Szymbark brings together a protected sycamore forest and a landslide lake with churches and distinctive architectural heritage. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Szymbark, you can choose where to stay based on the focus of your trip: nature, architectural history or exhibitions.
Nature between the forest and the landslide lake
The Jelenia Góra nature reserve protects a well-preserved section of sycamore forest in Szymbark. The reserve is also home to hart’s-tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium). This combination gives the nature theme a specific focus: it is about a particular type of forest and a specifically named plant species. For travellers who value nature conservation and plants when choosing a destination, this offers a clear point of interest alongside the village’s buildings.
Beskidzkie Morskie Oko lies near the Jelenia Góra nature reserve and is a landslide lake. It was formed by the Szklarka landslide, the largest landslide in the Polish Carpathians. Its water level can vary; in summer, the lake dries up partially or completely. This adds a seasonal feature to its geological origins when considering nature options. If you are planning a summer visit to the lake, bear in mind that it may dry up partially or completely.
Churches and architectural heritage
The wooden Church of St. Wojciech was built from larch wood in 1782. In the hamlet of Wólka stands a small Orthodox church, dated to 1790; other records may give a different year of construction. The two churches offer different points of interest for a cultural focus: the year of construction and material are specified for the Church of St. Wojciech, while the date for the church in Wólka should be considered in light of this discrepancy.
The brick kasztel in Szymbark has two storeys and a basement. Square alkierz extensions sit at its four corners, and the attic gables are richly decorated. The building can therefore be viewed through several specific features: its storeys, corner extensions and ornamented upper sections. This gives architecture enthusiasts a different focus from the wooden churches.
Exhibitions and a cycling path
The Edukacyjny park historii budownictwa ludowego i maszyn na pograniczu polsko-słowackim is associated with the Skansen Wsi Pogórzańskiej. The park features open-air exhibitions and sensory gardens. The exhibits are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
In May 2024, a 153.52-metre-long paved pedestrian and cycling path was completed in Szymbark. This section is part of a cycle route running from the Szymbark stop to the Ropa municipal boundary. The stated length refers to the completed section; it stands on its own and does not represent the entire route. The surface, path type and endpoints give cyclists specific information about this section, without specifying a travel time.
The available travel themes therefore include nature, religious buildings, architecture and exhibitions. You can consider which of these topics you would like to shape your time in Szymbark, then look for a holiday apartment for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Kunkowa, Hańczowa, Gorlice, Czarne, Uście Gorlickie, Klimkówka, Gładyszów, Ropki.
Return to the main travel overview: Gorlice.
