places to visit in opole poland

10 Incredible Places To Visit Around Opole, Poland

Opole is a beautiful province just two hours outside of Krakow that offers some of the most photographic castles and architectural landmarks in all of Poland.

This area has plenty of historical attractions to keep you occupied for at least 2-3 days and offers a nice change of pace for those travelers looking to escape and explore outside of the busy Krakow city boundaries.

Opole is also the name of the main city in this region and we suggest to use it as a home base while exploring this area.

In our guide below we cover all the top attractions to visit around Opole, best museums and even how to stay in a castle overnight!

10 Top Things To Do Around Opole, Poland:

Tenczyn castle, opole old town, holy trinity church, bolko island, museum wsi opolskiej, dabrowa castle, niemodlin castle, robot factory, moszna castle.

There certainly is no shortage of amazing castles that you can visit in Poland. Although not all of them are in the best condition, especially after the destruction and loitering that took place during WW2, they sure have plenty of stories to tell.

The first noteworthy castle on the Krakow-Opole route is the Tenczyn castle . This medieval castle is located about a 40-minute drive outside of Krakow and is well worth the visit on your way to Opole.

The Tenczyn castle fell into ruin during the 17 th to 18 th centuries and still remains in that state so you may have limited access to its interior, but come on the weekend and you can hop on a tour to learn more about its history from one of the knowledgeable local guides.

While the Tenczyn castle was closed during our visit, we enjoyed roaming around the castle grounds and seeing the charming castle structure from the outside. The entire castle is surrounded by a lush forest and endless wildflower fields making it quite the picturesque stop.

Location: 32-067 Rudno, Poland

Hours: Saturdays & Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm

Cost: 10 Polish złoty ($2.70 USD)

Opole is the main city in the Opole province and a lovely place to stay while exploring the surrounding area.

This small town is quite the popular summer vacation spot for locals and the city even hosts a yearly Polish rock festival that attracts visitors from all over Poland. But even during the high tourist season in Opole, you won’t be dealing with tourist crowds like you would in Krakow or Warsaw.

While you don’t need more than a day to explore the Opole city itself, there are certain things that you shouldn’t miss in Opole’s scenic old town.  

One option is to walk around on foot and explore Opole on your own, but we highly recommend going with a guide to learn more about the history and background of this region.

During our time in Opole, we were accompanied by our tour guide Agnieszka who was beyond helpful and informative. For guided tours and more info you can contact her at [email protected].

While truthfully we didn’t know much about Opole before our trip, we were quite surprised how well kept and beautiful the city of Opole was.

Before visiting Poland we had heard that Krakow is the most beautiful city in Poland, but Opole has its own charming historical area with red brick towers, colorful historic buildings, and cute cafes.

The most beautiful part of Opole is the market square that was originally built 800 years ago to serve as the town hall and trade center. As the city grew, new houses and streets were built from the market square in all directions.

Most of Opole’s old town was destroyed during WW2 but much of it has been recovered and now is the main attraction of the city.

Be sure to set aside a few hours to explore Opole’s market square, the star avenue, colorful bridges and enjoy lunch at one of the adorable cafes.

Location: Rynek, 45-015 Opole, Poland

Accommodations : During our time in Opole we stayed at the Hotel DeSilva Premium which is one of the highest-rated hotels in the area. For hotel pricing and reservation availability check here .

The Holy Trinity Church is a beautiful church near Opole’s city center that was built in the 13 th -14 th centuries with its foundation dating back as far as the 12 th century.

Inside the church, visitors can observe the tombs of 3 kings and a queen along with an elaborate interior decorated in the colors known to represent the royal family buried in these tombs.

The Holy Trinity Church chapel also plays an important role in Polish history after valuable frescos were uncovered beneath the walls portraying Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in one hand and planet Earth in the other. Research is currently taking place trying to locate and pinpoint the origins and author of these frescoes.

Location: plac Wolności 2, 45-018 Opole, Poland

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The green space and parks that surround Opole make this city very special and welcoming. Take a walk to Bolko Island, a part of the city that is completely surrounded by a river.

Interestingly at one point in 1997, the majority of Opole town was covered under water due to rain floods. As you walk around the different parts of the Bolko Island you may notice waterlines on the buildings from this flood.

Bolko Island is especially beautiful in spring and early summer when flowers are in bloom. This little island has a lot of flower fields and trails that offer a nice escape away from the city center to relax and enjoy a picnic in the park.

Location: Spacerowa 16, 45-094 Opole, Poland

If you have time, we highly recommend spending a few hours at the Opole Zoo . This is one of the most beautiful zoos in Poland and is known for being animal-friendly where all zoo animals are kept in spacious green areas instead of being confined to tiny cages.  

The Opole Zoo is located on Bolko Island in the midst of a forest. On a hot summer day, this is an especially lovely place to go to escape the heat and humidity.

The zoo is only 10 years old and is still expanding, but here you’ll find a variety of animals from camels and monkeys to zebras, hippos, leopards, anteaters and even the most adorable giraffe family with a baby giraffe.

Location: Spacerowa 10, 45-094 Opole, Poland

Hours: Varies depending on the season. Starting May 1 st opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm

Cost: 22 Polish złoty ($5.30 USD)

For those interested in a cultural experience, we highly recommend visiting the Wsi Opolskiej open-air museum . This museum showcases a collection of traditional Polish houses and is meant to recreate the look of a Polish farming village from the 18 th to 20 th centuries.

The Wsi Opolskiej museum is set up outdoors and consists of wooden houses, barns, mills, and churches that were recovered all over Poland and moved to this museum. The interiors of these wooden houses have been furnished with the original equipment to recreate the most accurate representation of what life back then for Polish locals really looked like.

The museum is interactive and even has a blacksmith on the property who makes souvenirs in front of the visitors. It was pretty neat watching him create metal pieces on the spot in red hot coal that burns up to 1000 degrees Celsius.

It takes about an hour or two to explore the entire museum grounds so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Location: Wrocławska 174, 45-835 Opole, Poland

Hours:  Monday – 10 am to 3 pm

Tuesday to Friday – 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday & Sunday – 10 am to 6 pm

Cost: Admission is free on Mondays. All other days admission costs 12 Polish złoty ($3.20 USD)

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Much of the land surrounding Opole was occupied and owned by Germans during WW2. After the war ended most Germans that resided in Opole fled the area and abandoned their property. As the Soviet army invaded Poland, many of the buildings and castles in the Opole region fell into destruction and were left in an extremely poor condition.

After Poland gained its independence from Russia, efforts have been poured into restoring some of these castles, but there are just too many to count. The Dabrowa castle is yet another landmark that we visited during our time in Opole that has not yet been restored and remains partially ruined.

The Dabrowa castle is quite beautiful and worth a visit, but it is located on private grounds so it’s not always guaranteed that the entrance gate will be open. We were lucky on our trip and the gate was unlocked so we were able to roam around the castle for an hour before heading on to the next destination.

Location: Zamkowa 3, 49-120 Dąbrowa, Poland

Hours: No set hours

The next castle that we visited in the Opole region is the Niemodlin castle . Named after the town, Niemodlin castle foundation was built over 1000 years ago when the city itself was created.

The first towers were added to the castle in the 13 th century to serve as a base for collecting money from people passing through the area. Niemodlin was located in the prime spot on the route between West and East Europe so with time the city and the castle itself grew bigger and now is considered one of the largest castles in Poland.

During WW2 much of the Niemodlin city was destroyed but a German family took ownership of the castle so for the time being it was left alone. After WW2 Soviet soldiers used it as a base for official offices, then as a school and even at one point as a prison.

Eventually, the Niemodlin castle was sold to a private investor and it has been worked on and renovated since. Now it is open to the public for tours, events and even houses a lot of religious and medieval artifacts.

