Świętokrzyskie Mountains

Hike the trails through the ancient forest. Learn about human history at Poland's oldest shrine. Discover the history of the stone run - a pile of rocks that is half a billion years old. Enjoy a taste of traditional zalewajka. Come to the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and let yourself be enchanted!

The Świętokrzyskie Mountains are a low mountain range in south-eastern Poland. However, when you say "Świętokrzyskie Mountains", you probably mean Łysogóry, a range with the highest peak - Łysica (614 m above sea level) and Łysa Góra (595 m above sea level). The latter has two other names: Łysiec and Święty Krzyż (Holy Cross). In addition, it is famous for legends of witches' sabbaths and for the monastery that has stood on it for centuries. The abbey is the oldest pilgrimage destination in Poland.

Remember, however, that the Świętokrzyskie Mountains are not only the Łysogóry. There is also Kielce. And a few kilometres away - the famous Chęciny with its castle ruins.

What to see in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains? What are the attractions in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains?

The Świętokrzyskie Mountains feature gentle hills and vast valleys. There are kilometres of walking and cycling routes. There are small churches with a great history. You will find amusement parks for the young and old. You will combine knowledge with fun! What to see in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains? Here's a list - Świętokrzyskie Mountains.

Not high, but surprising. Among the gentle hills and vast valleys, you will find places that will be remembered by enthusiasts of sharp approaches, fast descents, rising heart rates and adrenaline levels. Above all, however, they will be appreciated by those looking for quiet open-air locations for intimate hikes.

On foot

The Świętokrzyskie Mountains are ideal for hiking - family rallies, multi-day treks and sports marathons. The route, which is the most popular among tourists, is 20 kilometres long and leads through the Świętokrzyski National Park from Święta Katarzyna via Łysica to Nowa Słupia. You will certainly escape the crowds by hiking other trails. However, you will not avoid the attractions, beautiful views and great memories.

By bike

Cycling in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains includes kilometres of marked trails on roads and off-road - not only in the Świętokrzyskie National Park. Kielce have a lot to offer. Two hills - Telegraf and Pierścienica - are a favourite spot for downhill and XC enthusiasts. You can easily plan a quiet family trip around the city's top attractions using the city's cycle paths.

In the winter

And speaking of Pierścienica and Telegraf: in the winter, two ski resorts operate on these hills. The former will be perfect for those taking their first steps on skis or a snowboard. The latter will certainly appeal to intermediate skiers.

Other places to ski can be found in Niestachowo, Krajno, Tumlin, Bodzentyn and Bałtów. They are ideal for a short weekend getaway with children or friends.

The history of the land...

In the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, you can learn all about the ancient history of our planet. Enchanted in the rocks, it is right at your fingertips. From the viewing platform at the stone run, you can see rocks from half a billion years ago. At Kadzielnia in Kielce, you will discover the remains of a vibrant coral reef.

In the Paradise Cave, you will find that nature, given the right conditions and plenty of time, can create works of art that would make the best artists proud. You will get to know the most beautiful, interesting and intriguing rocks, disused quarries and reminders of past life on Earth on the Świętokrzyskie Archaeo-Geological Trail.

And at the Geoeducation Centre you will embark on an extraordinary journey through time, after which you will find geology and palaeontology fascinating.

... and man.

Monuments in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains include hundreds of well-known and less popular sites. All those seeking traces of the past will find something to their liking - castles, manor houses and palaces, monuments of former industry, souvenirs of great writers.... all close at hand.

Świętokrzyskie boasts a unique UNESCO site: the prehistoric striped flint mines at Krzemionki. Add to this the remnants of the mining of the "bloodstone" (as haematite is often called) or the unique metallurgical complex which operated on the slopes and foothills of the Łysogóry in the first century AD, and you have a complete picture of the history of great industry centuries ago.

It may be hard to believe now, but at the beginning of our era, the landscape around Nowa Słupia was full of furnaces where ancient smelters used to make iron, the fame of which reached many corners of Europe.

Who were the ancient smelters and what was their life like - you can find out by visiting the Dymarkowa Settlement or taking part in Dymarki Świętokrzyskie - the largest archaeological picnic in the region.

The industrial traditions of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains are much richer - as recently as the beginning of the last century, there were large industrial plants on the Bobrza and Kamienna Rivers, of which picturesque ruins and vast spaces turned into interactive museums remain.

Kings, magnates and bishops built their castles and residences here. Henryk Sienkiewicz spent the summer months at the Oblęgorek residence and Stefan Żeromski experienced the best years of his childhood and youth there.