The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Kozubowski Park Krajobrazowy

An invitation to a journey through time. In the heart of picturesque Ponidzie, on the loess hill of Garb Wodzisławski, stands the Stradów Stronghold, one of Poland's most important archaeological monuments. This monumental defensive complex, dating from the 8th to 11th centuries, is not only a testament to the might of the Vistulan tribe, but also a place that captivates with its history and breathtaking landscapes. Walking along the castle's mighty ramparts, you can almost hear the echoes of bygone days, when the stronghold was bustling with life, and its inhabitants traded, built, and defended their lands. Visit Stradów and discover secrets dating back over 1,200 years!

In the 8th century – 500 years before most castles were built in Europe – there was a mighty wooden castle with a high moat here. The height of the moat is still impressive today. The walk is worthwhile because the entire area has recently been developed for tourism. There is a parking lot, a tourist office, a very beautiful thatched shelter, and a newly constructed hiking trail around the moat with two staircases that also provide access to the interior.

The original church was here in the 14th century, but the current building is from the 16th century. It is worth seeing. Inside there is a beautiful Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Stradów from the 17th century - next to it there is a board with a list of miraculous healings!

Absolutely unmissable not only in Ponidzie, but in the whole of Poland: it is the oldest preserved hillfort in the whole country. According to archaeologists, this hillfort belonged to the Vistulan tribe, perhaps even in the 8th century. You can see the ramparts and even the moat here - of course, today covered with grass. It's worth it! In addition, from the top there are beautiful views of the Ponidzie valleys.

A beautiful fauna reserve right behind the village of Zakościele. Steppe grasslands, unusual in Poland, are protected here. Karst phenomena have left ravines and numerous caves and sinkholes here. There are supposedly 195 species of plants here! A beautiful, quiet and peaceful place. Only occasionally a cyclist passes by.

Walking along the western side of the Podkowa Reservoir, you will see great views of it from here, especially of its picturesque rocks on the other side. It is worth going to the nearby headland to take a closer look.

From here there is a beautiful view of the Podkowa Reservoir (beautiful cliffs) - one of two in this area, created in the 1980s as a result of the reclamation of the former "Gacki-Krzyżanowice" gypsum mine. The name Podkowa comes from the shape of this reservoir.

The Skowronno Reserve is a steppe and floristic reserve. Small - only about 2 hectares of surface. There are remains of 11th-century quarries here, but above all, plants grow here, which are generally found in the areas of the Black Sea and Mongolia! - for example, spring pheasant and the endangered Stipa Jan in Poland. From the top there are beautiful views of the Nida Valley.