Location: Rynek 55, 49-100 Niemodlin, Poland

Hours:   Monday – closed

              Tuesday to Friday – 10 am to 4 pm

              Saturday & Sunday – 10 am to 6 pm

Cost: 15 Polish złoty ($4 USD)

To switch things up a bit for our next stop our guide Agnieszka took us to a place that’s quite different from all the historical landmarks that we had visited so far – a Robot Factory (Fabryka Robotów) .

This Robot Factory first began as a passionate hobby for Sebastian Kucharski who started building robots in his personal garage as a treat for his kids. Most of the robots that Sebastian built are based on movie characters like Transformers and some can perform basic movements and sounds.

All robots showcased at the Robot Factory are made out of scrap materials and can reach height up to 12 feet and weigh up to 2000 lbs. Over the years Sebastian’s museum has gained quite the popularity in Poland and these robots can even be rented for parties and events.

In the near future, this Robot Factory will be moved from Sebastian’s personal garage to a bigger museum to provide wider access to the general public.

Location: 48-220 Łącznik, ul. Stawowa 15

Hours: Currently only open on Sundays

Cost: 13 Polish złoty ($3.50 USD)

There are so many incredible and charming castles that you can visit in Poland, but not in a million years I thought that we would stay in one. On our last day in Poland, we were treated to an overnight stay at the Moszna Castle where we got to channel all of our inner fairytale dreams.

Built-in baroque style the Moszna castle is quite elaborate and surrounded by a spacious courtyard filled with flowers and oak trees. The castle itself is quite large and has 99 different towers and 365 rooms, some of which are open for overnight stays. To top it off, the castle also has its own restaurant on property serving top-notch food.

Location: Zamkowa 1, 47-370 Moszna, Poland

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Entrance Cost: April – October entrance cost is 8 Polish złoty ($2.15 USD), all other times entrance is free

Accommodations: The Moszna castle offers a variety of room options for its visitors that wish to stay at the castle overnight. For the latest pricing and room options, check the Moszna Castle website here .

A short drive from Krakow, the Opole region is a historical hub know for beautiful castles and intricate architecture. While most tourists visiting Poland tend to stick to the main cities, Opole makes for a great addition on a travel itinerary and worth a few day detour for those in search of picturesque locations.

We hope that our Opole guide has helped you discover a few new hidden gems to visit in Poland. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comment section below!

Special thanks to @Polska.Travel group for hosting us and showcasing all of the best attractions in the Opole region. For more Poland inspiration and assistance in trip planning visit the Poland Travel page here .

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The Best Things to See and Do in Opole, Poland

Opole is the capital of a Polish province of the same name, and houses around 130,000 people. The city is still under the tourism radar even though it is nicely located almost exactly halfway between Wrocław and Kraków . The city is also a significant centre for Poland’s remaining German minority. At night the city is a fabulous, easy-going place to try out some cool bars . By day, there are even more sites and activities to satisfy even the least motivated of visitors. Enjoy this guide to the best things to see and do in Opole.

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Tour Piast Tower

Opole’s castle (Zamek) didn’t survive years of invasion or multiple wars, so sadly it is not available for visitors. However what did remain was one of the castle’s towers – Piast Tower, known locally as Wieża Piastowska. It is a sight not to be missed, as it has been well looked after and even turned into a museum. For 6 złotych (local currency), you can head inside for a tour and admire some great views over the city. Check the Piast Tower website for opening times.

Eat Polish food by the market square

Opole’s market square (Rynek) is a pretty place that has been well-preserved. It is surrounded by many bars, cafés and restaurants. In summer months as the sun sets, it’s a great place to enjoy some delightful Polish cuisine, with lot of varieties of pierogi, bigos and gołąbki. Recommended restaurants include Pub Maska (on the square).

Relax on an Island by the River Oder

Fascinatingly, Opole has a few islands, most of which sit on the River Oder. The main islands are Wyspa Bolko and Wyspa Pasieka. Some of the best Hotels in Opole are on these islands. There are festivals held annually and the islands have fine bistros and bars where you can sip a fresh cappuccino and watch the world go by. If you are a fan of city views, try some of the venues further away from the city, the views become more stunning the further away you are.

Tour the Outdoor Museum (Muzeum Wsi Opolskiej)

The Opole Open-Air (Outdoor) Museum of Rural Architecture is one of only four open-air museums within the historical boundaries of the Śląsk (Silesia) region. It’s a traditional museum with unique examples of eighteenth and nineteenth century, rural, Polish architecture, including a mill, windmills and a small church.

Visit Animals in Opole Zoo

For a small city, Opole has an impressive zoo, and not only that, it is locayed on an island in the middle of the River Oder. Opole Zoo has everything from sea-lions to pelicans to monkeys to colourful birds, and the entry fee is only 18 złotych for adults. It makes for a fun day out for all.

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Put a love lock on the city’s most famous bridge

On your travels around Opole, you might notice it is a city of many bridges. One of these bridges has joined the ever growing list of ‘love lock bridges’. So head to Most Groszowy (Love Lock Bridge or Green Bridge) with your loved one for a romantic kiss before adding your own lock. This bridge has a famous history of charging pedestrians for walking across. These days, it’s free.

Watch Odra Opole play at the football stadium

Football is a huge passion in Poland, a country that has won the Olympic Gold Medal (1972) and finished third in the World Cup on two occasions (1974, 1982). Here in Opole, you can watch the local team, Odra Opole , play. The team currently plays in the Polish third division in a stadium that holds 3,000 spectators. The team plays in blue shirts with red trim.

Attend a Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross

There are churches all over the city, but the most impressive and quintessential is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which dates back to the turn of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Its prominent cathedral towers are the highest in Opole. The cathedral also houses the famous image of the Mother of God of Opole. Check the notice boards for Mass times.

Cruise the River Oder and pretend to be in Venice

Opole may not quite have the canal appeal of Poland’s Bydgoszcz, which prides itself as ‘the Venice of Poland’, but Opole is a more relaxed and less crowded alternative. You can get a cruise on the River Oder from a few companies. Whether or not you can compare Opole to Venice, it’s certainly a great way to relax and see some of the city’s beautiful architecture.

Visit the City Hall (Ratusz)

In the heart of Opole sits one of the most admirable buildings in the city, and it is hard to miss. With its huge tower, four sided-clock and cream exterior, the City Hall (Ratusz) is a proud and well-designed building, that was rebuilt after it collapsed in 1934. Tours may be possible if arranged in advance, but the atrium area is open to the public.

Tour the Diocesan Museum

The second museum worth checking out in Opole is its Diocesan Museum . It is here that you get to understand the history of the city in almost every way, including the culture, the people, the art, the architecture and the religion. There are lots of rooms and temporary exhibitions, as well as fine paintings and sculptures within, like the ‘Madonna with Child’ monument.

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10 Top Things To Do in Opole

Opole Province is one of Poland’s most beautiful regions. It enchants visitors with its lovely spots include stunning lakes, ancient castles, and crystal clear river waters. Thousands of visitors, including those interested in history and culture, come to explore its historic buildings and monuments. Located just two hours from Krakow , and one hour from Wroclaw Opole is the principal city in the region with some of the finest photographic castles in all of Poland. 

This area has plenty of attractions to keep you busy and entertained for at least 48 – 72 hours. Check out the top attractions and things to do in Opole. 

1. Gorny Castle

Poland has a large concentration of beautiful castles. Unfortunately, most of these castles are in shambles, especially after the destruction, invasion, and loitering that took place during the Second World War. 

Beneath the ruins of these historical buildings lies legendary tales about the castle. Take a tour, alongside a local guide, around the castle to learn more about its rich historical past. The charming castle is well worth a visit. 

Daviidos Wikimedia Commons

2. Opole Old Town

Opole Old Town is another lovely place to visit. The scenic Old Town is best explored on foot. This way, you’ll see how well preserved the entire Old Town is. 

