Bielsko Biala tourist information
We are inviting you to one of the most interesting regions in Central Europe, with old cultural and economic traditions, well-developed infrastructure, an attractive location and recreational tourist activities. The main city of this region is Bielsko- Biała - a city with a population of 200,000. It's situated in the South of Poland - close to the borders of the Czech and Slovak Republic, at the foot of the Beskidy Mountains. It is just 360 km from Warsaw, 390 km from Prague, 320 km from Bratislava, 350 km from Vienna and 360 km from Budapest. The international airports closest to Bielsko-Biała are in Katowice (Pyrzowice Airport), only 60 km away; or in Cracow (Balice Airport), 100km away. The city has a wide road and railway route network connecting it to the other major cities in Poland. There is also a modern border crossing (to the Czech Republic) in Cieszyn, 30 km from Bielsko-Biała, which opens the region to the rest of Europe.
The history of the town of Bielsko goes back to the 13th century when it formed part of Cieszyn Silesia. From the 14th century, the Biała River, flowing through the center of Bielsko-Biała, served as the border between the Duchies of Cieszyn and Oświęcim, then as a state frontier between the Polish and Czech Kingdoms, and later between the Republic of Poland and Austria. Bielsko and Biała were therefore typical border towns, with all that entails - a patchwork of nationalities and religions. During the seven centuries since, many buildings representing various architectural styles and techniques have been built here. Fortunately, a lot of what has been created during the last seven centuries in architecture and art has been preserved and can still please the eye of both local people and visitors. Due to its original architecture as well as its traditional links with the Austrian capitol, Bielsko earned the nickname "little Vienna". The whole region abounds with masterpieces of original architecture in churches, mountain cottages and chapels; statues of saints; glass and wood paintings; sculptures and lace. The Week of Beskidian Culture, which has been held annually for the past 25 years, presents not only the rich local heritage but also that of various other, often exotic countries, as folk groups from all over the world take part in the event. Other widely known festivals which take place in Bielsko-Biała include the International Puppet Theatre Festival and music festivals.
The Bielsko-Biała Province is considered as one of the most picturesque regions of Poland. Rich forests take up one-third of the province's territory, including the beautiful Beskidy mountain range. The Beskidy offer their visitors 2100 km of hiking trails through beautiful forests, near peaceful lakes, and along rivers rich in fish. The highest mountains of the region with are a strict nature reserve and form the National Park of Babia Góra, named after their highest peak. This area was included by UNESCO in the biosphere reservations in the program "Man and Biosphere". The longest and most famous Polish river Wisła (the Vistula) springs from the foot of Barania Góra in the same area. Thus, tourists can enjoy themselves in the Bielsko-Biała region all year round. With its ski resorts, numerous hiking trails, rivers and lakes, horse-riding and aviation (including gliding and paragliding) centers, the province is well-equipped to cater to the likes and interests of any tourist. One of the greatest tourists attractions of Bielsko-Biała is the cable-lift to the top of Mount Szyndzielnia, which provides a beautiful view of the city. There is also a roller-sleding track open all year round in the vicinity of Szyndzielnia.
Water-sports centers are situated on the Miedzybrodzkie and Żywiec Lakes as well as along the Vistula and Soła. Attractive little resorts are scattered around the region both in the mountains and in the valleys. Some of them, like Wisła and Ustroń, have unique climatic conditions, which can help people with lung diseases.
People looking for a rest in a peaceful and quiet spot close to nature can find such sequestered places in the villages of Brenna, Zwardoń or Zawoja. Those who would like to distance themselves even more from everyday life can do so on the Żar Mountain, the local center of gliding, hang-gliding and paragliding. The dreams of those who cannot imagine their leisure without a horse as well as those who would just like to try riding on horseback will come true in the village of Ochaby, a famous horse-riding center.
In winter the slopes of the Beskidy Mountains become a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. About 100 lifts get skiers to the tops of various slopes. You can also enjoy skiing together with paragliding or snowmobile riding. The most beautiful sites for skiing are in Szczyrk and Korbielów, two resorts which are known throughout the country. There are many places of special interest in the Bielsko-Biała Province. Two of them attract the greatest numbers of visitors: the infamous Nazi Concentration Camp in Auschwitz-Birkenau, where millions of people were murdered during World War II; and Wadowice, the home town of Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II. Other local sites include Cieszyn, which is regarded as one of the most interesting Polish towns, and has a unique urban architectural complex. Tourists are also drawn to the town of Żywiec, because of its old castle built around the year 1500, and because of a beautiful palace which used to be the seat of the Habsburgs. Both are situated in magnificent English garden.
Bielsko Biala aerial map
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