Just across the border with Poland is the Upper Oder Region, known as the “green lungs” of the Silesian Voivodeship. This incredibly picturesque region is connected to the Odra River, which hydrographically originates from springs at Fidl Hill in the Oder Hills in the Czech Republic, and in Poland begins in Chałupki, a town near Bohumín. Here it creates beautiful meanders in the landscape.
The upcoming spring is the ideal time to discover the riches of the Upper Oder. The most popular attractions include the historic narrow-gauge railway in Ruda, the nearby Cistercian Abbey in Ruda with its fantastic restaurant serving regional cuisine, the American amusement park Twinpigs in Żory, the historic Ignacy Mine in Rybnik, the romantic tower in Wodzisław Śląski, the castle ruins in Tworków, and the Piast Castle in Racibórz, where you can learn about the history of the Dukes of Racibórz and discover the secrets of brewing beer at the Racibórz Brewery. The Upper Oder landscape is a paradise for active people, especially cyclists and paddlers. For cyclists, we recommend the Rudy Woods and Iron Cycling Trail, and for fans of water adventures, the attractions at Rybnik lagoon and rafting on the Odra and Ruda rivers, which are wellmaintained and well-marked.
The Upper Odra Festival — Ahoy crew!
The Upper Oder also has its festival. It is held every year on the last weekend of June. This year, the Upper Oder Festival will take place from 24–26 June. Floating — i.e. rafting on “anything”, the Regatta on the Rybnik lagoon, Polish-Czech canoeing, as well as numerous entertainments, concerts and laser shows are on the programme.
How did we have fun in 2021?
The fi rst-year programme included 87 events in 22 locations, with over 72,000 Western Subregion residents and tourists being entertained, including families with children, seniors and youth. As many as 280 people were involved in the organisation of the Upper Oder Festival, and over 1,000 artists participated.
We guarantee that there is something for everyone at the Upper Oder Festival!
And if you are willing to participate in events at the festival, such as a ride on a special boat (“pływadło”) or kayak tours, do not hesitate to get in touch with the organisers:
turystyka@subregion.pl, mobile: +48 664 459 430 (WhatsApp).