It is, however, recommended going with a knowledgeable local guide to acquaint yourself with the amazing history and cultural background of the city. Opole Old Town has its own unique charm, with its well laid out historical buildings, brick towers, restaurants, and cafes.

3. Diocesan Museum

Looking for detailed information about the city’s historical past, including religion, culture, people, and architecture? Diocesan Museum is the place to be. The museum holds an extensive collection of temporary exhibitions. 

Admire the fine paintings, sculptures, and artworks done by professional artists. A major highlight is the Madonna with Child monument. Even if you don’t have a thing for arts and exhibitions, make sure you stop by at Diocesan Museum – it never disappoints.

4. City Hall

Located in the city center is a magnificent building, the City Hall. The building’s architectural design serves as a major draw. No matter where you are in the city, the City Hall is hard to miss. In 1934, the building collapsed. 

The newly built city hall now has a huge tower, cream exterior, and four sided-clock. Remember to plan your trip in advance if you’d like to explore the City Hall. 

5. Opole Zoo

Located on an island in the middle of the River Oder, Opole is home to an impressive zoo. Opole Zoo is one of Poland’s most beautiful zoos. The green, spacious areas around the zoo make it even more conducive for the animals. Unlike other zoos where animals are confined to a tiny cage, Opole Zoo makes the animals feel they are in their natural habitat. 

On a hot summer day, the zoo offers a great respite from the heat. Here you’ll find an array of animals such as monkeys, zebras, camels, leopards, hippos, sea lion, anteaters, and giraffe. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to gain access to the museum. It is indeed a great spot for everyone, including families.

  Pudelek  (Marcin Szala) Wikimedia Commons

6. Museum Wsi Opolskiej

For those interested in history and culture, check out Wsi Opolskiek open-air museum. Here you’ll find a stunning display of traditional Polish houses. Basically, the museum was built to give guests a glimpse of what Polish farming village looked like from the 18th to 20th centuries. 

This open-air museum houses barns, mills, wooden houses, and religious sites that were recovered all over Poland. The wooden houses boast an elaborate interior. There is a blacksmith on site who specializes in making souvenirs right in the presence of visitors. You’ll need at least 2 hours to explore the museum, so make sure to wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes. 

Jacek Nitkiewicz Wikimedia Commons

7. River Oder

Certainly, Opole cannot be compared to Venice when it comes to canals and rivers. However, a cruise along the River Oder makes you feel like you’re in Venice. 

There are lots of companies that specialize in arranging a cruise on the River Oder, so be diligent with your choice. This is a great way to relax and unwind. Catch stunning views of the city’s impressive architecture as you glide down the river.

  Daviidos  Wikimedia Commons

8. Tour Piast Tower

Sadly, Opole’s castle Zamek was completely written off during the years of multiple wars in Poland. For this reason, the castle is closed to the public. 

Notwithstanding, you can still explore the site. Thankfully, the castle’s tower, otherwise known as Piast Tower, still stands. The tower has undergone a series of renovation and today serves as a museum. Climb to the top of the tower for some amazing views over the city.

  Lestat  (Jan Mehlich) Wikimedia Commons

9. Robot Factory

There’s an innovative side of Opole that many people overlook. Robot Factory is a place that’s quite different from the cultural and historical spots mentioned here. The factory was founded by Sebastian Kucharski. The company which started in the founder’s personal garage has grown significantly. 

Most robots are built and engineered to perform basic movements and sounds. In order to make the world healthier, Sebastian uses scrap metals in building the robots displayed at the factory. You’ll find robots of various sizes, weight, and design. The best part is that you can rent these robots for parties and events.

  10. Holy Trinity Church

With proximity to the city center, the Holy Trinity Church is a spectacular edifice built in the 14th century. Within the church’s premises are the tombs of 3 kings and a queen. The interior is beautifully adorned. This church played a significant role in Polish history after valuable frescos were found right under the church’s wall.

  Daviidos Wikimedia Commons

There are lots of sites and activities designed specifically for every traveler. Skip the crowded tourist destination, plan your trip to Opole and enjoy this guide to the best things to see and do in Opole. 

Bartosz is a travel writer, photographer & founder/editor of theuniquepoland who tells stories of adventure, history and current affairs. He writes mainly about travel, with special focus on Poland. He loves travelling, discover new unknown and inspire others.

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Best Places To Visit In Opolskie Poland

Located in southwestern Poland, Opole Voivodeship is one of the most overlooked regions in the country. Most tourists decide to travel to the neighboring Malopolska (and Krakow ) or Dolnoslaskie (and Wroclaw ). Too bad! There are many amazing places to visit in Opolskie Poland, no matter if you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or you are traveling with a family.

Opole region is famous for the beautiful castles and unspoiled nature. It’s part of Upper Silesia . The main river of this region is Odra (which is actually the second longest river in Poland).

Here’s a map of the best places to visit in Opolskie Poland that you can find in this post:

If you have any questions regarding your trip to Poland, join our Poland Travel Planning Facebook group . We will be happy to help!

Table of Contents

Moszna Castle

Also known as the Polish Harry Potter castle, the palace is Moszna is definitely one of the best places to visit in Opolskie Poland!

Beautiful both inside and out, a castle is a place where you can take some Insta-worthy photos and learn a bit about the history of Poland.

In the summer , you can take a relaxing stroll around the palace, your kids can play on the playgrounds. When you get tired, just lie down on the grass and listen to the live music performed by local musicians.

Did you know that you can actually stay INSIDE the castle? Book your room here .

The capital of Opolskie Voivodeship, Opole is a vibrant and beautiful city .

There are many interesting things to do in Opole including visiting the green Bolko island, getting lost in the lovely Old Town, visiting the zoo , and taking some photos of Venice of Opole.

Last but not least- don’t forget to visit the Museum of the Polish song . At the end of the day, Opole is considered as the music capital of Poland!

Looking for a place to stay in Opole? Check out Piano Hotel !

Góra Św. Anny (St. Anne Mountain)

If you are looking for a peaceful place where you can relax and run away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, St. Anne Mountain is your place to go!

There is a sanctuary at the top of the mountain, with an old church. The biggest tourist attraction of Gora Swietej Anny though is the amphitheater built by Nazis during World War II.

It slowly falls into disrepair, however, the size of this structure is still something worth seeing.

Looking for a place to stay in St. Anne Mountain? Check out Villa Rynek !

Rosenau Theme Park

According to the legend, the lost city of Rosenau was once one of the most distinguished in the region.

However, the townspeople worshiped pagan idols, for which God completely destroyed Rosenau.

Of course, nothing about this story is true and it’s made of only for marketing purposes. This theme park is one of the best places to visit in Opolskie Poland for families.

There are many attractions within the park for kids including 7D cinema, water park , and more.

Looking for a place to stay close to Rosenau Theme Park? Check out Hotel Gorzelanny (they even have some All-Inclusive options available!)

Miniature Park in Olszowa

This miniature park is a must-visit for all the Catholics traveling to Poland .

You will find there the miniatures of the most important sacral buildings in Poland and around the world. More about the park here .

Brzeg Castle

Considered as one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the Silesia region, the castle in Brzeg is definitely worth visiting!

Built in 16th century, it was inspired by the famous Wawel castle in Krakow.

Currently, there is a museum inside the building where you can see some interesting historical exhibitions.

Looking for a place to stay in Brzeg? Check out Stara Kamienica !

Stumilowy Lasek

Open in the summer season (from May till September), Stumilowy Lasek is one of the best places to visit in Opolskie Poland with kids.

They can have lots of fun in this outdoor theme park. Feeding alpacas, meeting their favorite cartoons’ characters, and attending the festival of soap bubbles are just some of the available attractions!

Opawskie Mountains

Góry Opawskie are the hidden gem of Opole region.

With the highest peak called Biskupia Kopa (890 AMSL), it’s a place great to visit even by not-experienced hikers.

Go there to see the beautiful views and breathe some fresh, unpolluted air.

