Top Attractions of Upper Silesia

Silesia, a highly industrialized area, abounds in historical sights, where both tourists and locals can learn more on the history and culture of the region. There are also a lot of recreation areas which offer a lot of attractions. Top ones, worth paying a visit to, have been listed below. As these are both historic, cultural and sports related offers to cater for all ages and tastes.

''Eagle Nests Trail'' is a series of 25 medieval castles, spread along the picturesque 163-kilometre-long route from Czestochowa to Cracow. Of all the ''Eagle Nests'' two most famous ones inlcude the Ogrodzieniec Castle, situated on the highest peak of the Cracow - Czestochowa Jurassic Upland, the Renaissance Castle of Pieskowa Skala in the Ojcowski National Park and the castles in Bedzin, Bobolice, Mirow and Olsztyn.Hiking along the marked paths and visiting the Jurassic castles and ruins are not the only activities one can engage in during their stay in the Polish Jura Chain. The unique terrain relief makes the area also attractive to rock climbers, quad riders and cyclists. As there are more things to do, approximately as many as 400,000 tourists visit the Cracow - Czestochowa Jurassic Upland Chain annually. For active leisure enthusiasts there are also15 hiking trails, 8 caves and 19 nature reserves. Those who do not feel fit enough for climbing, can take part in knight tournaments, concerts and other outdoor events which the Eagle Nests Trail castles frequently host. Come to admire the breathtaking beauty of the Jurassic landscape!

Tarnowskie Gory, in the northern part of the Upper Silesian Industrial Area, used to be famous for its lead and silver ores. In the 16^th century it was the largest mining centre in Silesia. As the area was rich in the ore deposits, the mining industry developed till 1912. At the end of the 19^th century, its 15-km-long adit was the longest in the area. Though no longer in operation, the Black Trout Adit is one of major tourist attractions in Silesia. The 600-metre-long part of an old mine, open to tourists since 1957, is only accessible by boats. The passage in the dark corridors of the drain adit, accompanied by colourful stories told by the guide, is an unforgettable experience!

Another site worth visiting is the Historical Mine of Silver, Lead and Zinc Ores is a unique monument of ore mines in Europe. It is an underground labyrinth of 150-km-long underground mining passageways, drifts and corridors. The Historical Mine of Silver, Lead and Zinc Ores is a precious relict of the rich mining traditions in the region of Tarnowskie Gory. Here one can learn about the hard work of the ore miners (called "gwarki") and see the partly flooded post-mine machines and drifts going along the 1700-metre-long tourist route, part of which is covered by boat. Going down in the pit-cage of the Aniol (Angel) shaft is also an exciting adventure.

If visiting Bytom and its environs, it is a good idea to take a ride on the Upper-Silesian Narrow-Gauge Railway train. This 755mm gauge railway is the oldest continuously-operating railway of this kind in the world. The historical route goes from Bytom to Tarnowskie Gory, Miasteczko Slaskie and Strzybnica. As the train runs through a lot of historic towns, including regional tourist attractions and picturesque landscapes, it is really a leisurely ride. Various routes are on offer. From May till September there is a tourist route from Bytom via Tarnowskie Gory to Miasteczko Slaskie. A must to all tourists in the area!

The Museum of Bread is the only museum in Poland and in the eastern part of Europe which is devoted to bread-making traditions. The main attraction, apart from bread-making related exhibits, is an excellent opportunity given to the visitors to making and bake bread rolls while seeing the Museum of Bread. The museum plays an important education function. To teach, especially young people, the respect for bread and cultivate Polish bread-related traditions there are guided tours and special lessons for kids.One can also see thematic postcards, machines, devices, tools, bread and confectionery-related documents gathered by the museum owners for about 10 years. Come to bake your own bread!

The major religious centre of Silesia is the Sanctuary of Mother of Justice and Social Love with the painting of Our Lady of Piekary in Piekary Slaskie. Since 1676 it has been one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Silesia. Most popular is the men\'s pilgrimage which takes place on the last Sunday of May. The picturesque location of the Piekary basilica, with its Calvary situated on a hill, makes it a perfect site for prayer, contemplation, meditation and rest. A perfect venue for a spiritual feast!

1. Silesian Stadium – Silesian Amusement Park (22 minutes\' ride)
2. Silesian Amusement Park – Planetarium (17 minutes\' ride)
3. Planetarium – Silesian Stadium (16 minutes\' ride).

The only desert in Poland, often referred to as the Polish Sahara, is situated within the \'\'Eagle\'s Nest Trail\'\' between the towns of Chechlo, Klucze and Bledow (hence, its name). As the Bledow Desert is a sort of byproduct of the heavy development of mining and metallurgical industries and the deforestation of the area, it is not a desert in a strictly geographic sense. However, the unique landscape is worth seeing. In the early 19th century the Bledow Desert was over 80 square kilometres in size, whereas nowadays the area has shrunk to only 32 square kilometres, one third of which is only covered with sand. Nowadays the Bledow Desert is used as a military testing ground. See the only Polish desert!

The Castle of Pszczyna with its adjacent parks is one of the architectural pearls of Silesia. Its design changed over the centuries. The castle, once a 15th-century Gothic fortified structure, was turned into a Renaissance residence to become a three-wing Baroque palace in the 18th century. The final reconstruction works, based on the late 18th century French designs, included the erection of a vestibule with a three-flight stairway and a monumental dining room. Of all the castle proprietors the most prominent ones are the notable Hochbergs and Maria Theresa von Pless, also known as Daisy.

Toszek Castle, one of major cultural heritage pearls of Silesia, is situated in the western part of the Silesian Voivodship in the land province of Gliwice. Its history is closely connected with the history of the region. The castle is a unique Gothic monument. Once owned by the Piasts of Opole and notable families, the castle was visited by such prominent guests as German poets: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Joseph von Eichendorf. In the 1960s it was partly reconstructed. Nowadays the Toszek Castle houses the Municipal Culture Centre which is famous for its wide selection of tourist attractions. Regularly knight tournaments, concerts and other outdoor events are held in the Toszek Castle. This year's Middle Ages Day in the Toszek Castle attracted as many as over 5 thousand people. Other events include Celtic music and Irish dance workshops during the Midsummer Day and Oktoberfest. From May 1^st till September 30^th there are guided tours of the castle tower. There is also a Castle Cafe, Cafe Library with a free internet access. Come here to entertain yourself and learn about the history of Silesia!