Roztocze

Among the greenery of thick forests, the murmur of streams and other sounds of nature - time passes quietly and peacefully here. Walking along numerous hiking trails in this charming corner of Podkarpacie one can experience the closeness of nature with almost all senses.

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ROZTOCZE

 

Roztocze is an exceptionally captivating land where time flows slower and everyday thoughts disappear among the green fields stretching on its hills. It has all we might expect from an ideal place to relax - beautiful landscapes and clean air, longed-for tranquillity, and the cultural richness of little towns.

 

This idyllic corner is a clearly outlined embankment of hills across the Lublin and Volyn Uplands and the Sandomierz and Transnistrian Basin. It stretches from Kraśnik in the northwest to Lviv in Ukraine. The Subcarpathian area is a part of the Central and Eastern Roztocze in the north-eastern area of the voivodeship.

 

Picturesque views of the gentle hills of Roztocze will delight you at first sight.

 

Forget the daily routine and set off on a journey to the amazing land, which is not so distant, yet not fully discovered.

What are the must-see places in Roztocze?

 

Picture-like landscapes certainly encourage paying a visit to Roztocze. Picturesque landscapes are the hallmark of this region. This area is hardly affected by civilization, and when you get there, certainly, you may not want to leave.

 

The omnipresent calmness is the reason why you will fall in love with Roztocze. And certainly, it will be mutual. In fact, this land is waiting to be discovered and delighted from green hills, through small villages to local culture.

 

In 2019, Roztocze was listed among the UNESCO biosphere reserves as transboundary biosphere reserve rich in valuable natural resources. Therefore, start your journey by admiring the Roztocze nature that deserves protection in the South Roztocze Landscape Park.

Werchrata. photo: Maciej Sopel
roztocze Temple of the Sun, photo: Krystian Kłysewicz

While walking among the Carpathian beech forests, you will find a rocky natural monument called the Temple of the Sun, the history of which is a bit mysterious. As the legends say, the ancient rituals in honour of the Slavic god Swarog were to take place here. The Roztocze forests are also home to many protected animals, including the European beaver, lesser spotted eagle, woolly eagle, eagle owl, and Ural owl entered in the register of endangered species. Carefully listen to the sounds of the forest during your hike, and maybe one of them will speak to you in their own language.

 

Hiking in such beautiful scenery makes you want to see more. Therefore, going further, you will come across the Cascades on the Tanew River nature reserve, located in the area of one of the cleanest rivers in Poland.

UNESCO - ORTHODOX CHURCH COMPLEX IN RADRUŻ

Traversing the trails of the Subcarpathian part of Roztocze, you will come across another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plan your trip and include it in your program to see first-hand a structure that has survived in almost unchanged condition until today. It is the Orthodox church in Radruż, built at the end of the 16th century. This temple is one of the oldest wooden churches that have survived in Poland.

bajka sanatorium palace od the poninskis horyniec-zdrój Bajka Sanatorium/palace of the Poninskis, photo: Gabriela Joniec

HORYNIEC-ZDRÓJ

Extremely valuable mineral waters, deposits of mud, as well as recreational and leisure amenities make the village flourish in spa tourism. Horyniec-Zdrój also offers bicycle trails, including the popular Green Velo Eastern Bicycle Route, opportunities for walks in and around the Spa Park, and interesting historical sites.

EVENTS IN ROZTOCZE

IF YOUR MAIN MOTIVE FOR TRAVELING IS MEETING PEOPLE, FESTIVALS AND VARIOUS EVENTS, BE SURE TO VISIT ROZTOCZE. FAMOUS ARTISTS, BUT ALSO NATIVE FOLK BANDS WILL PLAY FOR YOU. LOCAL HOSTS WILL TREAT YOU TO PLENTY OF DELICIOUS FOOD, AND HANDICRAFTSMEN WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO THEIR CREATIONS. THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WILL CERTAINLY NOT COMPLAIN, AS THE EVENTS INCLUDE BICYCLE RALLIES, AND ART LOVERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE INTERESTING THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES.

Folkowisko Folkowisko, photo: Marcin Trzpiot

CYCLING AROUND ROZTOCZE WITH GREEN VELO

We invite you to join us on the journey. A journey you don't expect. Join us to enjoy Roztocze, its landscape, people and the colors of its diversity. So, we have prepared a special way for you. Unique, exotic, shimmering with a thousand colors.    

SlowLife Forester's Lodge Cichowe Łozy, photo: Forester's Lodge Cichowe Łozy

SLOW LIFE IN EASTERN ROZTOCZE

At a time when the whole world is rushing, it's worth finding time to live a slow life - relaxing while enjoying nature, silence, fresh air and, on top of it all, local cuisine.

THE MOLOTOV LINE

Year 1939 The German Reich and the Soviet Union proceed with the Fourth Partition of Poland. Under the Treaty of Borders and Friendship, the occupiers draw a border between them that stretches from the Bieszczady Mountains to Lithuania. Tragic fate does not spare Roztocze either. The Gnojnik stream flowing peacefully through Gorajec from now on is the border line leaving almost the entire village under German occupation. The fate of the village was also shared by Narol, Cieszanów or Stary Dzików. Lubaczów, Oleszyce or Wielkie Oczy remain on the other side. However, the Soviet occupier realizes that the borders and "friendship" will not last long and sooner or later the Germans will move further east. Therefore, along the new border, construction of battle shelters colloquially known as the Molotov Line begins.

photo: Krystian Kłysewicz

SLOWFISH IN ROZTOCZE

It's quiet, every now and then birds singing can be heard, and you sit by the pond with a fishing rod and relax. Southern Roztocze is an angler's paradise, but even if you don't like fishing, you're sure to enjoy a delicious fresh fish consumed in these natural settings. 

Polanka Horyniecka, photo: Krystian Kłysewicz

When not exploring the history and past of Roztocze, make sure to visit Horyniec-Zdrój. You can find there a health resort famous for the richest in Poland peloid resources. See the impressive Poniński Family Palace, which now houses the Bajka sanatorium. Admire the building of the Court Theater, pop in the spa church, and visit the baroque complex of the Franciscan monastery. 

 

If the slow-passing time in Roztocze leaves some room for further wandering, make sure to visit the abandoned village of Stare Brusno and its remains of a cemetery with numerous stone tombstones and crosses. In Narol, on the other hand, you will have the opportunity to visit the baroque Łosiów Palace and the French-style terrace garden.

 

Roztocze is waiting for you! Start your journey at an unhurried pace, follow the numerous trails through its hills - on foot, by bike, or by car - and learn about the rich history of the unique land that fascinates anyone.  

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