Turawskie Lake

Located just about 20 minutes-drive from Opole, Turawskie Lake is one of the best places to visit in Opolskie Poland in the summer.

Go there to cool off in the lake, try some water sports, fishing, and simply relax on the beach.

Even if you are not a fan of the water, you can take a stroll in the surrounding forests, maybe even try some mushroom hunting ?

Looking for a place to stay close to Turawskie Lake? Check out Osrodek Wypoczynkowy Wodnik !

Opole Open Air Museum

It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Opolskie Poland!

The Open Air Museum is where you can see how Poles have been living in the past, what tools they have been using in their everyday life, and what were their daily activities.

Smell the wooden houses and go back in time a few hundred years. It will be an unforgettable experience!

Byczyna Knight Stronghold

Another interesting attraction in Opole for the history lovers.

Byczyna Knight Stronghold is pretty similar to Biskupin in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship . It’s smaller and less impressive, however, still worth visiting.

It will take you about half an hour to go around the stronghold. Of course, if you want to take some Insta-worthy photos, you will need more time!

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Spending A Day In Opole, Poland

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During the second half of my adventures through Poland , I made it my personal mission to visit some cities, towns and villages that were off the regular tourist’s radar. I wanted to see places in Poland that many others didn’t know about and show travellers from Europe and around the world that there is more to see in Poland than the big popular cities.

Welcome to Opole, Poland !

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From the moment I laid my eyes on photos of Opole’s stunning Old Town, which is situated along a calm canal and home to a colourful Rynek filled with inviting restaurants, shops and churches, I knew I had to visit. As I made my way from the main train station to my hotel, I crossed over old bridges and Opole’s famous canal that runs just outside of the Old Town area. I could easily see why Opole had been named the Venice of Poland .

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Opole is located in southern Poland along the Oder (Odra) River and is the capital of the Polish province with the same name. It is also considered one of the oldest cities in Poland, which dates as far back as the 8th century. Opole is very much under the tourism radar even though it is conveniently located about halfway between Wrocław and Kraków and boasts some very picturesque streets, green spaces and a lot of history that spans many rulings over the years gone by.

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Over the years, Opole was under numerous rulings over its extensive history, which included Polish, Bohemian, Prussian, German and eventually back to Polish after WWII in 1945. Many Polish people with German ancestry still reside within the Opole region, but within the city itself today, the ethnic Germans make up less than 3% of the population following the expulsions of the Germans after the war.

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The day I arrived in Opole was the first day of Poland closing down all restaurants for dine in service, which sucked big time. You couldn’t even get served to dine on the patio, but most restaurants were smart and still let you dine outside on their patios, so long as you had takeaway containers. Smart for business, but not the best for the environment. I’m not proclaiming to be a model environmentalist, but the amount of excess garbage and plastic from takeaway containers was pretty disheartening to see. I managed to make the best of it though and thankfully I had really nice weather during most of my travels. The only way to dine indoors was if your hotel had a restaurant and only guests were allowed to dine in. My restaurant had one of the best rated restaurants in Opole apparently, so I lucked out when it came to dinner time.

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While most tourists to Poland tend to stick to the more popular cities, I highly suggest adding Opole to your Polish itinerary and if you want to spend a few days exploring the region, Opole makes for a great place to base yourself in. I was pleasantly surprised with this hidden gem of a city and found Opole to have such a relaxed vibe filled with beautiful architecture and friendly people.

Here is my guide on how to spend a day exploring Opole, Poland.

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Getting To Opole

Arriving in Opole is easy and accessible by rail, bus and car and can be reached by all major cities and towns in Poland. If you are coming from Warsaw, it will take just under three hours to arrive in Opole by train.  The main rail station is Opole Główne and is a short walk from the city centre. The first part of the station was completed in 1853, but the original building was destroyed and another one was built in around 1899 and in 1926, underground access to platforms was constructed together with the second building housing the entrance hall. The station building built in a mix of styles with Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-classical elements. Opole Główne is a crucial rail junction in the Opole Province, as it serves several connections including the major lines to Wrocław, Częstochowa, Warsaw, Kraków, and Strzelce Opolskie. Make sure to take some time and admire the old train station’s interior, as well as the beautiful red brick exterior when you arrive. To buy train tickets, you can buy them in the station at kiosks run by salespeople, or even online at PKP Intercity’s website .

Getting Around Opole

Opole’s city centre is easy to get around by foot. There are also local bus routes to take you to the outskirts of the city centre, so you’ll be able to get around with ease no matter where you are looking to go. The centre of Opole is very pedestrian friendly and there is a convenient sidewalk to take you along the Młynówka Canal, which provides visitors with picturesque views of the Old Town and some epic reflections within the water. Opole is often referred to as the “Venice of Poland” because of the many bridges that are over the Młynówka Canal and connect pedestrians and vehicles to the Old Town and city centre area.

Enjoy Strolling Around The Old Town

After being heavily damaged during WWII, Opole’s Old Town was rebuilt to showcase its original beauty. Opole’s Old Town is a treat for those travellers that enjoy wandering around aimlessly while enjoying beautiful architecture in Baroque and Rococo styling and people watching from many of the Rynek restaurants. Opole’s Rynek boasts many inviting shops, colourful pastel buildings, a gorgeous Ratusz and even the Polish Song Walk of Fame. Get lost in the small quiet side streets, grab a coffee and enjoy Opole’s relaxed ambiance.

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Cathedral Of The Holy Cross

Otherwise known as the Opole Cathedral, the Cathedral of The Holy Cross, or Bazylika Katedralna Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego, is an exquisite Catholic church located right in the heart of Old Town Opole and can be seen from almost every corner of the city centre. The current church was erected in the 15th century on the site where the original church once stood back in the 11th and 13th century because the church had to be rebuilt many times over the years. The towers stand at 73 metres high, which makes the Cathedral of The Holy Cross the tallest building within Opole.

St. Sebastian Church

The St. Sebastian Church, or Kościół św. Sebastiana, is a teeny tiny chapel located just outside of the Rynek and can almost be missed if you aren’t paying attention. The chapel was built in 1696 as a votive offering after the plague in the city died out in 1680. The baroque temple was built on the site of where the first victim of the epidemic died in 1679. The permit for the construction of the chapel was issued on November 18th, 1680 by the Bishop of Wrocław. Construction began in 1681, but numerous fires in 1682, 1684 and 1689 delayed construction works. The date “1711” on the bell indicates the completion of construction works. The chapel is open on Sundays for service and the interior has an organ and two rows of pews.

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Holy Trinity Church

The Gothic Church of Holy Trinity, or simply referred to by the locals as the Franciscan Church, or Zakon Braci Mniejszych Franciszkanów, was originally founded as a temple of the Franciscan monastery, brought to Opole between 1238 and 1241. In 1241 after the Tatar invasion, the church’s foundation was reconstructed in 1248, but then was destroyed in 1307 by a fire. The construction of the chapel began once again in 1309 and it wasn’t until the second half of the 15th century that the church was yet again, destroyed by fires. Fires would continue to ravage the church over the 16th, 17th and 18th century and once again during WWII. Once the war was over, the church was renovated once again between the years of 1950-1959 and was then turned into a place for Catholic worship. Today, the Holy Trinity Church sits at the outside of the main square and is one of the first of many beautiful buildings that you’ll come across before entering the Rynek.

Walk Along The Młynówka Canal

Opole is home to the Młynówka Canal, which eventually flows directly into the Oder (Odra) River. Take a leisurely stroll along Ulica Piastowska and admire the old buildings along the way. There are many benches situated along the Młynówka Canal, making it the perfect spot to perch yourself with a coffee and enjoy the sound of the water on a nice sunny day.

