The best traffic-free bike rides around Otwock

As we read on the information board, the shrine was erected in 2004 on the initiative of the residents of Karczew, and the wooden figure was consecrated on November 17, 2004. For over twenty years, the sculpture has welcomed walkers, cyclists, and all forest lovers, becoming a place for reflection, silent prayer, and contemplation. This representation holds a special place in Polish tradition. Chrystus Frasobliwy (the Sorrowful Christ) was one of the most frequently repeated motifs in roadside shrines. It is in such simple, forest and field corners that one can most strongly see how spirituality, folk art, and landscape have intertwined over the centuries into a single story. The author of the sculpture is Stefan Lisowski (1928–2010) – an artist and sculptor, also associated with Mazovia. According to the board, he was the initiator of the "Roadside Shrine" series of works and wanted to restore the motif of the wooden shrine to the Mazovian landscape. The Karczew figure is one such work – made from a single piece of wood.

The educational center “Baza Torfy” in Karczew is located near the nature reserve “Na Torfach im. Janusza Kozłowskiego” in the Masovian Landscape Park.

Baby, babki, babeczki, yeast, shortcrust… and poppy seed rolls! All this awaits you at Sosence!

Obelisk commemorating afforestation actions 1931-1934

As we read on the information board, the shrine was erected in 2004 on the initiative of the residents of Karczew, and the wooden figure was consecrated on November 17, 2004. For over twenty years, the sculpture has welcomed walkers, cyclists, and all forest lovers, becoming a place for reflection, quiet prayer, and contemplation. This representation holds a special place in Polish tradition. Christ the Sorrowful was one of the most frequently recurring motifs in roadside shrines. It is in such simple, forest and field nooks that one can most strongly see how spirituality, folk art, and landscape have intertwined over the centuries into a single narrative. The author of the sculpture is Stefan Lisowski (1928–2010) - an artist and sculptor, also associated with Mazovia. According to the board, he was the initiator of the "Roadside Shrine" series of works and wanted to restore the motif of the wooden shrine to the Mazovian landscape. The Karczew figure is one such work - made from a single piece of wood. This is one of those places that one can pass by without knowing its history. Yet, it holds local memory, beautiful tradition, and the trace of a person who wanted to leave something lasting behind.

Jewish cemetery in Karczew-Anielin (colloquially called the cemetery in Anielin) to distinguish it from the actual cemetery in Karczew) – a cemetery founded in the 19th century. During World War II, it was devastated by the Germans, but on an area of 1.7 hectares, about 900 matzevot have been preserved. Jews permanently residing in Otwock were usually buried in the cemetery in Karczew, and those who were patients of Otwock hospitals and sanatoriums – in the cemetery in Karczew-Anielin. Among others, the writer Urke Nachalnik, shot by the Germans in October 1939, was buried in the cemetery, but the exact location of his grave is unknown. During the PRL period, many tombstones were destroyed, graves were plundered, and a high-voltage line was run through the cemetery. In recent years, the Social Committee for the Memory of Jews from Otwock and Karczew has been carrying out cleanup work on the cemetery grounds. In August 2007, heavy boulders began to be laid along the cemetery borders. This made it possible to fence off half of its area.

The footbridge on Goździkowy Swamp in Mazowiecki Landscape Park (near Celestynów and Otwock) is a picturesque, wooden route about 300 meters long, ideal for a short, relaxing walk.

Czarne Jeziorka are picturesque, mid-forest peat bogs located in the heart of the Mazowiecki Landscape Park (near Otwock and Karczew). Surrounded by lush bog and forest vegetation, they are an ideal place for hiking or cycling trips away from the urban hustle and bustle.