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Poland
Silesian Voivodeship

Bytom

Attractions and Places To See around Bytom - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Bytom, a city in Silesia, Poland, blend rich history with cultural experiences and natural features. The region offers a diverse range of points of interest, from ancient churches and repurposed industrial sites to serene nature reserves. Visitors can explore various notable landmarks and historical sites, showcasing the city's industrial heritage and urban fabric. Bytom provides opportunities for exploring both man-made structures and natural landscapes.

Best attractions and places to see around Bytom

  • The most popular attractions is Buildings of the Former West Shaft (Szyb Zachodni), Miechowice, a historical site that consists of old buildings from the Miechowice coal mine. Despite being fenced off, it is considered a charming place worth visiting.
  • Another must-see spot is Pokój Steelworks, an other man-made structure and historical site that began as a glassworks in 1840. This monument has a rich history of expansion and ownership changes, eventually becoming a significant steelworks.
  • Visitors also love Gigant Shaft (Former Pstrowski Coal Mine), Zabrze, a man-made monument that was once a coal mine shaft. It represents a significant part of the region's industrial heritage.
  • Bytom is known for its historical sites, industrial architecture, and natural areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from former mines and steelworks to lakes and historical settlements.
  • The attractions around Bytom are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and 18 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Pokój Steelworks

Highlight • Structure

In 1840, David Löwenfeld, Moritz Friedländer and Simon Löwi founded a glassworks called "Friedenshütte" ("Peace" glassworks).
The plant established at that time consisted of a blast furnace fired with coke, a casting hall, a boiler room and a carpentry shop.
In 1851, the steelworks was bought by Count Andrzej Renard. The new owner expanded it with a second blast furnace and a coking plant.
In 1855 the company became the property of the Silesian Leśno-Górniczo-Hutnicza "Minerwa" from Wrocław. The expansion of the steelworks continued.
At the end of the 1860s, it had four blast furnaces, coking plants and pudding furnaces.
The end of the investment coincided with the economic collapse on the steel market, which led the company to bankruptcy in 1871.
The steelworks and the remaining assets of the company were taken over by a new entity, "Oberschlesiche Eisenbahn-Bedarf-Aktiengesellschaft", founded by Count Karol Wolfgang Ballestrem.
In 1881, a forge was opened, in 1884 a Thomas steelworks, and three years later an open-hearth steel plant and a plant power plant.
pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huta_Pok%C3%B3j

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KAUFHAUS department store

Highlight • Historical Site

The Kaufhaus Department Store, which is located in the workers' housing estate of the same name, is the oldest commercial building in Poland. It was established in 1904 for the residents of the estate, who were also employees of Huta Pokój, established in 1840.
The Rudzki department store, apart from being the oldest of its kind in Poland, is one of the oldest in Europe. The famous KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) located in Berlin was opened three years after the Kaufhaus in Ruda. London's Harrods is also younger than him. Although Henry Charles Harrods opened his first store in 1849, the current 7-story building was not built until 1905.
dziennikzachodni.pl/dom-towarowy-kaufhaus-w-rudzie-slaskiej-to-najstarszy-dom-handlowy-w-polsce-zobaczcie-jak-wyglada/ar/c1-14823096
pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufhaus_(osiedle)

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Old and falling into disrepair buildings that are remnants of the old West Shaft, which was once part of the Miechowice coal mine.
The facility is not open to the public and is surrounded by a fence. Despite this, it is an unbelievable charming place that is worth visiting until it has fallen into absolute disrepair.

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The observation tower of the fire brigade building next to the Franciszek shaft of the former "Brandeburg" mine. It was hollowed out in 1857 and equipped with a steam engine and devices enabling the loading of coal directly into railway wagons.

Successive owners: Franciszek Wolfgang, baron von Stechow, Franciszek Karol Ballestrem, Wschodnio-Śląskie Zakłady Przemysłowe Mikołaja count. Ballestrema, Rudzkie Mining Coal, Rudzkie Zakłady Przemysłu Węglowego, Rudzkie Spółka Węglowa

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Former Customs Office

Highlight • Historical Site

In Ruda Śląska, on the border with Zabrze, in a house located just in front of the railway viaduct, at 59 Szczęść Boga Street, there used to be a customs office.
The modernist building was erected to service the border crossing between the Second Polish Republic and the German Reich. The office performed its functions until the outbreak of World War II.
Currently converted into a residential building.
straznicyczasu.pl/viewtopic.php?t=2755

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Lake Zawalisko

Highlight • Lake

Zawalisko was created as a result of a "collapse" of the KWK "Anna" mine. After selecting the coal seams, at some point the ground collapsed on the surface in an uncontrolled manner. Water accumulated in the resulting funnel, seeping into the mine. When the bottom was covered with silt and sealed for good, a pond was created there.
wedkuje.pl/l/zawalisko/14590

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Former Orzegów Coking Plant

Highlight • Monument

5-hectare site of the former Orzegów coking plant in Ruda Śląska, cleared of hazardous substances! Thanks to the reclamation works carried out there, heavy metals, cyanides and petroleum compounds were removed from the soil, and the entire area of the former plant was converted into a park with numerous attractions, including a viewing terrace, a toboggan hill, playgrounds or an educational trail.
rudaslaska.pl/ruda-slaska/aktualnosci/2021/03/24/drugie-zycie-koksowni

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"Gigant" mine shaft - former coal mine "Pstrowski", and later Siltech.