Green Bridge

One of the most unique looking bridges I’ve seen in any city, has to be the Groszowy Bridge (Most Groszowy), which is otherwise known solely as the Green Bridge (Zielony Mostek) to the locals. This beautiful green wrought iron bridge was completed in 1894 and is mainly used by pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the canal below. Crossing the bridge originally cost people 1 grosz (smallest Polish currency), hence the name. Locals also refer to the bridge as Most Zakochanych (lovers’ bridge) for the padlocks that are placed on it signifying lovers’ commitments.

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Chill Along The Oder River

If the weather is in your favour while visiting Opole, pack a lunch and head down to the banks of the Oder (Odra) River to completely chill out and enjoy watching small boats and canoes float down the river. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset as well and the best way to end the evening. You’ll often find groups of friends enjoying a drink and some music while hanging out along the river bank.

Church Of Our Lady Of Sorrows And St. Wojciech

As you walk through Old Town and come to a set of steep stairs and look up, you’ll be in the presence of Kościół Matki Boskiej Bolesnej i św. Wojciecha. The Polish name is quite the mouthful to say, so locals just refer to this church as the “Church on the Hill” instead. This unique looking Roman Catholic Church in Opole is one of the oldest churches in the city. According to stories, it was built between the years of 984 and 995 in the place where sermons were preached by St. Wojciech. The top of the stairs make for a great place to be for sunset as well.

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Enjoy The Green Spaces

While visiting the Church on the Hill, make sure to stop and enjoy the green spaces around Opole. The beautiful small walkway that lies adjacent to the church is covered in lush greenery, tall trees and adorned with many religious and Greek inspired statues. The park is close to the University of Opole, or Uniwersytet Opolski and if you take the time to stroll around the quiet area, you’ll be awarded with many parks to relax in.

Where To Eat

Starka Restaurant : Hotel Starka’s restaurant boasts some of the highest reviews in all of Opole…and for good reason too. Starka Restaurant serves up delicious homemade dishes that lean towards Polish and German cuisine that is sure to fill you up. Due to dine in closures around Poland, hotels that had onsite restaurants were allowed to have their guests dine indoors and wow, Starka did not disappoint. I was able to enjoy a nice juicy steak, french fries, a side salad and a large beer for under $40 CAD. That was considered a splurge for me during my trip, but boy, was it worth every single penny. 10/10 would recommend Starka Restaurant for a fantastic night out. Make sure to arrive hungry! 😉

Bezcukrowa Café : If you love coffee and cakes, make sure to stop at Bezcukrowa Café. This tiny hidden gem is located near the Rynek and has really delicious and healthy options for a snack and lunch. I ordered a delicious toastie and ate it outside while enjoying views of the Ratusz as the bells rang through the streets. The staff was really nice and friendly and the interior was cozy and inviting. I highly suggest popping in for a little treat, or a coffee to go.

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Where To Stay

If you’re heading to Opole, there are many options for accommodations that range from cheap and frugal, modern and hip to traditional and cozy. I stayed at the amazing Hotel Starka located just around the corner from the Oder (Odra) River and Old Town Opole and less than one kilometre away from the Opole Główne. Built over 100 years ago, Hotel Starka offers elegant rooms with mini-bars and free Wi-Fi access. What more does a traveller need? 😉 All of the rooms at Hotel Starka are air-conditioned and feature classic interior décor with solid wooden furniture and comfy chairs. Some rooms even include uniquely shaped windows and bare brick walls. If you’re a fan of breakfasts (who isn’t?), you can get a fantastic buffet that has anything and everything on offer. The breakfast buffet is complimentary and there also is a room service available. Hotel Starka is also home to one of the highest rated restaurants in Opole. Starka Restaurant serves traditional Polish and German dishes. During my stay I had to catch an early morning train and the kind staff at Hotel Starka allowed me to go into the breakfast area before anyone else, to make sure I wouldn’t miss breakfast, or my train. Now that’s customer service!

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For a smaller city that is not known to tourists, Opole certainly surprised me with what it had to offer visitors. I’m sure if the city had been fully opened and didn’t have any Rona restrictions, the personality of this gorgeous city would’ve been absolutely fantastic. Regardless of restrictions and closures, I still managed to enjoy Opole and had a wonderful time. I’d definitely recommend this hidden gem to anyone planning a trip to Poland. Some other places of interest to consider during your stay in Opole would be the Piast Tower, Bolko Island and the Museum of Opole Silesia (Muzeum Śląska Opolskiego).

Have I convinced you to add Opole to your Polish travel itinerary? If you’ve been to Opole, what is your favourite thing to do and see there? Let me know in the comments below. xo

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Top 29 things to do and attractions in Opole

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1 Piast Tower

2 Museum of Opole Silesia

3 Opole Town Hall

4 museum of polish songs, 5 opole zoo, 6 opole village museum, 7 park nadodrzański w opolu, 8 opole venice, 9 holy trinity church in opole, 10 university of opole, 11 most groszowy, 12 opole main station, 13 national centre of polish song, 14 bolko beach, 15 monument fighters polishness of the opole, 16 mural poświęcony krzysztofowi krawczykowi, 17 vision express solaris centre, 18 collegium maius, 19 wilki europejskie w zoo opole, 21 cathedral of the exaltation of the holy cross, 22 rynek główny w opolu, 23 galeria sztuki współczesnej w opolu, 24 dworzec pkp opole główne, 25 zespół figur na wzgórzu uniwersyteckim, 26 filharmonia opolska im. józefa elsnera, 27 zamek górny w opolu, 28 jan kochanowski theatre, 29 bloody hostel, popular road trips from opole, what's the weather like in opole.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Opole for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Opole in January
• Weather in Opole in February
• Weather in Opole in March
• Weather in Opole in April
• Weather in Opole in May
• Weather in Opole in June
• Weather in Opole in July
• Weather in Opole in August
• Weather in Opole in September
• Weather in Opole in October
• Weather in Opole in November
• Weather in Opole in December

All road trips from Opole

• Opole to Berlin drive
• Opole to Prague drive
• Opole to Krakow drive
• Opole to Warsaw drive
• Opole to Katowice drive

Explore nearby places

• Polska Nowa Wies
• Chrzastowice
• Gora Swietej Anny
• Lambinowice
• Strzelce Opolskie
• Kolonowskie
• Kedzierzyn Kozle

All related maps of Opole

• Map of Opole
• Map of Prudnik
• Map of Polska Nowa Wies
• Map of Chrzastowice
• Map of Turawa
• Map of Gogolin
• Map of Krapkowice
• Map of Niemodlin
• Map of Krasiejow
• Map of Lipno
• Map of Zielina
• Map of Lacznik
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• Map of Gora Swietej Anny
• Map of Lambinowice
• Map of Strzelce Opolskie
• Map of Lesnica
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• Map of Olszowa
• Map of Jemielnica
• Map of Glogowek
• Map of Biala
• Map of Grodkow
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• Map of Kluczbork
• Map of Kedzierzyn Kozle
• Map of Olesno
• Map of Nysa
• Map of Toszek
• Map of Bohusov
• Map of Glubczyce

Opole throughout the year

• Opole in January
• Opole in February
• Opole in March
• Opole in April
• Opole in May
• Opole in June
• Opole in July
• Opole in August
• Opole in September
• Opole in October
• Opole in November
• Opole in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Opole?

Get inspired for your trip to Opole with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Opole Itinerary

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Opole – updated 21 January 2023.

Opole, also known as Opolskie, is a charming and historic region located in the southwestern part of Poland. The region is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals.

Opole (Opolskie) is Poland’s smallest province at just 9,400 square kilometres; however, it packs a punch for its size and is a treasure trove of attractions for tourists. The province is rich in culture with famous castles and palaces , lots of historical sites and an abundance of beautiful lakes and rivers.

City of Opole

One of the highlights of the Opole region is its capital city, also called Opole. The city is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Gothic-style Cathedral of the Holy Cross and the Renaissance-style Town Hall. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll along the scenic Oder River, which runs through the city.

