Green Velo

An attractive ride spanning over a dozen kilometres and connecting the two main tourist destinations in the Łysogóry Mountains: Święta Katarzyna and Nowa Słupia. The biggest advantage of this trail is that the whole route runs through Świętokrzyski National Park, following the trail of the narrow-gauge railway which was in use in the 20^th century. As you traverse the backwoods of Jodłowa Forest, you will come across 12 stops with educational notice boards full of information about the history of this extraordinary feat of engineering. The route is almost entirely flat (apart from a short stretch near Nowa Słupia), although the road surface may sometimes pose difficulties as there are areas where the road can be very muddy, especially after rainfall. You can either return the same way you came, or alternatively use the bike paths and cycle lanes via the town of Bodzentyn, or take the roads on the south side of the Łysogóry Mountains. You could also leave two cars at both ends of the route.

Święta Katarzyna (0.0 km) → Świętokrzyski National Park → Nowa Słupia (16.2 km)

• Lenght: 16.2 km
• Time: 2 hours (3 hours with sightseeing)
• Type: Cross, MTB
• Elevation: 160 m
• 100% unpaved roads
• Moderately difficult
• Marking sufficient; green educational nature trail

Getting there and starting out

You can pick up the route in Święta Katarzyna (there are car parks located by the Łysica red trail and opposite the Bernardine convent) or in Nowa Słupia (the car park by the Święty Krzyż blue trail). In both cases, you will have to pay an entry fee to enter Świętokrzyski National Park.

Technical description

If you’re starting out from Święta Katarzyna, you will pass the Bernardine convent. After buying your entry tickets, enter Świętokrzyski National Park and follow the signs for the green nature and culture trail and also the blue hiking trail, heading towards a shelter which will come up after about 2.4 km. At the shelter, turn right, leaving behind the blue trail that goes through Miejska Góra to Bodzentyn. As you continue on the route, you’ll traverse the dense and sometimes dark backwoods of Świętokrzyski Forest, including its most valuable parts which are under strict protection. You will come across remnants of the old railway at various points, which have information boards with details about its history. Construction of the line began during World War I and by 1924 it had reached Święty Krzyż, near the village of Hucisko. Initially used to transport wood to the sawmill in Zagnańsk, it was later used in the 1930s to transport iron ore from the Rudki chalk mine. Even later, it served passengers and tourists until the tracks were dismantled during the period from 1967 to 1977. As you ride, you will be able to see some of its most distinctive elements – such as embankments and railway bridges – along the way. The aptly named Duży Most (Large Bridge) was 5.5 m in height and it still makes quite an impression today. Another point of interest on the way is the old quarry (about 200 m from the route, with a sign showing the way). The final section of the route is quite a steep hill, followed by a descent down to the ticket office of the national park in Nowa Słupia, which is near the monument of the Świętokrzyski Pilgrim, Emeryk. If you have a little time to spare, you could also visit the Cultural and Archaeological Centre, which is where the famous annual “Dymarki Świętokrzyskie” festival takes place.

Attractions along the way:

Bernardine Convent, Museum of Minerals and Fossils – “Secrets of Gemstones” Gallery in Święta Katarzyna

Bernardine Convent in Święta Katarzyna

The convent’s history dates back to the 15^th century when it was initially the site of a hermitage for an order of Benedictine monks from Święty Krzyż. The building has been remodelled many times throughout the centuries, although the Renaissance garth from 1633, surrounded by cloisters, has been preserved to this day.

ul.  Kielecka 2, Święta Katarzyna, tel. +48 41 311 22 19

Near the convent in Święta Katarzyna is the entrance to Świętokrzyski National Park, which is the starting point for the trail leading to the highest peak of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains – Łysica.

Museum of Minerals and Fossils – “Secrets of Gemstones” Gallery in Święta Katarzyna

The museum has five exhibition rooms containing more than a thousand specimens of minerals, precious stones and fossils that have been collected over the years as a result of the passion of the owners, Ewa and Dariusz Siemoński. There are pieces from all over the world here, including a 100 kg crystal conglomerate from Arkansas, as well as native specimens from the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. The museum has its own guides available, and also a gift shop where souvenirs can be purchased.

ul. Kielecka 20, tel. +48 501 282 691, www.swkatarzyna-muzeum.pl

Świętokrzyski National Park

Established in 1950, Świętokrzyski National Park is the third-oldest such park in Poland. It encompasses the central part of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, and its highest point is Łysica (its eastern peak, known as Skała Agaty, or Agata’s Rock, is 614 m above sea level). More than 90% of the surface area of the park is covered by forests that were once part of the forest complex known as Puszcza Świętokrzyska (Świętokrzyska Forest). It has a mixed forest composition with firs, larches, spruces and beeches. The park is also known for its characteristic stone runs, called gołoborza in Polish, which are believed to have been created during the last glacial period and can be found on the massifs of Łysa Góra and Łysica, among other places. If you’d like to learn more about the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, you can also visit the National Park’s Nature Museum on Święty Krzyż.

Nature Museum on Święty Krzyż

Święty Krzyż 2, tel. +48 41 31 77 087, +48 690 080 034, www.swietokrzyskipn.org.pl 

Cultural and Archaeological Centre in Nowa Słupia

This educational and archaeological park, which is situated on the site of an ancient complex of bloomeries, contains reconstructions of buildings typical of the Przeworsk and Roman cultures from the beginning of the Common Era, spread out over an area of 4 hectares. They include faithful replicas of huts and handicraft workshops. A popular festival called “Dymarki Świętokrzyskie” is held here every year.

ul. Świętokrzyska 62, tel. +48 507 803 986, www.dymarki.pl