Opolskie - TOP 12 of tourist attractions and points of interest | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Moszna Castle, built in 1845 for the Seherr-Thoss family, is one of the most architecturally unusual buildings in Poland
• Opole is famous for the largest Polish music festival and hosts the Museum of Polish Song
• Biskupia Kopa (approx. 765 m) is the highest peak in the Polish section of the Opawskie Mountains
• Byczyna's medieval town walls stretch almost one kilometre and are among the best-preserved in the region
• Direct trains connect Opole with Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, and Warsaw
• Głuchołazy is the other Opolskie destination with direct rail access; other attractions require onward transport

Moszna

It is impossible to learn about the history of these lands without seeing the fascinating monuments, among which the Moszna Castle deserves special attention. This remarkable building, distinguished by its fairytale architecture, was erected in 1845 on behalf of the Seherr-Thoss family, local industrialists. The impressive size and functionality of the castle testify to its purpose for the wealthy family.

Today, the Moszna Castle, which is one of the most interesting places in Opole, serves as a hotel and restaurant complex with a spa centre. Despite this, part of the building remains open to the public, offering the opportunity to climb one of the towers, from where there is a picturesque view of the surrounding area. A number of ticketed concerts are also held in the stateroom. While visiting, do not miss the garden surrounding the castle, famous for its lush flowering azaleas and rhododendrons. This unique monument, often referred to as a palace due to its representative function, is one of the most original examples of architecture in Poland.

Opole

Opole, the capital of the Voivodeship, is primarily famous for the largest music festival in Poland, which has been organised for many years. No wonder, then, that Opole's tourist attraction is the Museum of Polish Song. This relatively new facility presents a fascinating collection of memorabilia and artefacts related to the history of national popular music, starting from the 1920s. This place is sure to take visitors on an extremely sentimental journey.

While visiting the city, it is also worth visiting the zoo, which offers a pleasant space for strolling. In addition to giraffes and sea lions, you can admire pandas rarely seen in other zoos.

The Upper Castle in Opole, or rather its small preserved fragment, was opened to the public only a few years ago. A guided tour takes about 40 minutes. Erected in the 14th century by the princes of Opole, it served defensive and residential functions. Unfortunately, the Thirty Years' War and subsequent conflicts led to its destruction, and the remains fell into disrepair over the years.

Today, the only reminder of Opole's Piast Castle is the Piast Tower. This 35-metre-high building, one of the oldest fortified structures in Poland, is a must-see. Inside, an interactive multimedia show awaits visitors to make the visit more attractive.

Opole is an important interchange, so you can easily get here from many parts of Poland. Opole Główny railway station also serves Pendolino trains, which guarantees a smooth and fast journey even from further corners of the country. For even greater comfort, it is worth using the PolishTrains application, which allows you to conveniently purchase your ticket online.

Dąbrowa Palace

The Dąbrowa Palace, with its rich history and architecture, certainly deserves attention. Opole's residences, including this unique building, have their own undeniable charm, resulting from German, Austrian and Czech influences. It was built by the von Tschetschau-Mettich family in the 17th century and subsequently rebuilt several times in different styles. Today, unfortunately, it is in a rather poor state of repair. After it was taken over by the University of Opole, it was adapted into lecture theatres, but there are no funds for its full restoration. The palace is looked after by private individuals associated in the "Dąbrowskie Treasures" association, thanks to whom the building is open to tourists several times a year. When planning a visit to the Opole region, be sure to include a visit to this place. In order not to miss the opportunity, check the opening schedule on the association's website. This tour will certainly provide an unforgettable experience and allow you to get to know the region better.

Byczyna

Byczyna is a charming, albeit small town in the Opole region, located in picturesque surroundings. It stands out thanks to the medieval town walls dating back to the 15th century surrounding the very centre of the town. They are almost a kilometre long and are impressive, especially when seen from a bird's eye view. The walls also include two towers and a tower, which form part of the historic architecture of the town, but unfortunately can only be visited from the outside for the time being.

This town is associated with many prominent figures, so it is worth learning about their stories. You will encounter traces of witches, a prominent astronomer and even Hetman Jan Zamoyski here!

Worth knowing:

• A Witches' Trail has been created in Byczyna, with information boards introducing you to the history of the witch trials in the city and its surroundings. You will learn about local legends, accusations and the trials themselves. The trail leads to places associated with the witches, as well as to the remains of old buildings.

• The 17th-century astronomer Maria Cunitz, author of the work "Urania propitia", which was an improved version of Kepler's "Rudolphine Tables",lived and died in Byczyna. She was honoured by the placement of a commemorative mural in the town.

• A battle took place near Byczyna in 1588, in which the armies of the Republic of Poland, led by Hetman Jan Zamoyski, clashed with the forces of Maximilian III of Habsburg. The ensign captured by the victorious Poles, known as the Ensign from Byczyna, is displayed in Wawel Castle and is one of the most valuable mementoes of its kind.

St. Anne's Mount

At the summit of St Anne's Mount there is an impressive Franciscan sanctuary and a beautiful basilica, which make an excellent destination for a day trip. The Opole shrine is a special place for pilgrims and a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area, ideal for hiking and cycling.

At this location:

• Visit St Anne's Basilica - the heart of the sanctuary, impresses with its sacred architecture and historic interior. The 15th-century statue of St Anne attracts particular attention.

• Look out for the Calvary - a complex of chapels leading to the top of the mountain, forming a unique Way of the Cross. Each chapel has its own unique architecture.