Opole Song Festival

The Opole region is also famous for its rich folklore and traditional culture. Visitors can experience this first-hand by attending one of the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as the Opole Song Festival, which is held every June and features performances by some of the best Polish and international artists.

Towns & villages

The Opole region is also home to a number of picturesque villages and towns that are worth visiting. Some popular options include the medieval town of Brzeg, the spa town of Krapkowice, and the charming village of Kędzierzyn-Koźle.

Outdoor activities

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do in the Opole region. The region boasts a number of hiking and cycling trails, as well as the stunning Karkonosze National Park, which is a great spot for nature lovers.

Ethnic Germans

Opole is located in southern Poland and around 15% of the one million inhabitants of the voivodeship are ethnic Germans (that’s 90% of all ethnic Germans in Poland). Ethnic Germans first came to this region during the Late Middle Ages because the area was once part of the Prussian province of Silesia. As a result, the German language is co-official in 28 communes.

Landscape Parks

Opole province is a green region and has the warmest climate in the country. It has three Landscape Parks, Opawskie Mountains, Góra Świętej Anny and Stobrawa and three large lakes, Turawskie, Nyskie, and Otmuchów. Lake Turawskie can be reached by bicycle from Opole and is an ideal location for boating or kitesurfing, fishing for pikeperch or birdwatching from the lake’s sandbanks or lagoons.

Lake Nyskie

Lake Nyskie, a reservoir on the River Nysa Kłodzka with a view onto the Opawskie Mountains and Czechia’s Rychlebské hory, is the perfect place for sunbathing, camping, angling and boating, particularly during summer season.

Tourist attractions

Popular tourist attractions in the region include the Silesian castle in Brzeg, built during the reign of the Piast dynasty, the Franciscan monastery on top of Saint Anne Mountain and the medieval defence fortifications in Paczków (referred to as the Upper Silesian Carcassonne).

Museum of the Silesian Piasts

The Silesian castle in Brzeg was initially a stronghold. Today it is the Museum of the Silesian Piasts, among other exhibits, the museum houses Europe’s largest collection of gravestones of a single dynasty.

Knights Templar

Another castle of note is the fairy-tale castle in Moszna; which was allegedly once inhabited by the Knights Templar.

JuraPark Krasiejów

JuraPark Krasiejów is the world’s only museum standing on an active palaeontological dig and here you can take a journey back in time and view almost 200 models of 70 species of Mesozoic amphibians and reptiles. The Palaeontological Pavilion houses Europe’s biggest fossils from Triassic amphibians and reptiles, viewed through the glass floor.

Łambinowice

The Central Museum of Prisoners of War in Łambinowice  is a unique place commemorating the prisoners of the three POW camps that operated within the local military training ground. The first camp was set up by the Prussians for French POWs during the Franco-Prussian War. During World War II, one of the biggest Wehrmacht POW camp complexes existed here: Stalag VIII B, Stalag 318/VIII F and Stalag 344. After the war, part of the complex was used by the Polish Security Service (SB) as a labour camp where Germans and Silesians were held before being displaced from Poland and former members of Nazi organisations were imprisoned.

Wooden Religious Architecture Trail

The Wooden Religious Architecture Trail will take you from Opole across Opole Silesia to a total of twelve charming old churches, among them a top-class historical site: St. Anne’s Pilgrimage Church which is based on the outline of a five-petal rose.

Dining & shopping

In addition to these attractions, the Opole region also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Visitors can enjoy traditional Polish cuisine, as well as international flavors, in the region’s many restaurants and cafes. The region is also known for its local handicrafts, including pottery and woodcarvings, which can be found in the region’s many markets and shops.

Overall, the Opole region is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Poland’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks, immersing yourself in traditional culture, or enjoying the great outdoors, you’re sure to find something to love in this charming region.

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Castles and palaces of the Opole region

Opolskie – the smallest voivodeship in Poland, but how rich in traditions & culture! Its turbulent history dates back to the oldest times – it was there where the first dinosaur skeleton in the world was discovered. But the real magic of this extraordinary region is enchanted in the numerous castles, manors, and palaces. Many of them captivate their fairy-tale character, inviting their guests to the restored interiors, quite often functioning as a hotel or restaurant. Thanks to a study tour organized by the Opole Regional Tourist Organization at the end of June, we had the opportunity to meet the unique ones. Let us introduce you to the best traces of our unusual discoveries.

Niemodlin Castle

The history of the area goes back to prehistoric times: between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, it was a part of the Amber Route leading to ancient Rome. The first stories about the building come from the 14th century when prince Boleslaw built a stone castle in the place of an earlier wooden fortification. From this period, the medieval gate tower has remained topped with a cupola with a characteristic shooting window added during the Renaissance reconstruction. At that time, the residence also gained an arcaded courtyard, which a few years ago charmed a Polish director Jan Jakub Kolski, who set there the story of one of the most magical films in Poland “ Jasminum” .

The seat got two new wings in the baroque period, a chapel, and four corner towers with secret passages underneath. The castle walls and hidden dungeons are an inspiration for many legends, handed down from generation to generation by the local residents. The most famous is about the White Lady, a bride who died on her wedding day. The legend states that she walks around the castle to this day and shows up to the tourists from time to time. Who knows, maybe you will also have a chance to see her? If not, then a visit to the nearby Restauracja na Wyspie (Restaurant on the Island) will cheer you up. The chef’s specialty – carp in the Niemodlin style – is pure poetry!

Palace and hotel Jakubus in Jakubowice

Jakubus is a place where nature meets modernity and inspires active recreation. You will find three hotel facilities in this unique complex: a historic palace, rooms over the stable, and a hotel behind the park. The palace is a restored neoclassical manor house from 1882. Its founder (and first owner) was Karl Ernst Moritz von und Gaffron Prittwitz, a Prussian general and military engineer who headed the Poznan fortress’s construction. 

Those who like the elegance combined with the beauty of the living world will love the hotel behind the park. It is equipped with a hall and a terrace with a panoramic view of the pastures with horses. Along with a riding school and a stable, these unique animals are the hotel complex’s most characteristic point. Jakubus is famous as the organizer of the international equestrian competition called Silesia Equestrian. It’s an excellent festival for horse sports enthusiasts, during which the best players from Poland and international countries compete for points to the Longines world ranking and high financial prizes. An integral part of the hotel establishment is also an extensive park and three ponds with a private beach. The idyllic atmosphere at your fingertips!

Castle of Silesian Piasts in Brzeg

Called the “Silesian Wawel”, a monumental, imposing castle with a centuries-old history. Its story has begun in the first half of the 13th century, but the present form was shaped in the renaissance time. Rebuilding between 1530 and 1580 by Italian architects, it has become one of the most magnificent castles of this type in central and eastern Europe.

It consists of three buildings with cloisters surrounding the castle courtyard. The most precious part is the stone facade’s artistic decoration on the front door building, richly sculptured in arabesque, candelabrum motifs, and numerous human shapes. 

In the second half of the 14th century, prince Ludwik I started collecting valuable works of art. It became soon one of the largest secular collections of the medieval period in Poland, which he donated to the castle collegiate church he founded. Sadly, this adjacent church was brutally terminated in 1741 by Prussian army incursion and has not regained its former splendor to this day.

Between 1966 and 1990, the castle was thoroughly rebuilt – many preservation works had been made, leading to the reconstruction of three-level galleries around the castle’s courtyard and decorations around window and door portals. Today, it’s a seat of the city museum where we can find the Silesian paintings from the 15th to the 17th century, 14th-century hunting bow, sarcophagi of princes, or a beautiful copy of the tile stove from 1545.

Castle’s interiors are also a home for the musical events, symposiums and meetings of people representing art and culture. True artistry is buzzing in the air!

Sulislaw Palace

Only 70 kilometers from Wroclaw airport, there is a beautiful neo-Gothic palace from the beginning of the 19th century, with two corner towers giving it a fairy-tale character. Do you know that its most famous and prominent owner was the King of Prussia, Frederick William III?

