Silesia: Not Just Coal. A Guide to Mountains, Castles, and Industrial Pearls.

If you associate Silesia only with mines and chimneys, this guide will change your thinking. This voivodeship is a land of contrasts, where industrial history neighbors the wild nature of the Beskids and the white rocks of the Jura.

It is here that one of the most interesting workers' settlements in Europe is located, here the Vistula begins its course, and here you will eat the best Sunday dinner in Poland. We take you on a journey through Silesia, which is green, surprising, and perfect for "slow travel".

1. The Beskids: Sources of the Vistula and Skrzyczne

The south of the region is mountains. The Silesian and Żywiec Beskids are a mecca for hikers and skiers.

• Barania Góra: This is where the queen of Polish rivers is born. A trip to the sources of the Vistula (White and Black Wisełka) is a beautiful route along streams and waterfalls.
• Trojstyk: The place where the borders of three countries meet: Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. You can be in three countries at once in a second. The surrounding forests are dense and ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska: Trail of the Eagles' Nests

White limestone monadnocks growing out of the ground and castle ruins on their tops – this is the showcase of the Jura.

• Ogrodzieniec Castle: The largest and most impressive castle on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests ("The Witcher" was filmed here, among others). The ruins integrated into the natural rocks make a huge impression, especially at sunset.
• Climbing: The Jura is the Polish capital of rock climbing. If you don't climb, just walk through the valleys, e.g., in the Góra Zborów reserve, where the landscape resembles a movie set.

3. Nikiszowiec: The Magic of Red Brick

Katowice is a city of gardens and modernism, but the real pearl is Nikiszowiec. This is a historic mining settlement from the early 20th century. All buildings are built of red brick, have characteristic red window recesses, and form closed quarters with courtyards. Time has stopped here. It is worth dropping by the local bakery for "maszkety" (sweets) and feeling the atmosphere of old Silesia. This place is a candidate for the UNESCO list.

4. Tarnowskie Góry: Silver Undergrounds

Since we are in Silesia, we must go underground. But not for coal, but for silver. The Historic Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry is on the UNESCO list. It is a labyrinth of corridors that you explore on foot and by boat. The water in the Black Trout Adit is crystal clear, and the prevailing cool temperature is the perfect relief on hot days.

5. Pszczyna: Pearl of Princess Daisy

Pszczyna is a city that delights with elegance.

• Castle: One of the few residences in this part of Europe that was not destroyed during the war and preserved its original interiors. The famous Princess Daisy, considered one of the most beautiful women of her era, lived here.
• Bison Farm: Right next to the castle, in a historic park, you can stand eye to eye with a bison. This is an excellent nature lesson right in the city center.

6. Silesian Cuisine: Roulade is Sacred

Silesians love to eat and do it perfectly.

• Roulade with dumplings: The holy trinity of Silesian dinner: beef roulade with bacon and cucumber, Silesian dumplings with a hole (so the sauce has somewhere to stay), and red cabbage.
• Wodzionka: Traditional soup made of stale bread, garlic, and fat. It sounds simple, but tastes delicious.
• Krupniok: This is not ordinary blood sausage. Silesian krupniok is a product protected in the EU, heavily spiced, and perfect from the grill.

Summary

Silesia is a region that teaches not to judge a book by its cover. Under the layer of industrial dust (of which there is less and less), hides greenery, history, and hospitality. It is the perfect place to get lost on a mountain trail or in a labyrinth of brick streets.