Szymbark: Forest, Water and Architectural History
Accommodation in Szymbark
In Szymbark, a protected sycamore forest and a landslide lake sit alongside a tangible architectural history. The Jelenia Góra Nature Reserve preserves a section of forest with hart’s-tongue fern; Beskidzkie Morskie Oko was formed by a landslide and can dry up partially or completely in summer. There are also churches, a brick manor house, a park with outdoor exhibitions and sensory gardens, and a paved walking and cycling path. The appeal of the place lies in its range of different themes, which can be explored according to your interests in nature, architecture and active pursuits.
Nature between sycamore forest and landslide lake
The Jelenia Góra Nature Reserve protects a well-preserved section of sycamore forest. The area is also home to hart’s-tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium). This brings together a habitat and a specifically named species: the forest is the broader nature theme, while the fern provides a botanical detail.
Beskidzkie Morskie Oko offers a different focus. The landslide lake is located in Szymbark near the nature reserve and was formed by the Szklarka landslide, the largest landslide in the Polish Carpathians. The lake partially or completely dries up in summer; its water level can vary. The natural features are therefore quite distinct: the forest is defined by its sycamore stand and fern, while the lake stands out for its geological origins and seasonally changing water level. Those comparing nature themes can weigh plant life against geological history.
Churches and the manor house: different architectural forms
The wooden Church of St Wojciech in Szymbark, built of larch wood, dates from 1782. There is also a small Orthodox church in the hamlet of Wólka; it is dated to 1790, although other dates have also been suggested. The churches invite comparison in terms of construction and religious affiliation: the building material of the Church of St Wojciech is precisely identified, while the smaller Orthodox church is associated with the hamlet of Wólka.
The brick manor house in Szymbark is a different architectural focal point. It has two storeys and a basement, with four square alkierz extensions at the corners. It also features richly decorated attics. The brickwork, division into storeys, corner extensions and ornate upper section give the building several distinctive features. Compared with the churches, the focus shifts from wooden construction and sacred architecture to the form of the entire building.
Exhibitions, sensory gardens and a cycling path
Associated with the Skansen Wsi Pogórzańskiej is the Edukacyjny park historii budownictwa ludowego i maszyn na pograniczu polsko-słowackim. It includes outdoor exhibitions and sensory gardens. The exhibits are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. The exhibitions and gardens offer different points of interest and add another cultural theme to the historic churches and manor house.
A paved section of a walking and cycling path provides an active pursuit. In May 2024, a 153.52-metre section was completed in Szymbark. It is part of a cycling route from the Szymbark stop to the Ropa municipal boundary. This adds a precisely measured stretch of path as another focal point alongside nature and architectural history.
Choose a holiday apartment to suit your vacation priorities
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can weigh up your options: would you like the forest and lake to be the main focus, are you more interested in architectural history, or would you like to plan an active pursuit?
Discover more destinations: Sękowa, Czarne, Stróżówka, Nowica, Ropki, Bobowa, Rożnowice, Klimkówka.
For the broader travel overview: Gorlice.