These days the palace, converted into a luxury hotel, also impresses with royal splendor. Each room is equipped with original, stylish furniture, which, together with natural materials and top-quality decorative elements, create coziness and home warmth. You can see there, among others, a chandelier from Sophia Loren’s apartment and a folding table that once stood in Mick Jagger’s Scottish castle, which he bought from Queen Elizabeth II herself! 

However, exclusive interiors are not everything that you can find there: for complete relaxation, it is worth trying the benefits of Ayurvedic treatments, spa and yoga at the local Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Center. We especially recommend a full body massage with warm oil, which not only relaxes you, but also balances energy and increases the body’s vitality.

After a successful therapeutic session, it is worth referring to the local culinary tradition and tasting exquisite Polish cuisine in the palace restaurant. The menu is based on ecological, seasonal products that are often taken from the palace orchard, henhouse, apiary, and lake.

Fans of a little more active entertainment will be delighted with the almost 4-hectare park and the bathing area with a private sandy beach. The picturesque landscape is enriched by lakes with crystal clear spring water. No additional recommendations needed, right?

Otmuchow Castle

This imposing Gothic-Renaissance castle, located on a granite hill, was the residence of Wroclaw bishops. Some elements have survived from the old times: the unique “horse stairs”, a fireplace room with a hidden secret passage, coffered ceilings, and entablature decorated with polychrome made of natural dyes. Those fascinated by the Middle Ages’ dark side may found interesting a hunger cell, well or hidden trapdoors. Believe it or not, but this could be a really strong experience. 

If you need to cool down the emotions, it’s worth climbing the castle tower to admire an unforgettable view of the surrounding forests, meadows, and the lake – the habitat of the gray heron. 

The city itself also has many exciting places to offer, just to mention the atmospheric old townhouses, the 16th-century town hall, and the remains of defensive fortifications. A remarkable sight is the Church of St. Francis Xavier with frescoes by Michael Willmann, known as the “Silesian Rembrandt”. It’s an ideal place for people looking for a break from everyday worries and escape from the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Moszna Palace

Welcome to the biggest tourist attraction of the Opole voivodeship and one of Poland’s most famous residences. The Moszna Palace resembles a fairy-tale atmosphere straight from Walt Disney movies. It is famous for its 99 towers and 365 rooms. An extensive park surrounds the palace – take a walk to admire centuries-old oaks and limes, as well as more than a hundred years old azaleas. Summer walks among these beautiful flowers are one of the nicer local experiences.

According to the legend, the locality of Moszna belonged to the Order of the Temple in the Middle Ages. The knights supposedly built a castle there. Three major reconstructions shaped the palace in its present form. The oldest part was built in the second half of the 18th century. Over the next 200 years, the eastern and western wings were added, which created the characteristic fabulous architecture.

The castle belongs to the state treasury since 1945, after the last owners, the von Tiele-Wincler family, fled west for fear of the Red Army. For many years the Moszna Palace functioned as a sanatorium and hospital for people with mental disorders. In 2013, after some moderation, it opened the gates for tourists, becoming a museum. 

The Piast Tower in Opole

Symbol of the city and one of the oldest monuments of defensive architecture in Poland. It’s the only trace of non-existent 13th-century Piast Castle built in 1217 on the site of an early medieval stronghold. The tower is a little bit younger – built in 1300 on the Oder island of Pasieka, as an extremely modern and monumental structure those days. Even today its 42 meters high, and walls up to 3 meters thick are still impressive.

Originally the Piast Tower had residential and defense functions, also serving as an excellent observation point. Today, after a complex renovation, visitors can attend a multimedia exhibition about Opole’s history, the Piast Castle, and the tower itself. 

After detailed tower sightseeing, it’s worth exploring over 800 years of history of the Opole city. Having some free time, you should definitely see:

• the market square with the neo-Renaissance town hall,
• the cathedral,
• the upper castle from the end of the 19th century and the university hill.

It’s also worth visiting the Polish Song Museum, opened in 2016, which presents the history of Polish song from the 1920s to the present day. 

During the calming walk, you cannot miss the city’s green lungs, Bolko Island with the Zoo and the local Venice – a boat trip on the Odra and Mlynowka will provide you an unforgettable experience.

Since we are talking about an exceptional experience… our discovery of the Opole region should not be completed without more down-to-earth experiences, like the Godyla vineyard, established in 2015, located on the southern hill of Pawlowicka Mountain. The local Solaris and Regent wine will steal the hearts not only enotourism enthusiasts! Especially in combination with a regional sweat, Silesian  kolocz , a yeast dough with poppy seed, cheese or apple mousse filling. Plump, buttery, with a sweet crumble, it is an inseparable element of the best local tradition that is worth cultivating, not only during a tourist visit. Bon Appetit!

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Cool places with good home-cooked food - finger-licking good I recommend cyclists to go to the back, tables in the yard where you can safely leave your bikes

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Ciekawostki o Opolu. Z czego słynie Stolica Polskiej Piosenki?

Zebrane poniżej ciekawostki o Opolu pozwolą poznać miasto z zupełnie innej strony. I pewnością zaskoczą nie tylko odwiedzających, ale również mieszkańców Stolicy Polskiej Piosenki.

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W tym artykule:

Winda paternoster, stolica europejskiego cementu, emin pasza – sławny podróżnik z opola, król jan kazimierz w opolu i wezwanie do walki ze szwedami, akustyka i inne tajemnice dworca kolejowego opole główne, itaka i sindbad są z opola, muzeum lamp rentgenowskich, zapach kawy inka.

Stolica Europejskiego Cementu. Jedyne w kraju, a może i na świecie Muzeum Lamp Rentgenowskich. Oraz miejsce, gdzie produkowano najsłynniejszą polską kawę . Te i inne ciekawostki o Opolu mogą was naprawdę zaskoczyć.

Mało kto wie, że w Opolu działają dwie wyjątkowe windy , zwane paternoster lub paciorkowymi. Jedna z nich znajduje się w budynku Urzędu Wojewódzkiego (dawny gmach Rejencji Opolskiej), a druga w Komendzie Wojewódzkiej Policji (dawny gmach Kolei Górnośląskich). Tę pierwszą można oglądać, a nawet przejechać się w ściśle wyznaczonych przez urząd godzinach – w czasie rozpoczęcia i zakończenia pracy przez urząd.

A cóż jest w nich wyjątkowego? Otóż są one w ciągłym ruchu, nie posiadają drzwi, żadnych przycisków, a do kabiny można wsiąść „w biegu”. Osoby nieobeznane z ich specyfiką wpadają czasami w panikę, kiedy nie uda im się wysiąść na ostatniej kondygnacji, a potem kabina zmienia pion i kierunek jazdy.

W Polsce (tylko na obszarach należących kiedyś do Niemiec ) działa prawdopodobnie tylko pięć tego typu wind. Dwie z nich znajdują się właśnie w Opolu.

O tym, że Opole to Stolica Polskiej Piosenki , wie każdy. Ale tylko nieliczni wiedzą, że Opole było także Stolicą Europejskiego Cementu . Tylko w tym jednym niewielkim mieście przed 1945 rokiem funkcjonowało aż 9 cementowni. Dość powiedzieć, że cement portlandzki z Opola był uważany za najwyższej jakości w całej Europie. To z niego wybudowano m.in. Halę Stulecia we Wrocławiu .

W Opolu wystarczy odsłonić wierzchnią warstwę gleby, żeby natrafić na margiel, a kredą z ziemi dzieci często pisały po chodnikach. Dzisiaj niewiele jest już miejsc przypominających o dawnej, przemysłowej świetności miasta.

Są to m.in.:

• ostatnia działająca cementowania „Odra”,
• Centrum „Dom Expo” – funkcjonujące w murach dawnej cementowni „Silesia”,
• secesyjna fontanna „Opolska Ceres” ,
• popiersie bogini Junony.

