Winter holidays Silesian Voivodeship 2026 - when are they and what's worth seeing? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Silesian winter holidays 2026 run from 16 February to 1 March - the last holiday period in Poland
• Szczyrk Mountain Resort offers 23 km of ski runs including floodlit evening slopes
• Wisla and Ustron ski resorts are reachable by train via Katowice
• Krakow to Bielsko-Biala train journey takes just over one hour
• Nikiszowiec historic district in Katowice is a unique post-mining heritage attraction
• Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska offers winter hiking trails and medieval castle ruins

Wondering when the Silesian holidays will start this year? We are already rushing with the answer! According to the schedule announced by the Ministry of National Education, winter holidays in the Silesian Voivodeship in 2026 will take place from 16 February to 1 March. This is therefore the last holiday in the country, which may mean smaller crowds in popular tourist destinations.

Looking for what are the best attractions for a Silesian holiday? You don't have to limit yourself to visiting industrial sites and post-mining areas. In this region you will also find excellent winter sports destinations, such as the Beskids. In addition, Silesia is perfect for hiking - you will discover many interesting trails in Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska.

Where to go on holiday in Silesia? First and foremost, the Beskidy Mountains, especially Szczyrk and its surroundings, are an ideal region for fans of winter sports and lovers of mountain scenery. When planning a trip to this area, the following places are worth considering:

Szczyrk Mountain Resort - one of the largest ski resorts in Poland, with over 40 km of pistes for skiers.

Żar Mountain - in addition to ski runs, you can also use the toboggan run and visit the pumped hydroelectric power station.

Wisła - home town of Adam Małysz, where tourists usually visit the museum dedicated to the famous ski jumper and the ski jump named after him.

Winter sports

The Beskidy is a region with excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Numerous popular ski resorts are located in the area. Keen skiers and snowboarders should head for the slopes in Szczyrk, Wisła, Ustroń or Korbielów. The slopes have varying degrees of difficulty, and in most places you can also rent sports equipment and use the services of professional ski instructors.

The best ski resorts for children:

Szczyrk Mountain Resort

has a specially designated area for children taking their first steps on skis or a snowboard. This area, called Arena Maxiland, is as large as 5,000 m². The cost of a single entry for a parent with a child is 120 zl. In addition, there are special skiing classes for the youngest during the winter season - the Maxiland Teddy Bear Academy means learning together with an instructor 4 hours a day. Children from 6 to 16 years of age can enrol on the course. The cost is PLN 1670/5 days or PLN 734/2 days.

Ustroń - Lisia Polana Ski Centre

a centre with beginners in mind, where you can take individual lessons from PLN 130 per hour. In addition, there is a special zone called "Fun park" with additional attractions, including a sledging area.

Wisła - Nowa Osada

is a resort with gentle slopes just right for beginners. In addition, this year there is a Ski School for children aged 6 to 14. This is a comprehensive 5-day course starting every Monday during the holidays. On all days, classes last 3 hours. The cost of the course is PLN 800 + a ski pass for the slope.

Korbielów - Dimbo ski kindergarten

is a school prepared for toddlers; children from 3 years of age can enrol in classes. It is a safe and child-friendly place with two slopes of 200 m and 100 m in length. Additional attractions include a snow carousel and snowtubing. Cost from PLN 349 for one training day (5 hours).

Other winter outdoor activities:

Snowtubing - that is, sliding down the slopes in special pontoons. Only possible in designated areas. It is best to use such a service in Szczyrk. Snowtubing can be found, for example, in the offer of the ski centre Kaimówka (ul. Leszczynowa 10) - cost: PLN 25/30 min.

Ice rinks - the most popular winter activity, right after skiing, is also available in the area. You can go to the ice rink in:

Wisła (in the centre at 1A Olimpijska Street):

Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday from 11:00 to 20:00, Friday - Saturday from 11:00 to 21:00.

Cost: children up to 5 years of age - 5 PLN, children and adolescents 20 PLN, adults 25 PLN

Ustronia (on the Market Square next to the Town Hall):

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 20:00

Cost: children up to 7 years of age free of charge, older children and adults 15 zł

What to visit in the Beskydy?

In addition to sporting attractions, there is no shortage of other forms of entertainment in the Beskydy, such as museums, castles and areas for nature walks. If you only want to visit a few places, we recommend:

Tropikana Water Park

is a swimming pool complex located in Wisła. There is no shortage of water attractions on site, including slides and a special area for children.

Forest Surprise Park in Ustroń

a park where you can see wild animals in their natural environment.

How to get there?

