Ujsoly: Traditions and Historic Routes
Accommodation in Ujsoly
Ujsoły (Ujsoly) brings together local history and inherited customs with a historic route and a quest. Particularly distinctive is the tradition of the Wawrzyńcowe Hudy: knowledge of their construction, symbolism and fire ceremonies is also shared in workshops. Two starting points are useful for finding your way: the historic route begins in the centre and heads towards Złatna; the “Podmuńcolskie spacery” quest starts at the car park by the “Pod Muńcołem” amphitheatre on ul. Bystra. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Ujsoly, these different themes can help you plan your days: local history, learning about traditions, or one of the named route activities.
File:Wawrzyńcowa Huda przy ośrodku Baildon-Ujsoły-2024-0020-RIKiWK-MCD.jpg
Photo: Robert Garstka / Regionalny Instytut Kultury w Katowicach via Source, CC BY 4.0
History and Traditional Ways of Life
Ujsoły was probably founded in the 16th century by Wallachian settlers, pastoral people from the Balkans. These settlers established sheep and cattle grazing on the mountain pastures in Ujsoły and built kosory and szałasy there. The town’s history therefore encompasses both a probable origin and specific forms of pastoral farming, as well as the names of the structures used at the time. Anyone interested in the development of the town can consider these aspects together: the settlers’ origins, their livestock farming and the structures associated with this historical context.
Another historical reference point is the Roman Catholic parish of St Joseph, established in 1913. Alongside the foundation probably dating to the 16th century, this provides a much later point of reference for Ujsoły’s religious history. The two details offer different perspectives on the town: its early settlement and pastoral farming, and the history of the parish.
The Tradition of the Wawrzyńcowe Hudy
The tradition of the Wawrzyńcowe Hudy preserves knowledge, skills, memories and community customs across generations. These include building the structures, preparing the fire and lighting it ceremonially. Workshops on building the Hudy are offered in Ujsoły, Glinka, Soblówka and Złatna. They cover construction and symbolism, as well as the rituals involved in lighting tall fires. This gives you the opportunity to learn about both the inherited knowledge and the individual steps involved, along with their ceremonial significance.
One historically dated example of the ceremonial aspect of the tradition is the 44th Wawrzyńcowe Hudy event in Ujsoły: multi-tiered fires were lit on 6 and 7 August 2022. If a workshop or a specific event date is important to your trip, check the relevant date in advance.
Historic Route and Quest
The historic route begins in the centre of Ujsoły and heads towards Złatna. Guided historical walks can be arranged along it. If you would like to join a guided walk, it is advisable to enquire in advance. This allows you to take the possibility of a guided walk into account when planning, without assuming that one is available at all times.
The “Podmuńcolskie spacery” quest has a different starting point: the car park by the “Pod Muńcołem” amphitheatre in Ujsoły, on ul. Bystra. It is intended for children and teenagers, families with children, and adults. The different starting-point details provide practical guidance: the historic route starts in the centre, while the quest starts at the car park by the amphitheatre. You can take these details into account when planning your day, depending on which activity interests you.
The Ujsoly Park of Active Tourism and Recreation is also located in Ujsoły. It complements the historical and cultural themes with another local point of interest focused on recreation.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Złatna, Kocierz Moszczanicki, Korbielow, Żabnica, Lipowa, Tresna, Ślemień, Okrajnik.
For the broader travel overview: Żywiec.