Ważnym elementem struktury miasta są zalane wyrobiska margla. Czyli opolskie kamionki:

• „Piast” (stworzono tu nowoczesną strefę rekreacyjną z parkiem, boiskami, pomostami, centrum nurkowania oraz wyeksponowano pozostałości zabudowań cementowni),
• „Bolko” (letnie kąpielisko miejskie),

Ciekawostki o Szczecinie. 10 nieznanych faktów na temat stolicy Pomorza Zachodniego

Urodził się w Opolu w 1840 roku, w żydowskiej rodzinie jako Izaak Schnitzer . W wieku 6 lat został ochrzczony w protestanckim kościele i odtąd nosił imię Eduard Karol Oskar Teodor Schnitzer . Studiował medycynę we Wrocławiu , Berlinie i Królewcu, a potem szukał swojej życiowej drogi, podróżując po świecie. Chciał zaciągnąć się do armii meksykańskiej, potem został lekarzem wojskowym w armii tureckiej, przybierając imię Tabib Effendi. Wiele podróżował po Bałkanach i Azji Mniejszej, uczył się języków, przeszedł na islam i zmienił imię na Mehmed.

W końcu w 1876 roku otrzymał od Anglików ofertę pracy jako wyższy urzędnik, co wiązało się z przyjazdem do Chartumu. Niedługo potem otrzymał tytuł beja i został mianowany gubernatorem Ekwatorii w Sudanie. Mniej więcej w tym czasie zaczął posługiwać imieniem Emin Pasza . Założył pierwszy szpital dla rdzennych mieszkańców Afryki, zwalczał handlarzy niewolników. Organizował liczne wyprawy badawcze z zakresu meteorologii, etnografii, ornitologii. Odkrył nowe rzeki, wiele gatunków zwierząt. Stał się przez to bardzo sławny w ówczesnej Europie i trafił do panteonu wielkich Niemców . Ożenił się z Abisynką, miał z nią syna i córkę.

W 1882 roku w Sudanie wybuchło powstanie , a Emin Pasza ze swoją armią stawiał skuteczny opór rebeliantom. Rrozpoczęto też produkcję cygar „Emin Pasza”. Po wielu perypetiach, pojawił się na wschodnim wybrzeżu Afryki i zgłosił się na służbę u Niemców. Wtedy był nazywany nawet następcą Krzysztofa Kolumba .

W wieku 52 lat został zamordowany przez handlarzy niewolników w pobliżu jeziora Tanganika, a jego ciała nigdy nie odnaleziono. Ciekawostką jest, że Emin Pasza został wspomniany na kartach powieści „W pustyni i w puszczy”. Jednej z zatok Jeziora Wiktorii w Afryce nadano imię Emina Paszy.

Przez krótki czas był on patronem jednej z ulic Opola, a w centrum miasta z powodzeniem działała gospoda „Zum weissen Pascha” (Pod białym Paszą). Dzisiaj w miejscu rodzinnego domu Emina Paszy przy skwerze Heleny Lehr znajduje się tablica pamiątkowa.

Podczas potopu szwedzkiego król Polski Jan Kazimierz wraz z całym dworem schronił się na zamku w Głogówku na Śląsku, u rodziny Oppersdorfów. W 1655 roku przybył do Opola i zatrzymał się w „Kamienicy Książęcej” w rynku, będącej własnością hrabiego Oppersdorfa. 20 listopada 1655 roku w sąsiednim klasztorze oo. franciszkanów król polski wydał uniwersał opolski , wzywający wszystkich Polaków do powstania przeciwko Szwedom.

Ciekawostką jest, że w „Potopie” Henryka Sienkiewicza opisane zostały wszystkie wspomniane tutaj fakty . Sama kamienica książęca została zbudowana w XVI wieku, a jej kształt pochodzi z XVII wieku. Detale architektoniczne w stylu klasycystycznym pochodzą już z XIX wieku. W kamienicy od 1824 roku do lat 50. XX wieku działała nieprzerwanie apteka „Pod Lwem”. Figura Lwa obecna jest wciąż we wnęce elewacji. Kamienica jako jedna z nielicznych w rynku nie ucierpiała w trakcie II wojny światowej .

Gmach dworca kolejowego w Opolu jest wyjątkowy z wielu względów. Stojąc w holu głównym, w miejscu starej przechowalni bagażu, możemy słyszeć dokładnie wypowiadane słowa przez osobą stojącą przy kasie biletowej numer 1 . I to pomimo zapowiedzi z megafonu czy innych hałasów, które powinny nam w tym przeszkodzić. To naprawdę działa.

Mało kto wie, że opolski dworzec posiada aż cztery tunele : przejście pomiędzy peronem 1. i peronem 2., przejście pomiędzy budynkiem frontowym (wejście na dworzec) a holem budynku głównego, tunel towarowy, w ciągu którego obecnie znajdują się windy i toalety oraz niedostępny i najmniej znany tunel pocztowy, prowadzący z poczty głównej do magazynów przy peronie 1. Dodatkowo wyjątkowym jest to, że perony na dworcu zostały wybudowane po łuku, a nie na wprost.

Dworzec powstał w 1899 roku, a tunel pomiędzy budynkiem frontowym a holem głównym w 1926 roku. Projektantem dworca był Paul Thoemer, który zaprojektował również bliźniaczy dworzec w Gdańsku .

Największe biuro podróży w Polsce – Itaka – oraz największy krajowy przewoźnik autokarowy – Sindbad – mają główne siedziby w Opolu. Tak było od początku. Sindbad powstał jeszcze w czasach PRL – w 1983 roku, a Itaka po upadku muru berlińskiego – w 1989 roku.

W obu przypadkach to wciąż 100% polskiego kapitału. Sindbad słynie z tego, że posiada najnowocześniejszą flotę autokarową i stałą umowę współpracy z niemieckim producentem autobusów – Setra. Itaka z kolei przejęła czeskie biuro podróży Čedok, weszła na rynek litewski oraz kupuje własne hotele w różnych częściach świata.

Jedyne w Europie i prawdopodobnie jedyne na świecie Muzeum Lamp Rentgenowskich znajduje się na Politechnice Opolskiej w Opolu. Zostało stworzone w 2011 roku na bazie prywatnej kolekcji dr inż. Grzegorza Jezierskiego, która jest tworzona od 2005 roku.

Wszystkie prezentowane eksponaty muzealne, a jest ich około 1200, pochodzą z darowizn od około 500 darczyńców z 25 krajów świata. Jest to największa na świecie kolekcja lamp rentgenowskich oraz kenotronów (lamp prostowniczych, tzw. wentyli współpracujących z lampami rentgenowskimi).

Są jeszcze na świecie inne muzea, gdzie lampy rentgenowskie stanowią tylko niewielką część kolekcji, jak np. Muzeum Rentgena w Niemczech. Muzeum można zwiedzać tylko po wcześniejszym umówieniu się.

W zakładach Ovita Nutricia w latach 1973–2003 produkowano słynną kawę Inka . Ta kawa zbożowa instant była w okresie niedoborów PRL tanim substytutem kawy. Produkowano jej ogromne ilości, była hitem eksportowym do ZSRR czy na Węgry .

Była również przedmiotem prywatnego eksportu, ponieważ wywożono ją np. do Bułgarii na handel. Każdy rodowity opolanin pamięta intensywny zapach kawy Inka unoszący się nad miastem, który zwiastował przeważnie nadejście deszczu. Przed przejściem frontu atmosferycznego, który przynosi deszcz , wiatr zazwyczaj wieje z południowego wschodu, dlatego nawiewał zapach Inki nad centrum miasta.

Dzisiaj opolska Nutricia jest częścią koncernu Danone i światowym potentatem w produkcji żywności dla niemowląt oraz żywności specjalnego przeznaczenia medycznego.

• polskie miasta