Koźle’s rectangular market square and its radiating streets give the medieval town layout a clear form. Also worth discovering are traces of the former fortifications, a historic canal and routes for walks and bike rides. You can shape your stay in Kędzierzyn-Koźle around cultural history, exercise or a mix of both.

Koźle Old Town and Traces of the Fortress

Koźle’s medieval layout features a rectangular market square surrounded by a continuous row of buildings. Two streets lead off from each corner, crossing one another at right angles. The Old Town is also home to the Gothic parish church of St. Zygmunt and Jadwiga Śląska, which is documented as early as 1295. The square, street layout and church offer different points of interest for a walk through the town’s history.

In the wider Kędzierzyńsko-Kozielski destination, the Planty in Koźle were laid out on the site of former fortifications. The surviving remains of the fortifications preserve the almost unchanged layout of a six-pointed star-shaped structure. The “Szlakiem Twierdzy Koźle” trail leads to fragments of the fortress and sites of former fortifications. Another point of interest is the casemate powder magazine on ul. Grzegorza Piramowicza, considered the only surviving building of its kind in Silesia.

Canal, River and Water Engineering

The history of water engineering also offers ways to explore the area. In the wider Kędzierzyńsko-Kozielski destination, the Kłodnicki Canal was built between 1792 and 1812. The section running through Kędzierzyn-Koźle is among the best preserved. In Lenartowice, the Kłodnicki siphon connects the Gliwice Canal with the Kłodnica: the river flows beneath the canal.

Waterways are also part of the activities on offer: one of three kayaking routes passes through the Lenartowice district. The route is another option to consider when planning a trip; check current operator and access details in advance.

City Walks and Getting Around

For afternoon walks, the CityWalk routes offer a city audio guide. In the wider Kędzierzyńsko-Kozielski destination, four CityWalk city routes are listed for Kędzierzyn-Koźle. The information boards are complemented by audio guides, which can be borrowed from the city library at Rynek 3. Another way to explore is the “Szlakiem Koziołków” route: it leads to the city’s goat figures, and a map helps you plan your walk. The two options have different focuses—an audio guide for one, a route to the figures with a map for the other.

Cycling Routes of Different Distances

The “Dookoła Kędzierzyna-Koźla” cycling loop is available in three lengths: 19.7, 28.1 and 47.8 km. In the wider Kędzierzyńsko-Kozielski destination, it passes through numerous large forested areas within the city. Another named option is the 40.6 km “Wzdłuż Odry na południe” route. It runs along less-travelled municipal roads and well-preserved dirt tracks, and can be ridden on touring or leisure bikes. Route conditions may change seasonally; check them before setting out. The stated distances make the routes easy to compare, while distinguishing the three options on the first loop from the second route.

More Trails and a Museum

Sławięcice Park has an interactive nature and education trail. It offers a different focus from the Old Town and fortress trails. The Muzeum Ziemi Kozielskiej is also located in the wider Kędzierzyńsko-Kozielski destination, in the cellar rooms of the former south wing of the Silesian Piast Castle beneath the castle courtyard, as well as in the observation tower. Its permanent exhibition includes prehistoric tools from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, medieval objects, silver coins from the 17th century from the “Skarb z Koźla”, cultural relics, and objects and information about Twierdza Koźle. Exhibition contents may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Grudynia Wielka, Naczysławki, Przewóz, Pawłowiczki, Reinschdorf, Zakrzów.

Back to the wider travel overview: Kędzierzyńsko-Kozielski.