Ponds, mill races and the Soła give Łęki a distinct waterscape. There are also two cycling routes that include the village in different ways, as well as historical connections dating from the 16th to the 19th century. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, these themes can help you choose a destination: they show whether you would like to focus your travel plans on a waterscape, local history or a specific cycling route.

Between the river and the ponds

Łęki lies on the right bank of the Soła at an elevation of around 255 m. To the west, the village is bounded by the Soła’s embankments; to the east are extensive ponds. Mill races mark its northern and southern boundaries, channeling water from the ponds to the river. The riverbank, ponds and races are therefore distinct features of the local geography.

History and named places

The ponds are also part of the village’s earlier history. Among the most important duties of Łęki’s residents were maintaining, repairing and guarding the ponds. These were specific tasks connected with the pond system, giving it a historical significance in addition to its geographical role. Another aspect dates to 1514, when farmers from Wilamowice received permission from King Sigismund to graze their livestock on the extensive pastures in Łęki. This grazing right describes how the pastures were used and is distinct from the duties associated with the ponds.

Another historical connection is Henryk Sienkiewicz, who stayed in Łęki in 1889. A wayside shrine stands on Piastowska Street; it is also known as Kapliczka Bobaków. Together, these details illustrate different connections to the village: a historical stay with a specific year, an older grazing right and a named wayside shrine on a particular street.

Cycling routes through Łęki

The municipality of Kęty has marked a cycling route approximately 16 km long. It runs from Kęty through Nowa Wieś, Bielany and Łęki to Malec. Both the approximate length and the sequence of places along the route are specified. Before setting out, it is worth checking the current signage and trail conditions.

A 2017 municipal publication also describes the approximately 15 km cycling route “Do Bielan i Łęk” (To Bielany and Łęki), which passes through Łęki. The two routes are of a similar length; the main difference between the descriptions is that the route from Kęty to Malec is given as a sequence of places, while the second route’s description specifies its name, approximate length and passage through Łęki. You can compare the routes using the details given for each, without treating them as the same route.

There are several different things to consider when choosing to stay in Łęki: its location on the Soła, the ponds and the mill races that carry water away from them, specific historical connections and the descriptions of the two cycling routes. Which of these matters most for your trip depends on whether you would rather focus on the waterscape, local history or a cycling route.

Discover more destinations: Skidzin, Grojec, Nowa Wieś, Jawiszowice, Brzeszcze, Bielany, Kęty, Zator.

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