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The Barycz River Valley, one of the most beautiful river basins in Poland, offers wonderful landscapes and the possibility of communing with nature without the hustle and crowds of tourists. On the Barycz River, among the fields, meadows and forests, large fish ponds have been built for centuries. This unusual mosaic of environments has become a refuge for many species of plants and animals. The Barycz River Valley is the largest ornithological reserve in Poland and Milicz Ponds – a real bird paradise and the perfect place for birdwatching. Old oak alleys, inaccessible alder forests, flowery meadows and lively waters all encourage nature-friendly tourism.

One of the Barycz’s biggest curiosities, even on a European scale, is the phenomenon of bifurcation. The waters of this river in its initial course between Ostrow and Kotlow do not have a certain direction of outflow but they flow simultaneously in two directions – west through Odolanow and Milicz to the Odra River (Barycz Wlasciwa [Proper]) and east to the Olobok and Prosna (Barycz Leniwa [Lazy]).

 

Milicz Ponds, which are the largest artificial fish pond complex in Europe, attract fans of bird watching. And it is hardly surprising because at Milicz Ponds we will meet such a rare bird as white-tailed eagle, which is the prototype of the national emblem of Poland or other impressive bird predator: harrier. In addition, you can observe several species of heron, black stork, lapwing, corncrake or beautifully feathered hoopoe.

The rich world of nature is adjacent to equally interesting, as yet little-known cultural monuments, unique turf houses, half-timbered churches and historical, although still working weirs – traces of the former inhabitants of these lands.

 

Explore more:

Milicz

Known far beyond the borders of the region, mainly for the largest group of breeding ponds in Europe (Stawy Milickie), Milicz is a small town located in the northern part of the Lower Silesia Province, in the picturesque valley of the Barycz River.

Lower Silesia by bike – www.dolnyslaskrowerem.pl

Do you like bikes? Do ride a bike alone, with family or friends? Find your way down easy and fast.

Milicz Ponds

One of the biggests pond complex in Europe. Popularised not only by carp breeding but also by lovely walking trails with perfect opportunities for bird watching.

Narrow Gauge Railway in Krosnice

Krosnice Narrow Gauge Railway is a park railway and one of the biggest tourist attractions of Krosnice and the surrounding area. It is not surprising because the view of the smoking steam engine and the journey along a nearly 3-kilometer route among rustling trees and singing birds does not happen often.

 

Other regions of Lower Silesia:

Kaczawa Foothills

The Kaczawa Mountains and Foothills, known as the Land of Extinct Volcanoes, is the northernmost fragment of the Western Sudetes. It primarily delights with nature and landscapes. Ostrzyca is the highest hill here - its characteristic silhouette, visible from many kilometers, is reminiscent of Japanese Fujiyama.

The Barycz River Valley

The Barycz River Valley is mainly visited by nature enthusiasts. Milicz Ponds, known to all ornithologists, are a refuge for many species of birds and their flights attract hundreds of observers to this area. Equally impressive are walks along picturesque levees, especially at sunset or sunrise.

The Nysa, Kwisa and Bobr Rivers

Located on the border with Germany, the region has enjoyed the recognition of canoeing enthusiasts for years. They have both typical mountain and calmer river sections at their disposal. However, it is enough to pull the kayak ashore to see that there are also other attractions in the region.

The Odra River Valley

The Odra River Valley - the largest of the sub-areas of Lower Silesia - is also the heart of the entire region. Only Wroclaw, in which Odra flows with several branches, provides attractions for many days of sightseeing. And this is just the beginning!

Sowie Mountains (Owl Mountains)

The picturesque Owl Mountains, the Central Sudetes range, delight with amazing landscapes that can be admired from many viewpoints. They are a wonderful place for hiking and biking tours and, in winter, breathtaking views can be admired while cross-country skiing on the many trails prepared for especially it.

The Sleza Massif

The Sleza Mountain, rising above the surrounding area at 718 meters above sea level, is located about 30 km southwest of Wroclaw. It is close enough not to have to go too far from the capital of Lower Silesia and to be able to experience the pleasures that a hike gives. And this is why crowds of, not only of Polish, hikers come every day to the summit of this Silesian Olympus.

The Trzebnickie Hills

Trzebnica Hills, also known as the Cat Mountains, are distinguished by their picturesqueness and a dense network of walking and cycling routes encourages active relaxation in the fresh air.

Walbrzych Land

An industrial town called Walbrzych was, until recently, mainly associated with mines, smelters and other large factories. It became famous thanks to the secret of the Golden Train. Does the train allegedly hidden in the underground of Walbrzych really exist? So far it is not known. What is known, however, is that Walbrzych Land is one of the most interesting natural and cultural corners of Poland.

Klodzko Land

Klodzko Land, whose central part is Klodzko Valley surrounded by the ranges of the Bystrzyca, Table and Bardo Mountains as well as the Massifs of Snieznik, is one of the most beautiful regions of Poland. It attracts visitors with its wild nature and fantastic tourist conditions with downhill runs, spa towns and a rich accommodation base.

Giant Mountains and Jizera Mountains

The Karkonosze or Giant Mountains, the highest range of the Sudetes with Sniezka rising 1603 m above the sea level, have amazed people for hundreds of years and it is hard to believe that these mountains are so little known in Poland today. The Jizera Mountains with the Foothills are, in turn, the westernmost part of the Polish Sudetes. The picturesque, captivating Jizera landscape is dominated by wide valleys and hills with elongated, gentle slopes.

Lower Silesian Wilderness

Wild, rich in fauna and flora, and above all beautiful and picturesque, especially at sunrise, when its rays pierce the rising fog, creating an amazing light spectacle