Zawiercie: Castles, Trails and Discoveries in the Jura

Castles and regional history

The ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle in Podzamcze are the remains of a fortified structure dating from the 14th century. The castle is on the Szlak Orlich Gniazd (Eagles’ Nests Trail). The TAZ workers’ settlement offers a different perspective on historic buildings: it was built between 1880 and 1910 and is listed as a unique monument by the Voivodeship Monument Conservator in Katowice under number 1428/91. These distinct histories make a visit about more than just looking at defensive walls.

Nature and history also meet at Smoleń Castle. The Smoleń Nature Reserve includes the ruins of a 14th-century castle; a Gothic entrance gate is among the features that remain. Visitors can access a hiking trail and areas within the ruins: the eastern and western outer wards, the upper castle and the castle tower. Those interested in historic sites will find specific parts of the castle complex here, with features to explore both from outside and within the ruins.

Trails, outdoor activities and independent exploration

Two marked trails run by the ruins of Bąkowiec Castle in Skarżyce: the red-marked Szlak Orlich Gniazd (Eagles’ Nests Trail) and the blue-marked Szlak Warowni Jurajskich (Jura Castles Trail). The first section of the Szlak 3 Rzek (Three Rivers Trail) starts at Zawiercie railway station and runs through Blanowice, Kromołów and Bzów. These route descriptions give you several specific starting points for planning without conflating the routes.

In the Powiat, climbing is a popular seasonal activity from spring to autumn, particularly in Podlesice, Rzędkowice, Podzamcze and Ryczów. Cross-country skiing is also possible in the area around Podlesice. In Morsko, in the municipality of Zawiercie, there are ski slopes that can be used in winter. If outdoor activities are an important part of your trip, you can take these seasonal options into account when choosing where to go.

A different way to explore awaits at the small SOWA Science Centre, located in the railway station building at 4 3 Maja Street in Zawiercie. Visitors can independently explore phenomena at research stations, change parameters, observe and experiment. The format encourages hands-on discovery rather than simply looking. For a group outing, this offers a different theme from a hike or a visit to historic ruins.

Culture, regional cuisine and relaxation

The Municipal Museum Room has been part of the Municipal and District Library since 30 April 1997. It collects, preserves and displays mementos from the Zawiercie region. The Szymański Palace houses the Museum Room and a branch of the Social Music Centres on the top floor; the city library is on the ground floor, and a private restaurant is in the basement. Those planning a cultural stay will find several different institutions in one building.

For a break with a regional touch, a two- to three-hour course at the “Pod Berkową Górą” educational farm in Podlesice shows how to make the traditional potato dish “kluchy połom bite”. Another distinctive place to visit is the salt cave, or brine mist tower, on the grounds of the Sports and Recreation Centre in Zawiercie, at Moniuszki Street.

The season also affects what is available: in summer, bathing spots are open in Siamoszyce, Dzibice, Kostkowice and Przyłubsko in the municipality of Kroczyce; for winter days, the ski slopes in Morsko are an option. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, base your search on the places and activities that matter most to you. Zawiercie is a useful transport hub for getting around, serving the Powiat’s rail and road networks.

Places to explore next

For your continued search in the Powiat, you can also consider these places: Zawiercie, Szczekociny, Łazy, Witów, Pilica, Ogrodzieniec, Piaseczno, Goleniowy, Zawada Pilicka, Ciągowice, Podleśna, Gulzów, Podzamcze, Zdów, Irządze, Kroczyce and Morsko.

For the broader travel overview: Silesia.