The best cycling routes around Oświęcim

Aqueduct in Czanec (Młynówka Czaniecka over Domaczka)A brilliant historic hydrotechnical node and a unique collision-free crossing of two watercourses. Above, in an artificial concrete channel (aqueduct), flows the Młynówka Czaniecka – a canal dug in the 19th century by the Żywiec Habsburgs to supply the nearby American mill and later the paper mill. Below, under the concrete bridge, flows the natural bed of the mountain stream Domaczka. The whole system works without pumps, relying solely on gravity and the laws of physics. A great technical point on the route and a rare example of old, reliable water engineering.

The Castle in Oświęcim is a medieval defensive stronghold located on a hill on the right bank of the Soła River. Currently, the site is home to the Museum of the Castle in Oświęcim, which presents the rich history of the city, the former Duchy of Oświęcim, and valuable historical and archaeological collections. It was here that a great diplomatic turning point occurred: in 1454, the last Piast duke of this region, Jan IV, bowed to the might of Poland and ceded the castle and his entire duchy as a fief to King Casimir Jagiellon. Three years later (in 1457), he completely sold these lands to him. The castle ceased to be a Silesian borderland and became Polish royal property for centuries. It is worth taking a look at the mighty, 13th-century Gothic tower, which remembers those events and that agreement! The history of the castle in Oświęcim dates back to the 11th century, when there was an early medieval agricultural settlement on the hill above the Soła. After it burned down, a fortified castellany stronghold was erected here. The first official documentary mention of it dates from 1179. It was then that King Casimir the Just transferred these lands to the Duke of Opole, Mieszko Plątonogi. Early Gothic tower – dates from the end of the 13th century, it is a defensive building type (bergfried) and is one of the oldest preserved brick structures in Lesser Poland. Royal history – the castle hosted prominent historical figures, including the future Queen of Poland, Bona Sforza. Underground tunnels – there are two corridors under the castle, including an air-raid shelter built by the Germans during World War II. Address: ul. Zamkowa 1, 32-600 Oświęcim Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (the museum is closed on Mondays).

The Park Mgieł is a modern attraction located in the newly modernized Park Bulwary nad Sołą in Oświęcim at ul. Parkowa 5. The installation creates an atmospheric water mist floating above wooden footbridges, which provides pleasant cooling on hot days. Mist show schedule The mist effect is activated at specific times during the day: Monday – Friday: at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: at 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM.

Uzdrowisko Goczałkowice-Zdrój is a small and picturesque spa town located in the Silesian Voivodeship, in the Pszczyna County. Its history dates back to 1856, when rich brine springs were discovered during salt exploration. Today, it is one of the most important rheumatological and rehabilitation centers in southern Poland. Spa Park: covers an area of about 7 hectares. It includes walking paths, ponds, a brine graduation tower, a sundial (where a person's shadow is the pointer), and the historic Old Drinking Hall of Medicinal Waters “Maria Quelle”.

Next to the stairs leading to the dam, there is a small path that you can ride up. Watch out for the curb at the beginning of the stairs :)

Entering Wilamowice, you step into one of the most fascinating cultural enclaves in Europe! The town's name (in the local language: Wymysoü) comes directly from the name Wilhelm (William) – a legendary Flemish or Frisian nobleman. In the 13th century, Wilhelm brought a group of settlers from Western Europe (present-day Belgium, the Netherlands, and even Scotland) who were fleeing great floods to this region. For centuries, the community, living in isolation, created its own unique Wilamowice language (wymysiöeryś), which has survived to this day and is the smallest living language in Poland. What is worth seeing here? Museum of Wilamowice Culture – a modern place where you can learn about the history of Wilhelm's migrants. Unique costumes and traditions – if you are lucky, you will see local women in colorful, traditional costumes with Frisian motifs. The Market Square in Wilamowice – the intimate center of the town, perfect for a short break on your cycling route.

Wilamowice and Stara Wieś The first settlers from the West did not found one village, but two twin settlements located right next to each other. This is confirmed by the oldest church documents (lists of tithes) from 1326: Stara Wieś – recorded in the documents as Antiquo Willamowicz (Old Wilamowice). Wilamowice – recorded as Novovillamowicz (New Wilamowice). Interestingly, the fates of the inhabitants of both villages took completely different paths: The inhabitants of Stara Wieś were very quickly assimilated with the surrounding Polish population. They adopted their language and customs, thereby erasing their Western roots. In turn, the inhabitants of (New) Wilamowice abandoned farming in favor of crafts and trade, lived in isolation, and thanks to this, preserved their unique language (wymysiöeryś), costumes, and cultural distinctiveness for centuries. Hypothesis about settlers from Scotland.. Mention of Scots appear regularly in the Wilamowice tradition alongside Flemings and Frisians. Local tradition in the Municipality of Wilamowice still officially upholds the version that the founding core consisted of fugitives from Western Europe, among whom, alongside the dominant Flemings and Frisians, there was also a group of Scots. Influence on language: Some researchers and the Wilamowians themselves have pointed out that in the Wilamowice language, one can find isolated sounds or archaic words that phonetically show a surprising similarity not only to Dutch, but also to Celtic languages or Old Scots (Scots) and Anglo-Saxon. Traces in surnames: Part of the family names and nicknames in Wilamowice has, over the years, been attempted to be etymologically linked to origins from the British Isles.

Wilamowice is a town near Bielsko-Biała, called "Polish Flanders". It is famous for its unique community: Wilamowian language: A distinct Germanic language that survived despite persecution after 1945. It is currently undergoing intense revitalization, and young scientists are conducting research on it. Traditions: Residents still cultivate colorful local customs today, cherishing the memory of 13th-century settlers from Western Europe. Wilamowian costume: The group also uses its own very characteristic and richly decorated traditional folk costume.