Chełmski: Cycling Routes, Lakes and Historic Traces

Landscape and protected nature

The wider regional area extends across the Polesie Wołyńskie and Wyżyna Lubelska macroregions. Within the wider area of Chełmski County, the Pagóry Chełmskie are among its distinctive landscape features: gentle hills of chalk marl and sandstone that reach up to 300 m above sea level. Chełmski Landscape Park was established in 1983 and covers a total of 16,457 ha; 4,702 ha of this area lie in the associated municipality of Chełm. Breeding populations of 152 bird species have been recorded in Chełmski Landscape Park.

The Stańków Reservoir is located in the associated municipality of Chełm. This artificial body of water covers about 40 ha, is about 4 m deep and has a muddy bottom. The Stańków Reservoir is also called Zalew na Uherce, as it is fed by water from the Uherka River. Numerous rare and protected waterbird species, as well as the European pond turtle, occur at the Stańków Reservoir. In the wider area of Chełmski County, in the municipality of Sawin, the Serniawy Nature Reserve protects natural fragments of alder-ash alluvial forest and low oak-hornbeam forest. The Serniawy Nature Reserve includes numerous pedunculate oaks about 200 years old and black alders more than 100 years old.

Another special natural site is Stawska Góra Nature Reserve, where the fully protected plant species dziewięćsił popłocholistny is found. Four occurrences of this species are known in Poland. In Bachus Nature Reserve, a 4.5 km educational trail runs through the area; the current condition of the trail may vary. Stawska Góra Nature Reserve lies within the wider area of Chełmski County; Bachus Nature Reserve is also located there, in the municipality of Sawin.

Cycling routes in the municipality of Chełm

The cycling routes in the associated municipality of Chełm vary considerably in length. They include “Pagóry Janowskie,” at about 8 km; the red-marked “Uroki Sobowickie,” at 18 km; and the green-marked “Leśne ostępy Chełmskiego Parku Krajobrazowego,” at 19.45 km. The green-marked “Leśne ostępy Chełmskiego Parku Krajobrazowego” route runs from the northern outskirts of Chełm past the area around the Stańków Reservoir, the Uherka Valley and wooded areas near Czułczyce and Sajczyce, ending in Ruda Opalin. The blue-marked route “GMINA CHEŁM – wpisane w krajobraz, wpisane w historię” is 75 km long and leads to places in the municipality of Chełm associated with history, nature, recreation and leisure.

In the associated municipality of Chełm, the cycling route “Południowe barwy krajobrazu Gminy Chełm” offers a different kind of ride: it follows the Uherka through Pokrówka, Żółtańce and Żółtańce Kolonia and is scenic along its entire length, with a focus on recreation. Signage and route conditions may vary; check the route before setting out.

Bodies of water and activities

At Zalew Żółtańce in the associated municipality of Chełm, a causeway leads to a lifeguarded bathing area and a designated fishing area. As seasonal operating conditions may change, check the latest information before visiting. Facilities at Zalew Żółtańce in the municipality of Chełm include a beach, piers, benches, covered tables, barbecue and fire pits, football and volleyball courts, a playground and an outdoor fitness area. The “Południowe barwy krajobrazu Gminy Chełm” cycling route also includes an accessible toilet for people with disabilities at Zalew Żółtańce. A bus stop is about 20 m from the beach at Zalew Żółtańce in the municipality of Chełm; check the current timetable for your journey.

In the associated municipality of Chełm, Zalew Staw offers a different focus: this 15 ha body of water is a fishing spot with easy access to the water. A large car park, two piers, covered benches and a playground are located at the bathing area at Zalew Staw in the municipality of Chełm. For planning your day, you can compare the two bodies of water in the municipality of Chełm: Zalew Żółtańce offers designated fishing opportunities and a wide range of leisure activities alongside swimming, while Zalew Staw focuses more on fishing and its facilities.

Historic traces and choosing accommodation

The associated municipality of Chełm has buildings with a range of historical associations. The stone tower in Stołpie, in the municipality of Chełm, dates from the 12th century. In Podgórze, in the municipality of Chełm, the Roman Catholic parish church of Chrystusa Pana Zbawiciela was originally built as an Orthodox church; together with an Orthodox monastery, it has been mentioned in historical sources since 1440. In Srebrzyszcze, in the municipality of Chełm, stands a Baroque palace from the 17th century, commissioned by Józef Łopuski, the sword-bearer of Chełm. It is surrounded by a park laid out in the style of an Italian garden.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth first deciding what kind of vacation you want: a focus on cycling routes of varying lengths, time by the water or historic buildings? Then tailor your search to the places and experiences that matter most to you, and check the practical journey to the destinations you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gotówka, Chełm, Huta, Stańków, Brzeźno, Nowosiółki-Kolonia, Czarnołozy, Dorohusk, Rejowiec, Romanówka, Stołpie.

Back to the main travel overview: Lublin.