Town history, church architecture and nature watching are three distinct reasons to explore Średzki County. In Środa Śląska, a well-preserved town plan and the town’s treasure take centre stage; on the Oder near Malczyce, seasonal birdwatching shapes the experience of nature. When planning your trip, it is worth choosing a focus and selecting accommodation based on the places you want to visit.
Townscape, churches and history
Środa Śląska has an original, well-preserved town plan. The town hall dates from the 15th century. The Środa Śląska Treasure offers another perspective on the area’s history: its medieval gold jewellery includes a royal crown, a brooch with a central cameo of an eagle, and decorated temple rings. The crown dates from the second half of the 13th century; each of its twelve elements bears an eagle. The treasure also includes 2,924 silver and 39 gold coins. It is not currently on display.
The Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God in Malczyce was originally a Protestant church. It was built in 1902–1903 in the Neo-Gothic style, to a design by Hans Poelzig. Udanin is home to the Gothic Church of St Ursula; the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lusina has frescoes by the Baroque artist Franz Heigel. The water castle in Wojnowice, meanwhile, is a Gothic-Renaissance water residence dating from the 15th and 16th centuries: it was built on oak piles and is surrounded by a moat.
A different period is commemorated by the Strzegom granite memorial stone in Malczyce. It was unveiled in 2002 to mark the fifth anniversary of the Millennium Flood. Six marble plaques mark the highest water levels recorded on the Oder between 1854 and 1997.
The banks of the Oder and protected nature
The “Zabór” nature reserve covers 34.7 hectares in the municipality of Miękinia in Średzki County. It protects a riverside forest within a larger woodland complex in the Wrocław Ice-Marginal Valley. Nature along the Oder near Malczyce also has a seasonal highlight: in winter, numerous birds gather there to overwinter, especially mallards, as well as goldeneyes and goosanders. Their presence and numbers can vary from year to year.
The banks of the Oder near Malczyce offer opportunities to spot grey herons and white-tailed eagles. The largest grey heron colony on the Oder is located there; white-tailed eagles frequently visit the riverbanks. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and may vary by season and year. Part of the municipality of Malczyce also lies within the overlapping Natura 2000 sites Łęgi Odrzańskie: the Special Area of Conservation for habitats PLH020018 and the Special Protection Area for birds PLB020008.
On foot, by bike and by rail
For a longer hike, you can follow the green PTTK hiking trail. The 17.3-kilometre route runs through the municipality of Malczyce, passing through Kwietno, Rusko and Malczyce. Check local conditions before setting out.
The 420-metre educational trail in Brodno is a shorter option. It includes a wooden pavilion, a footbridge and steps, as well as information and educational boards about plants and animals. Cyclists can take a route from Kostomłoty to Zabłoto and then on to Jakubkowice; planned extensions are not included.
The “Odrzanka” railway line passes through Malczyce, among other places. It may be an option for returning to a station where you have left your car. Check current train services before planning your trip.
Winemaking and local discoveries
At Winnice Jaworek, the vineyard covers 24 hectares, where more than 30 grape varieties are being tested. The figures for the vineyard area and number of varieties may change. At the Święto Wina in Środa Śląska, a jury made up of representatives of local wineries assessed the taste of anonymous wine samples at the 17th edition of the festival, held in the market square.
Next, check the location of your chosen hotel in relation to the places you plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Środa Śląska, Krępice, Jarosław, Piotrowice, Lenartowice, Kostomłoty, Wilkszyn, Mrozów
For the broader travel overview: Lower Silesia.