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Ballestrem Workers' Colony

Highlight • Historical Site

A workers' colony built in 1910-1922 according to the design of Hans von Poellnitz for mine workers belonging to the Ballestrem family.

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Tunnel of the Former Sand Railway

Highlight • Structure

Public place.

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Tips from the Community

Adam Kaczmarek
August 30, 2025, Tunnel of the Former Sand Railway

The disused railway tunnel on the former pre-war border is a mysterious and atmospheric place with a historical backdrop. Perfect for fans of industrial architecture and unusual landmarks along the route. A great stop to soak up the atmosphere of bygone times.

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The Giant of the Thick Castle, from 1945 KWK "Rokitnica". From 1973 KWK "Pstrowski"

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Remains of the West Shaft (Szyb Zachodni) of the Prussian Mine (Kopalnia Miechowice). The road there is not recommended for racing bikes/gravel due to an old paved surface.

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A workers' colony built in 1910-1922 according to the design of Hans von Poellnitz for mine workers belonging to the Ballestrem family.

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"Gigant" mine shaft - former coal mine "Pstrowski", and later Siltech.

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A nice place for a moment of rest during a bicycle trip.

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nicely restored technical heritage of the city

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Jacek Badura
September 2, 2023, Huta POKÓJ

a place entered on the list of monuments. Someday there will be an observation deck here...

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites and industrial heritage attractions can I explore in Bytom?

Bytom is rich in historical and industrial sites. You can visit the impressive Pokój Steelworks, which has a long history dating back to 1840. Another significant site is the Buildings of the Former West Shaft (Szyb Zachodni), Miechowice, remnants of an old coal mine. The Gigant Shaft (Former Pstrowski Coal Mine), Zabrze also showcases the region's industrial past. Additionally, explore the 13th-century churches, the Piwnice Gorywodow underground passages, and the historic Old Town with its listed tenements. The Szombierki Power Station is another striking example of early 20th-century industrial architecture.

Are there any natural attractions or green spaces in Bytom?

Yes, Bytom offers several natural escapes. The Segiet Beech Tree Reserve in Sucha Gora is perfect for nature lovers. The Zabie Doly Reserve is home to over 100 bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching. For relaxation and outdoor activities, you can visit Park Miejski, one of Bytom's large green spaces. You can also find Lake Zawalisko, which was formed from a mine collapse.

What cultural institutions are worth visiting in Bytom?

Bytom is a significant cultural center. The Upper Silesian Museum (Gornoslaskie Museum) houses extensive collections covering archaeology, ethnography, natural history, and fine art. You can also experience performances at the Silesian Opera (Opera Slaska) or explore contemporary art at the Kronika Centre for Contemporary Art. The Dance and Movement Theater Rozbark, located in a repurposed former mine pithead, offers unique cultural experiences.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Bytom?

The area around Bytom is great for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling and hiking routes. For cycling, consider routes like the 'Pokój Steelworks – OWŚ Bunker loop' or the 'Segiet Nature Reserve – Popłuczki Spoil Heap loop'. If you prefer hiking, there are easy trails such as the 'Lody Chłodna – Wayside Shrine loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Cycling around Bytom and Easy hikes around Bytom guides.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Bytom?

Yes, Bytom has options for families. The Lake Zawalisko is listed as a family-friendly spot. Additionally, the Ballestrem Workers' Colony, a historical settlement, can be an interesting place for families to explore. Many of the green spaces like Park Miejski also offer opportunities for family outings.

What is the best time of year to visit Bytom for outdoor activities?

The best season for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in Bytom is generally from spring to early autumn, when the weather is milder and more conducive to exploring. However, for winter sports enthusiasts, Dolomity Sportowa Dolina in Bytom – Sucha Gora is a main attraction for skiing and snowboarding during the colder months.

Can I find examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Bytom?

Yes, Bytom boasts spectacular examples of Art Nouveau architecture. You can observe this distinctive style in buildings such as the court, the former post office, and some high schools throughout the city.

Are there any unique historical passages or tunnels to explore?

Beyond the 13th-century Piwnice Gorywodow dolostone underground passages, you can also explore the Tunnel of the Former Sand Railway. This historical site offers a glimpse into the region's industrial transport past.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Bytom?

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth, industrial heritage, and natural beauty. Sites like the Buildings of the Former West Shaft (Szyb Zachodni), Miechowice are considered charming despite their disrepair. The region's former mines and steelworks, alongside its lakes and historical settlements, offer a diverse range of experiences that are well-regarded by the komoot community.

Where can I find information about Bytom Castle?

Bytom Castle, likely built between 1284 and 1299, served as a princely residence. While largely demolished today, its history is an important part of the city's past. For more historical context, you can refer to its Wikipedia page: Bytom Castle on Wikipedia.

Are there any specific places for winter sports in Bytom?

Yes, for winter sports enthusiasts, the Dolomity Sportowa Dolina in Bytom – Sucha Gora is a key attraction, offering facilities for skiers and snowboarders.

What kind of cycling routes are available, including gravel biking?

Bytom offers a variety of cycling routes. For general cycling, you can explore routes like the 'KWK Wawel Coal Cart Memorial – Ballestrem Workers' Colony loop'. If you're into gravel biking, there are routes such as the 'Underpass on the Bicycle Path – Brantka Pond loop' or the more challenging 'New Gravel Section – Tarnowskie Góry Market Square loop'. More routes can be found in the Cycling around Bytom and Gravel biking around Bytom guides.

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