The Beskidy are well connected with the rest of the country. Numerous train connections have recently been launched, making travel to the region much easier. You can travel directly from Cracow or Katowice to Wisła and Ustroń. In addition, from further corners of Poland, regular InterCity trains run to Bielsko-Biała, from where you can change to regional trains or buses to other parts of the Beskid Mountains. Check the exact timetable on the PolishTrains website.

Good tip: Planning to travel on PKP Intercity trains? Remember to buy your ticket in advance. In the period when the Silesian Voivodeship has a holiday season, most tickets may already be sold out. If you want all the members of your family to sit together on the train, be sure to book in advance to guarantee seats next to each other!

Discounts on trains during winter holidays

The action of Koleje Śląskie bilety za 1 zł ferie 2025 was very popular. The carrier offered discounts for children and young people between the ages of 4 and 18 in the Silesian Voivodeship during the holidays. Every minor could travel on these trains for a symbolic zloty. What is more, this action applied not only to children from Silesia, but also to all visitors who spent their weekends in the area. In order to take advantage of the discount, the HSR required only a valid school card or a card issued to children with disabilities. For younger children (pre-school age), the discount was granted on the basis of any proof of age.

Will the ticket promotion also be available for the 2026 Silesian holidays? The carrier will certainly announce this information at the beginning of February!

Where else to go during the 2026 winter holidays? Silesian Katowice will certainly be the perfect choice if you fancy a bit of urban flair. This capital of the voivodeship, along with the surrounding cities, abounds in many attractions, especially those related to the culture and history of the region.

Attractions in Katowice

What to do during the Silesian holidays in Katowice? There are several interesting attractions in Katowice itself that are definitely worth a visit during your trip. Plan at least one day for this city. During this time you can visit:

The Culture Zone - a modern district with impressive architecture, including the NOSPR, the Silesian Museum and the International Congress Centre.

The Nikiszowiec district - a historic mining estate which impresses with its unique architecture and atmosphere. In addition to exhibitions and museums, it is worth stopping by the popular Silesian Prohibition restaurant, which serves regional dishes.

Spodek - an icon of Katowice, a sports and entertainment hall which often hosts concerts and sporting events.

Be sure to check if anything interesting is planned for your arrival date!

What to visit in and around Katowice?

There are many other points of interest both in and around Katowice. Below are the 3 most interesting:

Silesian Museum

a modern museum presenting the history and culture of the region. Interactive workshops and special sections for children will make the youngest ones eager to learn interesting facts about Silesia.

Królowa Luiza Adit in Zabrze

underground tourist route introducing the history of mining. It is a unique experience, especially as the tour takes place 40 metres underground and is accessed via historic mine shafts.

Funzeum in Gliwice

is a museum of light and colour that will delight everyone with its full range of colours and the possibility to spend time creatively. Children can play in designated areas and participate in art workshops.

Attractions for the whole family

Are you going to Silesia with your children? Then don't skip the places prepared with the little ones in mind! Take your kids to the Legendia Śląskie Wesołe Miasteczko amusement park in Chorzów, where there are plenty of attractions waiting even in winter. This place in the winter time turns into a park full of colourful lights, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and even roast sausages on a bonfire! There will also be merry-go-rounds, mazes and entertainment zones related to fairy tale characters. What's more, there are special shows and events planned every weekend including - on magic and illusion.

Are you dreaming of a bit of relaxation? During the winter holidays, the Silesian Province also invites you to visit the Aquapark in Tarnowskie Góry - a complex with pools and slides, ideal for winter days. Interestingly, the water park also organises winter half-day camps for children. Activities take place from Monday to Friday, 5 hours a day. The cost of the camp is PLN 890. Does your child like learning about the world? Check out the offer of screenings and workshops at the Silesian Planetarium. The offer is aimed at children over the age of 6. Most screenings last about an hour and the cost of a single entry is PLN 10.

Want to take your child to the theatre but don't want them to get bored? We recommend Katowice's Teatr Gry i Ludzie, where the performances are a combination of fun and education, introducing good humour. Every Sunday at 12:00 there is a special performance for children, featuring various fairy tales and fables. A single ticket costs PLN 29 - but remember to book online in advance, as seats sell out quickly.

How to get there?

Thanks to the extensive network of Silesian Railways and numerous InterCity connections from all over Poland, you will easily reach Katowice. The city is perfectly connected, with trains running from even the most remote corners of the country, such as Gdańsk. What is more, the railway station is in close proximity to tram lines and bus stops. It is therefore easy to get to all the places that offer attractions for children on Silesian holidays.

