Of the many historic windmills in Polkowice, only one has survived to this day; it is located on ul. Młyńska. This sole remnant gives a tangible focus to the town’s history. The Old Town also tells a story of change: it was rebuilt from the ground up and is described as Poland’s newest Old Town.
Local history and cultural traces
Visitors interested in the historic buildings of the Old Town can explore the educational trail “Śladami historii Polkowic.” It starts in the Market Square and leads through the Old Town, introducing visitors to Polkowice’s most important surviving historic buildings. The route therefore combines a specific starting point with a look at the town’s architectural history. If you plan to follow it, it is worth checking the latest route information.
An exhibition on the history of Polkowice is housed in the Wiatrak Polkowicki. Cultural and educational activities include individual visits, programs for schools and events for all age groups, including music, meetings and astronomy. The sanctuary in Grodowiec is an architectural complex dating from the 16th to the 19th century. In JakubĂłw, meanwhile, there is a Gothic church dating from the 14th century; the village lies in the Dalkowskie Hills.
A sweet speciality also tells a story of local history: Kószka polkowicka, also known as the “Polkowice beehive,” commemorates the thriving beekeeping industry in Polkowice around the turn of the 20th century.
Landscape and protected areas
The Uroczysko ObiszĂłw nature reserve protects a well-developed oak-hornbeam forest with relatively rich, naturally occurring native flora. Przemkowski Landscape Park covers 22,338 hectares; its buffer zone covers 15,467 hectares. These two figures give an idea of the size of the protected area and its designated buffer zone.
Stawy Przemkowskie is an ornithological reserve in the landscape of Powiat polkowicki. Wetlands are also the focus of the 16-kilometre Stawy Przemkowskie trail. This offers a way to understand the natural area not only through its protected-area designation, but also through a specific trail theme.
Trails with different themes
The Ruchome Wydmy ĹšrĂłdlÄ…dowe trail is six kilometres long and runs between PrzemkĂłw and Wilkocin. Its themes include forest ecosystems and a bat hibernaculum. By comparison, the Stawy Przemkowskie trail is ten kilometres longer and focuses on wetland ecosystems. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in their nature themes.
Another marked trail focusing on nature and culture is called “Grodowiec.” It is 2.3 kilometres long and designated for hikers and cyclists. Those choosing trails according to their interests will find different ways to explore the area: wetland ecosystems; forests and a bat hibernaculum; or nature and cultural themes. Routes and conditions may change; check the information before setting out.
Events and further discoveries
Dni Polkowic has been held for many years. This two-day event combines music and social gatherings with family activities, activity zones, modern technology, entertainment and relaxation areas. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant edition.
The aquapark in Polkowice includes swimming pools and saunas, as well as a salt cave and a cryotherapy chamber. Check current access information before visiting. Historic sites, themed trails and other attractions thus offer distinct starting points for planning a stay in Polkowice.
Discover more destinations: Stara Rzeka, Polkowice, Radwanice, Czerńczyce, Buczyna, Chocianow, Milicz, Jawor.
See the regional travel overview: Lower Silesia.
