that now serves as the residence of the President of the Republic of Poland.

In the Silesian Beskid, one of the recommended trails is the one leading to Malinowska Skała. Near the summit is a large, distinctive rock, forming a natural "balcony," on which tourists like to take photos - a must for any visitor.

The Silesian Beskid is a great idea for a weekend getaway for the whole family. The Silesian mountains are well connected and convenient to explore even with small children. Silesian Railway trains reach Wisła, Węgierska Górka or Żywiec, from where many trails start.

Guido Mine

The Silesian Voivodeship is most associated with coal mining, and industrial sites are a characteristic part of the landscape of the area. Therefore, it is worth visiting at least one of the mines open to tourists. Particularly noteworthy is the historic Guido Mine in Zabrze. Here you can see both the above-ground part, full of working aids, and go underground. The 320-metre depth is only accessible to the brave - you travel underground in a mining train, amidst the whirr of shearers. It is possible to descend even deeper, to 355 metres, where complete silence reigns. The attraction here is a "real miner's shift", with the visitor donning special clothing and equipment. In the Królowa Luiza Adit, on the other hand, you can take part in the longest underground rafting trip in Europe - the only such experience in Poland.

Silver mine

The historic Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry is an interesting site in Silesia, where silver was mined. The route includes 1,740 metres of underground corridors, which lead visitors through the former mine at a depth of 40 metres underground. Part of the route is covered on foot, and one section is covered by boat, through a flooded adit. The site impresses with its history and exhibits that illustrate mining techniques and the daily life of the miners of the past.

The mine and the associated hydro-technical system is a true masterpiece of engineering from the 17th to 19th centuries, considered one of the most important technical monuments in Europe. In 2017, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a testament to the mining heritage of the region.

Arboretum of the Moravian Gate

The Arboretum of the Moravian Gate near Raciborz is one of Silesia's attractions and a great place for a walk. A loop trail, open to the public free of charge, leads through a picturesque pond, a mini zoo, an enchanted garden with a labyrinth and a viewing platform. Here, beautiful, well-kept plants provide the perfect backdrop for rest and relaxation. One corner conceals a picturesque pond with wooden piers, which further enhance the charm of the area. It is the perfect setting for a moment of relaxation or family photos.

Gródek Park

Have you heard of the "Polish Maldives"? This term refers to the Gródek Park, the focal point of which is the Wydra reservoir with its beautiful azure colour. A wooden path, footbridges and gazebos have been laid out along the banks, together creating a fairy-tale landscape. The pale walls of the former quarry, combined with the surrounding trees, add to the site's unique charm. It is not only a great setting for a photo shoot, but also one of the most interesting attractions in Silesia. Although swimming is forbidden here, the views are truly impressive.

Silesian Museum

The former Katowice coal mine is home to the Silesian Museum - one of the attractions for young and old alike. Silesia is increasingly keen to make use of former industrial sites, creating new spaces that also attract younger visitors. The museum houses a gallery of Silesian sacred art and is surrounded by green recreational areas where you can relax on deckchairs. If the weather is good, it is worth climbing the hoist tower of the former Warsaw shaft II and admiring the extensive panorama. Most of the exhibitions are located underground, which creates a unique atmosphere, alluding to the mining traditions of the region. This underground space was designed to bring out the beauty of the exhibits in a unique setting.

There is no shortage of historical monuments in Silesia. In towns and villages, one can come across numerous manor houses, castles and palaces, many of which have been restored and opened to the public. We have prepared a short list of those that are definitely worth seeing.

Ogrodzieniec Castle

Ogrodzieniec Castle in Podzamcze is one of the most recognisable attractions in Silesia. It is a 14th century building located on Castle Hill, the highest elevation in the Jurassic, which provides fantastic views of the surrounding area. The majestic walls, courtyards, towers and castle gates give you an idea of what a powerful fortress it once was. Legend has it that the ghost of a large, menacing dog haunts here at night. Parts of the castle interiors have been reconstructed and are open to visitors, who can see exhibitions on daily life in the Middle Ages, ancient weaponry and torture instruments. This castle is one of the largest strongholds of the Krakow-Częstochowa Jurassic Upland, located on the red Trail of the Eagles' Nests and often appearing in films.

Pszczyna Castle

The castle in Pszczyna is a Silesian monument that impresses with its imposing silhouette. The Neo-Baroque building erected by the Hochberg family is impressive from all sides. Although the residence has been rebuilt many times, it has managed to preserve its original baroque character. What is more, it survived the Second World War undamaged, thanks to which a museum was set up in it shortly after the war. It is worth mentioning that the castle is also surrounded by a picturesque park, ideal for walks.

Pławniowice Palace

The palace in Pławniowice is another interesting place in Silesia. Its characteristic silhouette, combining red brick and a graphite sloping roof, is an eye-catcher. It was built in the 19th century by the von Ballestrem family, German industrialists and aristocrats. The interior of the building is open to the public, but only for a few hours a week, so it is worth checking the opening hours in advance. The building is surrounded by a small but charming park, which is also worth seeing. Next to it is the chapel, also in neo-Gothic style, extremely beautiful, with original stained glass windows and architectural details adding to its sacred atmosphere.

Nikiszowiec

The Nikiszowiec estate in Katowice is one of the most interesting places in Silesia, deeply connected to the mining tradition. It was designed at the beginning of the 20th century by architects Emil and Georg Zillmann around St. Anne's Church. It has a unique atmosphere - the even rows of red-brick houses stand out with characteristic red accents around the windows and on the window sills. In the past, red paint was brought in by miners from the mines; today it is a recognisable symbol of the place. If you are visiting Katowice, be sure to take a walk here.

Cieszyn

On the castle hill in Cieszyn there is a building known from the Polish 20 zloty banknote - the Romanesque rotunda from the 11th century. You will also find the Gothic Piast Tower and the Habsburg palace from the 19th century. The Cieszyn market square and the historic churches of St. Mary Magdalene, St. George and St. Trinity are also worth a visit. The town is particularly picturesque in spring, when you can take a walk along the Magnolia Blossom Trail - plants that were introduced to the town in the 19th century.

Are you interested in our suggestions of places to visit in Silesia? Be sure to visit this region of Poland! It is a unique combination of industrial cities and green areas, perfect for relaxation. You will find picturesque mountains and lakes, and visiting places such as the Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska is worth combining with a bike trip. You can also go canoeing or sailing on the lakes for an unforgettable experience.

Wondering how to get around Silesia in the most convenient way? Many attractions can be easily reached by public transport - train or local bus. Before travelling, it is worth checking the timetable, for example using the search engine available on the PolishTrains website. This site also offers the convenience of buying tickets online, which saves time and avoids queues. The Silesian railway network is particularly well developed in the region and also reaches smaller towns.