Neumarkt In Schlesien: Oder River, Nature and Historic Sites

Oder riverbanks and protected landscapes

The largest grey heron colony on the Oder can be observed along the riverbank near Malczyce; white-tailed eagles also frequently visit the area. Sightings are not guaranteed and may vary by season and year. In winter, numerous birds gather along the Oder near Malczyce, especially mallards, as well as common goldeneyes and goosanders. Here, too, numbers and species presence vary from year to year.

The “Zabór” nature reserve covers 34.7 hectares in the municipality of Miękinia in Środa County. It protects a riparian forest within a larger forest complex in the Wrocław Glacial Valley. Part of the municipality of Malczyce lies within the fully overlapping Łęgi Odrzańskie Natura 2000 sites: the special area of conservation for habitats PLH020018 and the special protection area for birds PLB020008. These different protection designations offer a concrete insight into the importance of the river and forest landscape.

Trails and getting around locally

Within the municipality of Malczyce, the green PTTK hiking trail runs for 17.3 kilometres through Kwietno, Rusko and Malczyce. Check local conditions before setting out. A 420-metre educational trail with a wooden pavilion, footbridge and stairs has been laid out in Brodno. Information and educational boards cover plants and animals. This provides two different ways to explore nature: a longer route and a shorter trail with themed stops.

A cycling route leads from Kostomłoty to Zabłoto and then to Jakubkowice. For rail travel, the “Odrzanka” line is relevant: it passes through Malczyce, among other places, and makes it possible to return by train to the station and to a car parked there. Check current train services before planning. This information helps you factor routes and modes of transport into your plans without assuming a specific connection.

Town history, churches and memorial sites

Środa Śląska has an original, well-preserved town plan; its town hall dates from the 15th century. The Środa Śląska Treasure includes medieval gold jewellery, including a brooch with a central cameo of an eagle, decorated temple rings, as well as 2,924 silver and 39 gold coins. The crown, dating from the second half of the 13th century, consists of twelve elements, each bearing an eagle. The treasure is not currently on display.

Malczyce is home to the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, formerly an Evangelical church. It was built in 1902–1903 in the Neo-Gothic style to a design by Hans Poelzig. Also in Malczyce, a Strzegom granite memorial stone commemorates the centennial flood: it was unveiled in 2002, on the fifth anniversary. Six marble plaques mark the highest water levels recorded on the Oder between 1854 and 1997.

The architectural variety is also evident in other towns. The water castle in Wojnowice is a Gothic-Renaissance moated residence dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, built on oak piles and surrounded by a moat. Udanin is home to the Gothic Church of St Ursula. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lusina has frescoes by Baroque artist Franz Heigel; Pielaszkowice is home to castle ruins.

Viticulture is also part of the local character: the vineyard area of Winnice Jaworek in Miękinia covers 24 hectares, and more than 30 grape varieties are being tested there. The area and number of varieties may change.

Lower Silesia as a wider travel destination

In the wider travel region of Lower Silesia, the Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica form a distinctive architectural highlight. They were built in the mid-17th century under the terms of the Peace of Westphalia and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. These timber-framed Baroque churches are among the largest in Europe. These regional cultural sites complement a visit to Neumarkt In Schlesien but are not among the local attractions described here.

Discover more destinations: Środa Śląska, Krępice, Jarosław, Piotrowice, Lenartowice, Kostomłoty, Wilkszyn, Mrozów.

View the wider travel overview: Lower Silesia.