A trip to Chełmski can be planned around specific highlights: in the associated municipality of Chełm, the focus is on cycling routes of varying lengths, several bodies of water and buildings with a long history. The wider Powiat Chełmski area also offers landscapes and nature attractions.
Cycling routes in the associated municipality of Chełm
The routes marked in green, blue and red differ considerably in length. The green cycling route “Leśne ostępy Chełmskiego Parku Krajobrazowego” is 19.45 km long. It runs from the northern outskirts of Chełm past the area around the Stańków Reservoir, the Uherka Valley and wooded areas near Czułczyce and Sajczyce to Ruda Opalin. “Uroki Sobowickie” is marked in red and is 18 km long. The blue cycling route “GMINA CHEŁM – wpisane w krajobraz, wpisane w historię” covers 75 km and leads to places in the municipality associated with history, nature, recreation and leisure. “Pagóry Janowskie” is about 8 km long. The marked distances therefore range from around 8 to 75 km; the two middle examples are close in length at 18 and 19.45 km. The route lengths provide a concrete basis for comparison when planning; signage and conditions may vary.
Landscape and bodies of water
Chełmski Landscape Park was established in 1983 and covers 16,457 hectares. Of this, 4,702 hectares lie within the municipality of Chełm. The breeding of 152 bird species has been recorded in the park. This is a distinct nature attraction alongside the routes and bodies of water found in the municipality.
The Stańków Reservoir, also known as Zalew na Uherce, is an artificial body of water covering about 40 hectares and around 4 metres deep. Its bed is muddy; it is called Zalew na Uherce because it is fed by water from the Uherka. Numerous rare and protected waterbird species, as well as the European pond turtle, occur there.
At Zalew Żółtańce, a dam leads to a supervised swimming area and a designated fishing area. Seasonal operating conditions may change. The site has a beach, jetties, benches, covered tables, barbecue and fire pits, a football pitch, a volleyball court and an outdoor fitness area. Additional facilities on the “Południowe barwy krajobrazu Gminy Chełm” cycling route include a playground, a jetty and a toilet for people with disabilities. The route follows the Uherka through Pokrówka, Żółtańce and Żółtańce Kolonia and offers scenic views along its entire length, with a focus on recreation. A bus stop is located about 20 m from the beach. As public transport connections may change, check the current timetable before your visit.
Zalew Staw offers another point of comparison: the body of water covers 15 hectares. Facilities include a fishing area with easy access to the water, a large car park by the swimming area, two jetties, covered benches and a playground.
Buildings and history
The buildings in the municipality date from the 12th to the 17th century. The stone tower in Stołpie dates from the 12th century. The Roman Catholic parish church of Chrystus Pan Zbawiciel in Podgórze began as an Orthodox church; the church and an Orthodox monastery have been mentioned together in historical sources since 1440. In Srebrzyszcze, the palace is a Baroque building from the 17th century, founded by Józef Łopuski, the sword-bearer of Chełm. A park laid out as an Italian garden surrounds the building.
Nature in the wider Powiat Chełmski
Powiat Chełmski extends across the macroregions of Polesie Wołyńskie and Wyżyna Lubelska. Its wider landscape includes the Pagóry Chełmskie, a system of gentle hills that reaches up to 300 m above sea level and consists of chalk marls and sandstones. Another natural attraction in the powiat is the Bachus nature reserve in the Gmina Sawin: a 4.5 km-long educational trail makes it possible to explore the reserve. Trail maintenance may vary.
Discover more destinations: Gotówka, Chełm, Huta, Stańków, Brzeźno, Nowosiółki-Kolonia, Czarnołozy, Dorohusk, Rejowiec, Romanówka, Stołpie.
For the broader travel overview: Lublin.
