Green Velo

Marked in green, the Fortress Trail – Northern section is a bike trail that goes around the outer ring of the northern part of the Przemyśl fortifications. The trail spans around 34 km. In some places it is quite difficult because of muddy roads and areas with considerable car traffic. The trail passes in the vicinity of more than a dozen forts, the largest of which is San Rideau. In addition, a great attraction of the trail are scenic views of the valley of the San, the city of Przemyśl and the Przemyśl Plateau, as well as the ability to see the arboretum in Bolestraszyce.

The general route of the trail is as follows: Przemyśl, Wybrzeże Ojca Świętego Jana Pawła II street by the Monument of Przemyśl Eaglets (0.0 km) - Bolestraszyce, arboretum (8.8 km) - San Rideau Fort (9.8 km) - Żurawica (15.0 km) - Duńkowiczki (18.2 km) - Kuńkowce (29.5 km) - Przemyśl, Wybrzeże Ojca Świętego Jana Pawła II street by the Monument of Przemyśl Eaglets (km 33.6).

The trail begins on the banks of the San, opposite the city centre. In the first part, it goes up the river, using the boulevards of the Green Velo trail. Both trails go together towards Bolestraszyce. After leaving the city, you must be careful on the road with heavy car traffic.  The first and at the same time very interesting stop on the trail is Bolestraszyce. The locality is home to the Institute of Physiography and the Arboretum of the Przemyśl Friends of Science Society. It is a continuation and extension of the former park complexes of the Drohojowski and Michałowski families. The Arboretum brings together in one place several thousand species of trees and plants, creating a unique “paradise garden”, especially in the spring. In May, the blossoming azalea gorge and the rhododendron pergola are particularly enchanting. The Arboretum boasts one of the largest collections of Polish species of irises. In summer, it is very pleasant to take a walk on the footbridge on the big pond, from which you can watch exotic species of fish and turtles. The panorama of the pond from the observation deck is one of the most beautiful in the whole park. Another interesting experience is a walk through the wicker maze. A great attraction of the Arboretum is the night tour organised to celebrate Midsummer, combined with a concert under the stars.  Shrouded in a terrifying legend, the monumental ruins of the 13^th Fort of the Przemyśl Fortress, called San Rideau (French for “the cover of the San”), are situated nearby.  It’s to San Rideau that the Fortress Trail goes, leaving the Green Velo trail behind.  From this point begins a series of more than a dozen forts surrounding the city from the north with a line of fortifications. The line ends in Łętownia, where the cycle trail again approaches the San, downriver from Przemyśl. The trail connects almost all of these forts. For this reason, it doesn’t always take good roads and sometimes climbs rather large hills in which the foundations of the forts are buried. However, the trip allows you to witness the grand scale in which the Fortress of Przemyśl – one of the largest fortresses in Europe – was designed and constructed. Along the way, the trail passes through the villages of Żurawica and Duńkowiczki, intersecting with roads leading to Przemyśl. Unfortunately, most of the fortifications are not preserved in a very good condition that would allow visitors to see them also from the outside.  The final part of the trail becomes quite rough as you need to climb rather significant hills in the vicinity of the last fort, Łętownia. As a reward, however, you get a beautiful view of the San Valley and the town of Przemyśl situated below. From here, the trail goes back to the centre of Przemyśl, unfortunately via a fairly busy road.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. Przemyśl - city monuments
2. Przemyśl Fortress - the outer ring of fortifications
3. Bolestraszyce - arboretum
4. Panoramic views of the Przemyśl Plateau and the “Brama Przemyska” bridge.

Not all fragments of the trail are suitable for bicycles with panniers/bike trailers. The trail uses (in its entirety or in part) roads with average traffic volume. There is at least 1 dangerous intersection (with no bicycle crossing or traffic lights); probably not recommended for families with children. Recreational character. Trail offering outstanding vistas.

Starting point:

Przemyśl, Wybrzeże Ojca Świętego Jana Pawła II street by the Monument of Przemyśl Eaglets

Finishing point:

Przemyśl, Wybrzeże Ojca Świętego Jana Pawła II street by the Monument of Przemyśl Eaglets