Ohlau: Astronomical Clock and City Park

A special clock in the town hall tower

Oława’s town hall tower houses a figurative astronomical clock from the 17th century. With its moving figures, it is considered a monument unique in Europe. This combines a specific historical age with an unusual detail: it is not only the astronomical function but also the figures that make the clock a distinctive cultural feature of the town.

The tower is occasionally opened to visitors during municipal holidays and events such as Dni Koguta or Museum Night. On these occasions, visitors can view the clock mechanism up close and access the viewing gallery, which offers views across the town and its surroundings. Since access is tied to such occasions, check the relevant dates before planning a visit to the tower.

City park and route starting at the railway station

Oława’s city park covers 23.6 hectares. Its ecological educational trail, created in 2013, gives the park its own nature and learning theme. Together with the historic clock, it demonstrates a clear variety of themes: on one side is urban culture, and on the other, an explicitly ecological trail in the park.

Route No. 1, “In the Footsteps of Nature Reserves,” offers another option for active days. It starts at Oława railway station.

River landscape and nature in Powiat Oławski

The wider travel area, Powiat Oławski, lies in the Lowlands of Lower Silesia and in the Oder Valley. The Oława River, together with the Oder and the Smortawa, forms its hydrological axis. The rivers give the landscape a clear thematic direction, without equating the town with the county area.

In Powiat Oławski, the Oder and its tributaries provide good conditions for water sports and organizing kayaking trips. Nature conservation is also part of the region’s character: a nature reserve in the county lies within the Grądy Odrzańskie area, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. Those particularly interested in river and natural landscapes will find a different focus here than on a visit to the clock or the city park.

More activities and culture in the municipality

Hiking and horse riding are listed as tourist activities in Gmina Oława. In addition, 44.28 kilometres of cycle paths are available within Gmina Oława and the town of Oława.

The cultural history of the municipality also takes various forms. The former fortified settlement of Ryczyn is evidenced by well-preserved ramparts several metres high. The castle in Oleśnica Mała is one of the largest castles in Lower Silesia. A 19-hectare English-style park adjoins the castle in Jakubowice. The range thus extends from former fortifications to castle history and a landscaped park.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ohlau, it helps to decide first what kind of stay you are looking for. Should the town itself, with its town hall tower and city park, be the main focus, or would you also like to include the river and cultural landscape of the wider Powiat Oławski? If the tower is important to your plans, bear in mind that it is opened occasionally and only in connection with events.

Discover more places

Oława and Jelcz-Laskowice

Discover more destinations: Legnicki, Milicz, Złotoryjski, Wohlau, Świdnicki, Goldberg In Schlesien.

Go to the wider travel overview: Lower Silesia.