Discover Deutsch-Piekarn

Deutsch-Piekarn (Piekary Śląskie) offers several reasons to visit: an important pilgrimage, cultural history and landscapes with hills, ponds and panoramic views. One recurring event is particularly useful when choosing your travel dates: the men’s pilgrimage in Piekary Śląskie has taken place without interruption since 1947 on the last Sunday in May. It brings together many men and young men. If you would like to experience this event, you can take the date into account when planning your trip; if your stay has a different focus, the city’s nature and leisure sites offer themes of their own.

Landscapes and nature in the surrounding area

Among the interesting landscapes in Piekary Śląskie are the Kocie Górki. The area features numerous hills and elevations, small ponds and rock outcrops. This varied landscape shapes the character of the place and is especially interesting for travelers who want to discover nature and landforms as well as culture during a stay in Poland.

Another viewpoint is Winna Góra in Kozłowa Góra, a district of Piekary Śląskie. From there, you can see extensive farmland, a panorama of the Świerklaniec Reservoir and neighboring ranges of hills. Those interested in the landscape of the area will find a different impression here than among the small ponds and rock outcrops of the Kocie Górki.

The protected Żabie Doły nature and landscape complex is also located near Piekary Śląskie. It lies in the territory of Chorzów and Bytom, on the border with Piekary Śląskie. The area is a habitat for at least 129 breeding bird species, including at least 17 species that are rare in Upper Silesia. These figures give an idea of its importance as a habitat; nature is the main focus of a visit here.

Cycling and hiking tourism also have potential in Piekary Śląskie: the plateau’s picturesque landforms and cultural and natural assets provide opportunities for both. A walking excursion organized in September, titled “Po dnie triasowego morza” (“Along the bottom of the Triassic Sea”), focused on the city’s geological and geomorphological features. Another city excursion led to the northern parts of Piekary Śląskie, where participants discovered an impressive section of the Brynica Valley with its river gorge and Bekasowa Łąka.

Pilgrimage, history and culture

The history of the Kalwaria in Piekary Śląskie dates back to the mid-19th century. On December 31, 1854, plans to establish a pilgrimage site there were announced on Cerekwica Hill. Under the parish priest Bernard Purkop, the project took concrete shape between 1862 and 1882. These dates help place the site’s development as a pilgrimage destination in context and complement the story of the men’s pilgrimage, which has taken place annually since 1947.

The Sanctuary Museum explores several aspects of this religious and local history. Its three exhibition rooms cover the history of devotion to Mary and the image of Our Lady of Piekary, memorabilia relating to Cardinal Karol Wojtyła’s presence in Piekary, and selected exhibits from the chapels of the Kalwaria. The museum opened to pilgrims and parishioners on September 12, 2009. Its varied themes give visitors interested in culture several historical perspectives on the place.

The city’s history also includes a section of the Obszar Warowny “Śląsk” fortification line in Piekary Śląskie. It is one of the most interesting and oldest sections of this line. Those interested in military fortifications as well as the history of pilgrimage can include this aspect in their exploration of the city.

Leisure and ways to shape your trip

Kopiec Wyzwolenia has also been used by city residents for walks and recreational outings. Following a major renovation in the summer of 2014, the hill was equipped with a viewing telescope, a playground, walking paths and a mini fitness area. These facilities bring together a range of leisure interests in one place. The city’s MOSiR also has a swimming pool, an ice rink, tennis courts, multipurpose sports courts, a skatepark and playgrounds. Its leisure sections offer activities for children, young people and adults to encourage interests, activity and a sense of community.

You can choose a hotel, vacation apartment or vacation home to suit your travel plans without limiting the different experiences to just one type of stay.

Discover Piekary Śląskie too. More destinations: Będzin, Bytom, Żory, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Myszków, Rybnik, Tychy.

For the main travel overview: Silesia.