A 14.5-hectare section of the Błędów Desert lies within the administrative boundaries of Dąbrowa Górnicza and is an attraction for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Another natural highlight is the Dąbrowa Lake District: this group of four Pogoria Lakes is located in the city and is used for tourism and recreation. Together, these places show the variety of landscapes to discover here – from the open expanse of the desert to waterside paths.
Four Pogoria Lakes, different discoveries
Each of the four lakes is surrounded by marked paths and cycling routes that are also suitable for younger children. Pogoria II offers a special connection with nature: the lake is home to numerous fish, bird and plant species. A convenient path leads from ul. Zakładowa to its waters and ends at a floating pier. Walkers and nature observers use it as a viewpoint. Check the condition of the infrastructure locally before planning your walk.
Water sports and diving take centre stage at Pogoria III. The lake is suitable for sailing and windsurfing. Divers descend there to depths of up to 17 metres; the average depth is six metres. The two figures describe different measurements: the depth to which divers descend and the average depth of the lake.
Several sailing and water sports clubs operate at the Pogoria reservoirs, including Fregata, Hutnik and Jacht Klub Pogoria III. The clubs run training sessions, courses and training camps. As their offerings may change, it is best to check in advance which courses are currently available.
Routes by landscape and distance
Several marked routes explore the surrounding area in different ways. The green-marked Szlak XXV-lecia leads to the waters of Pogoria II and Pogoria III and runs for around 18.5 kilometres within Dąbrowa Górnicza. The red Szlak Metalurgów is 13 kilometres long and also runs through the city. For the red Szlak Szwajcarii Zagłębiowskiej, it is worth noting the area covered: the route is 35.5 kilometres long in total, of which 15.5 kilometres run within the city.
Along the Szlak Szwajcarii Zagłębiowskiej, pine forests, historic churches and clear streams alternate with wide views of the Błędów Desert and the Pasmo Smoleńsko-Niegowonickie range. The picturesque bends of the Biała Przemsza are also among the landscapes along the route. For a longer journey, the yellow-marked Szlak Zamonitu is another option: it is 95 kilometres long and passes through Gołonóg in Dąbrowa Górnicza, as well as Ząbkowice, Łęka, Niegowonice, Centuria, Podzamcze, Giebło, Mokrus, Siamoszyce and Poraj.
A network of boardwalks in the wetland at the Baza Biwakowo-Campingowo-Rekreacyjna leads to places that would otherwise be inaccessible. You can walk along the boardwalks there. The 28.5-kilometre Szlak Pustynny PTTK also starts at this site.
Industrial history and architecture
Cultural discoveries also have specific points of interest. In 1979, the Pałac Kultury Zagłębia was entered in Poland’s National Register of Historic Monuments as an outstanding example of Socialist Realist architecture. You must book in advance to visit.
The Kopalnia Ćwiczebna shows how mid-level mining personnel were trained through practical exercises. On display are training stations for mechanics and electrical engineering, as well as for securing mine workings with special support structures. A reservation is required to visit. Pre-ordered tickets must be collected from the museum ticket office 15 minutes before the scheduled entry time. Children over six may visit the site when accompanied by an adult.
The exhibition at the Muzeum Miejskie Sztygarka includes a reconstruction of part of a production settlement where silver and lead were smelted. The ethnographic section presents local folk culture through historic home furnishings, costumes, agricultural equipment and folk art. Another glimpse into architectural history awaits at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, a notable city landmark: Józef Pomian-Pomianowski from Warsaw designed it in the Neo-Gothic style.
Discover more destinations: Dąbrowa Górnicza, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Mysłowice, Lubliniec, Chorzów, Sosnowiec, Racibórz, Bielsko-Biała.
For the main travel overview: Silesia.
