Goleszów lies between the hills of Chełm and Jasieniowa, also known as Goleszowska Górka. Hiking trails reveal different sides of the area: the Szlak Jasieniowa trail leads to panoramic views, while the Pod Chełmem trail offers the opportunity to visit historic buildings. There are also traces of the area’s quarrying history and cultural insights into the Cieszyn region.
Hiking trails with different highlights
The “Szlak Jasieniowa” hiking trail runs through the southern part of Goleszów, along the slopes of Jasieniowa and over Mount Jasieniowa. Several spots offer panoramic views of the Silesian Beskids, the Cieszyn Foothills, the Ostrava and Oświęcim Basin, and Goleszów. At 7.0 kilometres long, with about 250 metres of elevation gain and a walking time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, the trail’s duration is easy to estimate.
The “Pod Chełmem” hiking trail runs through the northern part of Goleszów and along the southern slopes of Mount Chełm. It offers the opportunity to visit several historic buildings in Goleszów. The two trails described here therefore differ in their points of interest: panoramic views and an estimated walking time are the main features of Szlak Jasieniowa, while Pod Chełmem combines a northern route with visits to historic buildings. You can choose which of these perspectives interests you more.
The easy “Graniczny” hiking trail runs in the wider area around Goleszów. It connects the border villages of Dzięgielów and Leszna Górna, passes through Leszna and circles Mount Tuł. Much of the route follows asphalt roads. Its location further afield and the amount of asphalt are useful distinctions to bear in mind when comparing this trail with the hiking routes in Goleszów.
Landscape and quarry history
Chełm and Jasieniowa consist of alternating layers of limestone and Cieszyn shale. Remains of the quarries are visible on the northern slopes of Jasieniowa. The quarrying history is also reflected in a three-dimensional model: the “Makieta Cementowni Goleszów” depicts the cement factory grounds in the 1950s and 1960s, including part of the quarries.
Another example of the former use of a quarry is the TON body of water in Goleszów. It formed in a former marl quarry from water that seeped into it. The body of water is home to more than 20 fish species, as well as representatives of several native amphibian and reptile species. In Goleszów, visible quarry remains, a historical model and a body of water with diverse wildlife thus offer different perspectives on the area’s quarrying past.
Culture and history in Goleszów
The “Izba Oświęcimska”, established in 2006 at the Gminny Ośrodek Kultury, is a modernised exhibition and education centre. Documents and exhibits cover the history of an external camp, the lives and deaths of the prisoners, and the residents of Goleszów municipality who helped them. It provides a specific historical focus alongside the area’s landscape and quarry themes.
The Gminny Ośrodek Kultury is a cultural venue for residents of Goleszów municipality and for people staying in the area. It offers courses, activities and events. The Zespół Pieśni i Tańca “Goleszów” also carries on regional culture through songs and dances of the Cieszyn region, performing at various events and concerts. If you are travelling specifically for a course or event, check the dates in advance, as the programme changes.
Practical information
The Goleszów Tourist Information Centre provides free maps, guidebooks, brochures, leaflets and publications about local features and natural attractions. If you are planning a specific visit, it is advisable to check the current opening hours in advance. The materials can help you find your way around the area’s different themes: hiking trails, nature and history. You can then plan your stay around what you would most like to focus on, whether viewpoints, historic buildings, quarry history or cultural offerings.
Discover more destinations: Brenna, Istebna, Strumień, Bąków, Międzyświeć, Hażlach, Zaborze, Koniaków.
Return to the main travel overview: Cieszyn.
