The best cycling routes around Polanka Wielka

The entrance to this gravel road from the main street (ul. Zatorska) is blocked. You need to enter from ul. Wspólna - turn off at the first bend and go behind the buildings.

It seems that this path has been impassable for some time. Yesterday I tried to ride it, but at the beginning there are barriers and a sign "private road".

Surface: Natural, dirt-and-gravel path running along embankments and dikes. In places, it can be muddy or overgrown with grass after rainfall. Gravel / MTB / trekking tires will work best. Number and names of reservoirs: Officially, it is a complex of 9 ponds (Krzemieńczyk Duży, Adam Duży, Średni, Górny, Zimowy, Letni, Malinowski, and the Kościelecki I and II, divided by a dike). In the terrain, considering small hydrological cutoffs, up to 10 can be counted. Nature and protection: Natura 2000 protected area (Dolina Dolnej Soły) and a natural-landscape complex. Breeding ground for rare birds, including the white-winged tern. Beautiful views of the water surfaces and reed beds can be seen from the dikes. Route connection: The complex borders the Soła river embankments to the west and smoothly transitions into the Grojeckie Ponds area to the south. It offers an excellent, car-free connection between the southern districts of Oświęcim and Zaborze and Grojec.

Stawy Adofińskie An exceptionally picturesque, flat gravel section leading through the dikes of a historic complex of 9-10 carp ponds in the Soła Valley. A refuge for wild birds, ideal for a peaceful ride on a trekking or gravel bike, or for a hike away from car traffic.

Good surface means good riding👍 So gravelly😂🤣😉

🌟 Why is it worth checking out?Architectural mix from behind the gate – the heart of the complex is a 17th-century Baroque-Classical palace. Although it is currently private property (fenced, not accessible for visits), its structure with side wings makes a great impression from the gate and is ideal for a photo from the route. Turbulent history – the estate hosted Polish noble families (Myszkowskich, Cieńskich, Wysockich), during the war it was a Luftwaffe base, and in the PRL... a fertilizer warehouse. Brine graduation tower – right next door, in the recreational park, there is a wooden brine graduation tower. The evaporating brine creates a brilliant, healthy microclimate. You can sit on a bench here, catch your breath, and regain your strength before continuing your journey. Heaven for skaters and kids – right next to the brine graduation tower, there is a modern, huge pumptrack measuring 243 meters (ideal for bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters) and a great, varied playground for the little ones. Tip for cyclists and hikers This is a brilliant spot for a longer break (Rest Stop) for everyone. The access roads (ul. Pałacowa) are quiet and asphalted, so you can easily get here by road, gravel, or trekking bike. The shade of old trees, the healthy breeze from the brine graduation tower, and the safe playground make this an ideal resting place on the region's map.

Hidden gem of Małopolska: The Palace and Park Complex in Polanka Wielka Looking for an interesting place on your route near Oświęcim? Make a stop in Polanka Wielka! It's a charming corner, perfect for a moment of rest in the shade of trees, a meeting with history, and a solid dose of relaxation and sport.

Owner and history: The Potocki family (Zator line). This estate belonged to them from the 1830s until 1945. Function: It was a manor house of the administration (administrative center). It was not the main family residence (that was the castle in Zator), but the management center for the largest pond complex in the region. What was there before the war? Fishery Management Offices: This is where all the fishery management was directed from. Decisions about stocking, catches, and the sale of Zator carp to the markets of Krakow, Vienna, and Prague were made here. Manager's Apartment: A qualified manager (ichthyologist/economist) lived in the building, who was directly responsible to the Potockis for fish profits. Communication Hub: Przyręb was key due to its location on the Vistula River and the system of canals (the so-called Wieprzówka Canal), which supplied water to the ponds.Economic Back-up: Next to the manor house were warehouses for feed (grain), fishing gear, and stables. Architecture: The building is brick, single-story, with a high basement and a characteristic porch.It was designed to be solid and functional – it had to withstand the moisture coming directly from the surrounding ponds. In summary: Before the war, this was the operational hub of the Przeręb Fishery, belonging to the Zator estates of Maurycy Potocki.