The best traffic-free bike rides around Bieruń-Lędziny

The path around the reservoir is mostly paved with concrete slabs, so it's not a cyclist's dream... Fortunately, large sections are laid in such a way that there is a strip of bare earth/sand between the slabs in the middle, so you can stubbornly ride there, avoiding the slabs.

The Castle in Oświęcim is a medieval defensive stronghold located on a hill on the right bank of the Soła River. Currently, the site is home to the Museum of the Castle in Oświęcim, which presents the rich history of the city, the former Duchy of Oświęcim, and valuable historical and archaeological collections. It was here that a great diplomatic turning point occurred: in 1454, the last Piast duke of this region, Jan IV, bowed to the might of Poland and ceded the castle and his entire duchy as a fief to King Casimir Jagiellon. Three years later (in 1457), he completely sold these lands to him. The castle ceased to be a Silesian borderland and became Polish royal property for centuries. It is worth taking a look at the mighty, 13th-century Gothic tower, which remembers those events and that agreement! The history of the castle in Oświęcim dates back to the 11th century, when there was an early medieval agricultural settlement on the hill above the Soła. After it burned down, a fortified castellany stronghold was erected here. The first official documentary mention of it dates from 1179. It was then that King Casimir the Just transferred these lands to the Duke of Opole, Mieszko Plątonogi. Early Gothic tower – dates from the end of the 13th century, it is a defensive building type (bergfried) and is one of the oldest preserved brick structures in Lesser Poland. Royal history – the castle hosted prominent historical figures, including the future Queen of Poland, Bona Sforza. Underground tunnels – there are two corridors under the castle, including an air-raid shelter built by the Germans during World War II. Address: ul. Zamkowa 1, 32-600 Oświęcim Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (the museum is closed on Mondays).

Uzdrowisko Goczałkowice-Zdrój is a small and picturesque spa town located in the Silesian Voivodeship, in the Pszczyna County. Its history dates back to 1856, when rich brine springs were discovered during salt exploration. Today, it is one of the most important rheumatological and rehabilitation centers in southern Poland. Spa Park: covers an area of about 7 hectares. It includes walking paths, ponds, a brine graduation tower, a sundial (where a person's shadow is the pointer), and the historic Old Drinking Hall of Medicinal Waters “Maria Quelle”.

Next to the stairs leading to the dam, there is a small path that you can ride up. Watch out for the curb at the beginning of the stairs :)

From a tourist point of view, the dam is three kilometers of a straight as an arrow, smooth, asphalt path running along the crown of the entire structure. It is precisely thanks to this smooth asphalt and the nice views that it has become a place of recreation for many residents of Zabrze, Goczałkowice, Pszczyna, and even more distant towns in the Pszczyna and Bielsko districts. Runners and inline skaters dominate here, there are many walkers, but there is no shortage of cyclists either. The lake itself, although artificially created in the 1950s, resembles a natural lake, so the views from the dam are nice.

There are usually a lot of people walking and running on the dam.

In autumn you need to watch out not only for protruding roots but also for treacherous leaves lying everywhere.

The castle in Oświęcim is the royal castle of King Casimir IV Jagiellon.