• Admire the views - there are magnificent panoramas from St. Anne's Mount, which further enhance the charm of the Opole landscape.

Castle in Ujazd

What is a must-see in Opole? You should definitely visit the Wrocław Bishops' Castle in Ujazd, which is one of the most interesting places in the region. Although the castle suffered during the warfare in 1945, when it was burnt down by the encroaching Red Army, its monumental walls have survived to this day. The preserved fragments of this 13th-century building are still a reminder of the castle's former power and defensive character.

The building is accessible to visitors thanks to wooden platforms and reinforced walls, allowing them to walk safely through the ruins and enjoy the extensive view of the surrounding area. For lovers of history and architecture, there are information boards detailing the history of the castle and its architectural details.

Opawskie Mountains

The Opawskie Mountains are a gentle mountain range, ideal for family trips. Numerous hiking trails, running through picturesque peaks, do not cause any difficulties, so the youngest tourists can easily manage the hike. In addition, as the trails are less crowded, it is the perfect spot for a peaceful holiday in close contact with nature.

This is one of Opole's attractions protected by a landscape park, which cares for the local forest and meadow ecosystems. While hiking, you can meet a variety of animal species, such as the black stork or green-bellied woodpecker, and admire the exceptionally rich flora.

The highest peak in the Polish part of the Opawskie Mountains is Biskupia Kopa, at the foot of which there is the only PTTK Bohdan Małachowski mountain hostel in the area. Situated 765 m above sea level, it offers accommodation and home-cooked meals, making it an ideal place to stop for a hike.

Stobrawski Landscape Park

The Stobrawski Landscape Park is one of the most magical places in the Opole region, ideal for nature lovers and hikers. Situated north of Opole, it encompasses extensive forest complexes, which cover as much as 80% of its area. The park is home to around 40 protected plant species and nearly 130 rare species. There are also four nature reserves on its territory: Borucice, Leśna Woda, Lubsza and Rogalice, which are exceptional places for the protection of local ecosystems.

The Stobrawski Landscape Park is a good choice for tourists seeking active recreation. It offers numerous hiking and cycling routes, and its surroundings also hide interesting attractions. Particularly noteworthy are the dunes in Kosowce, the large historic park in Pokój and the charming botanical garden in Zagwiźdz.

Głuchołazy

Głuchołazy is easily reached by regional train from Opole. An atmospheric old town awaits, with a marked town trail leading to the most important places to visit. This Opole town has a lot to offer. The early Gothic St. Lawrence Church, the Upper Gate and the remains of a medieval gold mine are worth seeing, reminding visitors of the town's mining past.

For active leisure lovers, Głuchołazy offers picturesque walking and cycling routes in the nearby Spa Park, where you can admire charming alleys and historic spa buildings. It is also worth knowing that Głuchołazy is famous for its spa traditions, and the town offers numerous healing and relaxation treatments.

Paczków

Paczków is a town worth considering during a trip to the Opole region. Although small in size, the town attracts visitors with its historic market square, where you can take a rest in one of the atmospheric cafés. The biggest attraction, however, is the Gas Industry Museum, where visitors can explore the history of the industry. This facility houses an extensive collection of antique gas meters and old household appliances, such as old gas cookers. This unusual venue offers a unique insight into the history of the gas industry, providing a solid dose of knowledge about past technical solutions.

The Robot Factory

The Robot Factory in Moszna is a unique attraction that stands out in Poland and Europe. Created by a single enthusiast, it presents huge steel figures of heroes from the world of fantasy, made mainly from recycled materials, especially car scrap. Both impressive, massive constructions and smaller works reflecting the rich imagination and talent of the creator can be admired on site. The exhibits include not only characters from films and books, but also a variety of usable metal objects. What's more, many of the projects are in progress, allowing visitors to see the process of their creation first-hand. This is one of those attractions for children in Opole that is sure to delight adults too. We recommend going there with the whole family!

Museum of Blacksmithing

The Museum of Blacksmithing in Prószków is another place ideal for a trip with children. Here you can learn the secrets of the blacksmith's work by visiting a real forge and viewing the tools used in this traditional profession. In the museum, you will see how the blacksmith creates his products by hand, which brings you closer to the history and craft of blacksmithing. As a souvenir of your visit, you can purchase unique blacksmithing products, and for those who want something special, there is a unique opportunity to order personalised items made using traditional methods.

Now you know what is worth seeing in the Opole region. The sightseeing plan we have prepared certainly does not exhaust the full set of attractions hidden in this region. Although the Opole region is often overlooked by tourists in favour of neighbouring voivodeships such as the Śląskie, Małopolskie or Dolnośląskie Voivodeships, you will also find numerous monuments and charming towns with a fascinating history here. It is worth immersing yourself in this history and discovering the area anew!

If you prefer an active form of sightseeing, you can go cycling, canoeing or sailing - the Opole Voivodeship is not short of lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. Importantly, you can get here easier than you think, even without your own car! Many of the region's tourist attractions are perfectly connected by a network of rail and bus links.

To plan your train journey without stress, use the PolishTrains app. It is not only a convenient connection search engine, but also a platform for online ticket purchase. You will also find discounts on journeys offered by carriers. In addition, thanks to various payment options, such as card, bank transfer or BLIK, you can book your journey in no time and focus on further trip planning.

The attractions of the Opole Voivodeship are extremely diverse, and some of them are prepared with children in mind. See for yourself during a weekend getaway or a longer holiday. Spend this time actively - on mountain trails or walks in the lowlands - and discover the unique charm of the Opole region!