You can also spend your Silesian holidays in 2026 in Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska. Although it is mainly associated with summer activities, you can also visit its corners in winter. The main attraction of this region is the Trail of the Eagles' Nests - a route linking medieval castles and ruins of fortresses, stretching for some 163 km. As you hike this trail, you will admire the enchanting landscapes, explore the numerous paths and learn about the rich history of the region.

Winter sports

Did you know that Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska is an ideal place for cross-country skiing? In the vicinity of Złoty Potok and Olsztyn, there are trails loved by lovers of this sport. If you decide to spend your 2025 winter holidays in Silesia, be sure to consider this option!

What else to visit in Jura?

When visiting the Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska area, look out for some interesting places characteristic of the region. During your trip, be sure to visit:

Ogrodzieniec Castle - the largest and most impressive of the castles on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests.

The Deep Cave in Podlesice - one of the few caves available to visit all year round.

The Błędowska Desert - an area of volatile sands, unique in Europe, with an area of approximately 33 km².

How to get there?

During the 2026 holidays, the Silesian region of the Krakow-Częstochowa Jurassic Upland is easiest to visit by taking a train to Zawiercie - a small town located on the route of InterCity, TLK and Silesian Railways trains. From there, you can get to the main attractions of the Jura Chain by local buses.

The Silesian winter holidays 2026 fall in the last turn, as do the Podkarpackie, Lubelskie, Wielkopolskie and Lubuskie Voivodeships. Importantly, this year's 3 winter holiday periods are exceptional. Earlier dates are:

• 19 January - 1 February 2026: mazowieckie, pomorskie, podlaskie, świętokrzyskie, warmińsko-mazurskie

• 2 February - 15 February 2026: Lower Silesian, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Łódź, West Pomeranian, Lesser Poland, Opole

Knowing the dates of holidays in other provinces, you can plan your trip to Silesia in such a way as to avoid the biggest crowds and fully enjoy the region's winter attractions. The most convenient way to get there is by train, and planning your journey will be made easier by the PolishTrains service, which offers a modern ticket reservation system.

As you can see, the Silesian Voivodeship is full of attractions during winter holidays! Together with the whole family, you can go skiing on the beautiful slopes located in the Beskids, visit the charming city of Katowice and its surroundings, and admire the panorama of the Krakow-Częstochowa Jurassic Upland from different perspectives.

When planning your 2026 holidays in Silesia, be sure to make a sightseeing plan in advance and buy the necessary tickets to visit the attractions and book the rides. In most cases you will do this conveniently online!

What means of transport are best for winter travel in the Silesian Voivodship?

Silesia is crossed by numerous motorways and motorways, so you will get to many cities by car. If you prefer more comfortable alternatives, which will allow you to spend time travelling with your family, opt for train travel. This way you can avoid standing in traffic jams and driving on snow-covered roads. With PKP Intercity you can travel to Katowice, Zabrze, Bielsko-Biała, Wisła and other places. POLREGIO trainsets also come to Silesia; the carrier offers, for example, the route Kraków Główny - Bielsko-Biała Główna.

Are there any special discounts for children and families during the winter holidays in Silesia?

During the winter holidays, the Silesian Voivodeship offers discounts for children in the form of discounted tickets to visit many attractions. It is advisable to ask about such opportunities (discounted or family tickets) before you buy them or check the offer available on the website of the place in question.

On the other hand, when travelling by rail you can benefit from:

• a pupil 's concession (available with a school card), which is 37% of the base ticket price,

• free travel for children under 4 years of age.

What is more, the regional carrier Koleje Śląskie offers attractive discounts for children during the holidays. In previous years, it offered unlimited rides for a symbolic zloty!

How to prepare for a trip and what to take during winter holidays in the Silesian Voivodeship?

Before leaving, check the weather forecast and make sure what time your train leaves so that you can plan your packing and the preparation of provisions for the journey. For train travel, take:

• snacks and drinks - if you're travelling on PKP Intercity, check if there's a WARS restaurant car on the train, this will save you time and allow you to buy a meal during your journey,

• books, games or a tablet - such entertainment will pass the time for you and your family,

• thenecessary documents (e.g. your child's school ID) and train tickets (you can show them for inspection electronically).

On the other hand, during your winter holiday you will need:

• warm clothing - dress yourself and your children in layers, preferably opt for moisture- and wind-resistant outer garments, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors,

• ski clothing - if it is your first time on the slopes, remember that you can hire the necessary equipment such as boots, helmets or skis locally,

• swimming costume - if you plan to visit an aquapark,

• comfortable shoes - appropriate to the season and conditions,

• a travel first aid kit - with basic medicines and bandages.