University of Bielsko-Biała

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.