Szymbark: Nature and Historic Architecture

Nature and architectural history come together in Szymbark. The Jelenia Góra Nature Reserve and the Beskidzkie Morskie Oko landslide lake represent different aspects of the landscape. Historic churches, the brick Kasztel and an educational park with outdoor exhibitions complete the picture. For your trip to Poland, you can decide whether to focus mainly on scenery and geology, historic architectural styles, or both.

Forest and Landslide Lake

In Szymbark, the Jelenia Góra Nature Reserve protects a well-preserved section of sycamore forest, where hart’s-tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium) grows. The forest type and named fern species give the natural area a distinctive botanical profile. For anyone who would also like to explore plant life on a trip to Poland, this offers a separate focus alongside the better-known landscape features.

Beskidzkie Morskie Oko, a landslide lake in Szymbark, lies near the nature reserve. It was formed by the Szklarka landslide, the largest landslide in the Polish Carpathians. The lake is therefore directly linked to a geological process. In summer, it may dry up partially or completely; its water level can also vary. If you include the lake in your travel plans, take this seasonal change into account.

Churches and the Kasztel

The brick Kasztel in Szymbark has two storeys and a cellar. Four square alkierz extensions stand at its corners, and it also features richly decorated attic walls. These features set the Kasztel apart from the local churches and make its architectural style a distinct point of interest for architecture enthusiasts.

The wooden Church of St Wojciech in Szymbark was built from larch wood and dates from 1782. There is also a small Orthodox church in the hamlet of Wólka. One account dates it to 1790; other records may give different years. The religious buildings therefore offer different points of comparison: their construction methods and dates do not match from one church to another.

Exhibitions and Cycling Route

The Edukacyjny park historii budownictwa ludowego i maszyn na pograniczu polsko-słowackim, associated with the Skansen Wsi Pogórzańskiej, features outdoor exhibitions and sensory gardens. Its exhibits are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. The park adds exhibitions and sensory gardens to the village’s architectural history, while the Kasztel and churches bring specific historic building styles into focus.

There is also a precisely defined route section to consider when planning an active trip: in May 2024, a 153.52-metre-long paved section of a pedestrian and cycle path was completed in Szymbark. It is part of a cycling route from the Szymbark stop to the boundary of the Ropa municipality. The stated length refers to this section, not to the entire cycling route. If you plan to cycle, check the current path conditions before setting out.

The attractions also differ in their seasonal relevance: the lake’s water level can change in summer, whereas the Kasztel and churches offer a focus on architectural history. This means you can experience Szymbark from a different perspective depending on when you travel and what interests you.

Discover more destinations: Ropa, Stróżówka, Klimkówka, Bystra, Wysowa-Zdrój, Korczyna, Hańczowa, Krzywa

For the broader travel overview: Gorlice.