Dąbrowa Górnicza: Pogoria Lakes and Błędów Desert

Four Pogoria Lakes, four different experiences

Marked walking paths and cycling routes run around each of the four lakes and are also suitable for younger children. This gives families various ways to explore the lakeside landscape. Pogoria III is particularly well suited to sailing and windsurfing. There are also several sailing and water sports clubs at the Pogoria reservoirs, including Fregata, Hutnik and Jacht Klub Pogoria III; their activities include training sessions, courses and training camps.

The underwater world also plays a role at Pogoria III: divers descend to a depth of 17 metres there, while the lake is 6 metres deep on average. Pogoria II offers a different experience. A convenient path leads to the lake from ul. Zakładowa and ends at a floating pier. It serves as a viewpoint for walkers and nature watchers. The lake is home to numerous species of fish, birds and plants. As the facility should be checked on site, it is advisable to confirm the pier’s condition before your visit.

Routes through the landscape and the city

Several marked routes offer different distances and landscapes. The green-marked Szlak XXV-lecia leads to the waters of Pogoria II and Pogoria III and runs for about 18.5 kilometres within the city. The red-marked Szlak Metalurgów is 13 kilometres long and also passes through Dąbrowa Górnicza. For comparison, the red-marked Szlak Szwajcarii Zagłębiowskiej is 35.5 kilometres long in total, of which 15.5 kilometres lie within the city. Along the way, pine forests, historic churches and clear streams alternate with expansive views of the Błędów Desert and the Pasmo Smoleńsko-Niegowonickie range. The meanders of the Biała Przemsza are also among the landscape features described along this route.

Another option is the 28.5-kilometre Szlak Pustynny PTTK, which starts at the Baza Biwakowo-Campingowo-Rekreacyjna. In the wetland there, a network of boardwalks leads to places that would otherwise be inaccessible. For those interested in a longer route, the yellow-marked Szlak Zamonitu is 95 kilometres long. It passes through Dąbrowa Górnicza Gołonóg, as well as Ząbkowice, Łęka, Niegowonice, Centuria, Podzamcze, Giebło, Mokrus, Siamoszyce and Poraj. The different route lengths make it easier to compare the options, but do not indicate a walking time or a particular level of difficulty.

Mining history, architecture and folk culture

Cultural attractions complement the nature and waterside experiences with insights into the region’s history. The Kopalnia Ćwiczebna shows how middle-ranking mining staff were trained through practical exercises. Exhibits include areas devoted to mechanics and electrical engineering, as well as the support of mine workings using special support structures. Reservations are required. Pre-booked tickets must be collected from the museum ticket office 15 minutes before the scheduled admission time. Children over the age of six may visit the facility when accompanied by an adult.

Mining history and local folk culture come together at the Muzeum Miejskie Sztygarka. The exhibition includes a reconstruction of part of a production settlement where silver and lead were smelted. The ethnographic section features historic home furnishings, traditional costumes, agricultural tools and folk art. Visitors can thus discover the industrial past and everyday culture as distinct facets of the place. The Pałac Kultury Zagłębia is a striking example of Socialist Realist architecture: in 1979, it was entered in Poland’s National Register of Historic Monuments as an outstanding example of this architectural style. You must register in advance for a visit.

The Church of Our Lady of the Angels also makes an architectural statement. It was designed in the Neo-Gothic style by Józef Pomian-Pomianowski of Warsaw. Together with the exhibitions, it offers a different perspective on Dąbrowa Górnicza than its trails and lakes: those interested in culture can include mining, folk art and architectural history when choosing places to visit.

About the destination: Dąbrowa Górnicza.

More destinations

Siemianowice, Tarnowskie Góry, Ruda Śląska, Wodzisław, Pszczyna, Bieruń-Lędziny, Deutsch-Piekarn.

Back to the regional travel guide: Silesia.