Parks in the Silesian Voivodeship - an ideal idea for a spring walk
When plants awaken from their winter slumber and the world bursts into fresh greenery day by day, it's hard to stay indoors. One doesn't need to conquer peaks, cycle countless kilometres, or book accommodations. In spring, a simple stroll in the park is enough to be captivated by the beauty of the world around us.
In search of signs of spring
It cannot be denied that nothing delights as much as the sight of the first snowdrops and colourful crocuses. Spring paints the world in all shades with each passing day and awakens it to life. Parks, filled with flowering beds and blossoming trees and shrubs, are a wonderful place to observe these delightful transformations. Many such places can be found in the Silesian Voivodeship.
The Palace and Park Complex in Pszczyna
Pszczyna rightly deserves the title of the pearl of Upper Silesia. The park here occupies a significant area of 156 hectares and was established alongside the palace, whose history dates back to the 15th century. The historic Pszczyna Park is considered one of the most beautiful in Poland, and I assure you, not without reason. Walking through its alleys is incredibly pleasant at any time of the year, but especially in spring, it is worth visiting to admire the mastery of colours of blooming rhododendrons and other plants that surround the ponds with charming bridges (in summer, one can paddle boats on them). The park also houses the Bison Show Farm and the Pszczyna Village Homestead (open-air museum).
Health Resort Park in Goczałkowice-Zdrój
Right next to Pszczyna are Goczałkowice-Zdrój, which can also boast a lovely park. While it may not be as large and impressive, it is a perfect opportunity to stop by the spring water pump room or relax by the inhalation fountain. The park in Goczałkowice is adorned with well-kept flower beds and floral figures typical of health resorts. An interesting attraction that can also be found in Polanica-Zdrój is giant chess.
Parks in Sosnowiec
Sosnowiec is full of green parks, located in almost every district. The largest and most attractive are certainly:
- The historic Sielecki Park along with the Sielecki Castle, established at the end of the 19th century. The park is situated by the Przemsza River and covers about 20 hectares in the Pogoń and Sielec districts, extending to the city centre;
- Leśna Park named after Jacek Kuroń is another vast and beautiful park located in the Sosnowiec Kazimierz Górniczy. The centre was established for the miners residing in the city back in the 1970s. It features, among other things, a mini zoo, a pond, a dinosaur park, a brine graduation tower, a rope park, and a large playground;
- The park named after Lieutenant Pilot Jan Fusiński (known as Kruczkowski Park) and Stawiki, located in Old Sosnowiec. The park occupies just under 5 hectares and is located by the Brynica River, but right next to it are the Stawiki, which are part of an area of about 200 hectares of Sosnowiec, Mysłowice, and Katowice ponds, known as the "Natural and Landscape Complex 'Szopienice-Borki'". The park features a revitalised palm house ("Exotarium"), and in the Stawiki area, apart from bike paths and a recreational complex, there is a nature trail.
Śląski Park, or Chorzowski Park
The cherry on the cake is certainly Śląski Park, whose attractions cannot be explored in a single day since it covers an impressive area of 535 hectares. In addition to the amusement park, the park features a zoo, a cable car, a planetarium, various gardens, a swimming area, tennis courts, and a rope park… To be honest, the attractions are never-ending. The park was established in the 1950s and remains a favourite among local residents and tourists alike.
If you're going for a stroll, go to Silesia!
A walk is one of the healthiest ways to spend time, and it's accessible to everyone. Strolling in the park during spring not only helps to shape up before the summer holidays by clocking in a few thousand steps but, more importantly, allows for wonderful relaxation and time spent in beautiful surroundings.
Photo and text author: Agnieszka Soszka
