Puszcza Niepołomicka [map]
If your destination is Puszcza Niepołomicka, a map is absolutely essential. Whether you’re traversing Puszcza Niepołomicka on foot or by bike, choosing running trails, or perhaps skiing in winter, you should have a map with you, preferably in a paper version. Although maps of the forest complex can be found at many points within the forest, having your own map allows you to refer to it at any time. Keep in mind that the main complex covers an area of about 110 square kilometers between Niepołomice and Proszówki, Baczków, and Mikluszowice. The current Puszcza Niepołomicka was once part of a larger forest complex that stretched from the Sandomierz Basin to the San Valley. From the 13th to the 18th century, it was a popular hunting ground for Polish rulers. Today, the forest houses six nature reserves, which together cover almost 95 hectares. Puszcza Niepołomicka is also home to a bison breeding center (not open to tourists). Today, the primary role of Puszcza Niepołomicka is recreation. There are also many sites and architecture related to religious worship, as well as numerous graves commemorating events from World War II.
Czarny Staw – Puszcza Niepołomicka
The largest body of water in Puszcza Niepołomicka is Czarny Staw. Puszcza Niepołomicka hides many water bodies and marshy areas, but Czarny Staw, with an area of about 2 hectares, is the most popular. This reservoir was formed when a peat extraction pit filled with water. Thanks to the presence of peat at the bottom of the basin, the water takes on a dark color, giving the lake its name. Surrounded by trees reflecting in the water, it somewhat resembles Norwegian lakes. Although it attracts many walkers and cyclists, it has retained its wild character. It is worth walking around Czarny Staw on an unmarked forest path, as its opposite shores are surprisingly different. However, be prepared that you may not be able to pass dry-footed everywhere, and sometimes a considerable detour is necessary. If you want to circle the pond by bike, it’s best to choose a sturdy off-road bike.
Puszcza Niepołomicka: Bike Trails
How do visitors traverse Puszcza Niepołomicka? The bike trails encourage exploring it on two wheels. Several bike trails run through the Puszcza Niepołomicka area, though only one is entirely within its boundaries. This is the Niepołomice – Szarów bike path, built with funds from the Kłaj and Niepołomice municipalities and the Niepołomice Forest District, which is 7 kilometers long. This trail is marked with a green color and is used in winter by cross-country skiing enthusiasts. It is located in the western part of the forest complex, near National Road 75. Other bike trails running through Puszcza Niepołomicka include:
- Amber Greenways Trail – part of an international route following the ancient Amber Road, initially runs along National Road 75, then turns onto a short gravel section, and continues on the asphalt Royal Road and Żubrostrada towards Mikluszowice.
- Melo Metropolis – a section of the European network of EuroVelo bike trails, from the Wola Batorska area, along the Royal Road and Żubrostrada towards Mikluszowice.
- Velo Raba – a developing trail that crosses Puszcza Niepołomicka in its southern part.
- Salt Ring Bike Trail "Salina Cracoviensis" – in the forest from Staniątki to Damienice.
- Drwinka Valley Trail – leading from one of the forest intersections towards the village of Uście Solne, first along Żubrostrada and then along one of the dirt roads.
- Żeleński Black Bike Trail – a small part of this trail runs through the forest, following dirt roads in the western part of the complex.
- Żeleński Red Bike Trail – a side branch of the black trail, running through the forest on gravel roads.
Puszcza Niepołomicka: Hiking Trails
Is it worth exploring Puszcza Niepołomicka on foot? The hiking trails definitely encourage this. The longest hiking trail in the forest is the green trail, leading from Stanisławice, initially on an asphalt road, then a dirt road, which turns into a forest path leading to another asphalt road. After passing a small war cemetery, the trail turns west and follows dirt roads to the Royal Road, which it follows for over 5 kilometers. Finally, it turns onto a gravel path, from which it veers northwest and leads through built-up areas towards the center of Niepołomice. The entire route is about 17 kilometers long. It competes with the black trail from the Sitowiec settlement to the village of Szarów, whose interesting section is the Wielkie Błoto peat bog. It measures only 4 kilometers, but it is much more interesting and varied than the green trail. The nature-forest path "Puszcza Niepołomicka" is also worth mentioning, with information boards about the species of animals and plants found in the forest. It is marked with a green boot symbol on a white background, and the markings are one-way – the path should be followed clockwise.
