Neumarkt in Schlesien: Nature, Trails and City History

Neumarkt in Schlesien brings together themes for different travel plans: city history, churches and buildings, hiking trails, and nature observation along the Oder. The sights are located in various named places; take the precise route conditions into account when planning.

Cityscape, Churches and History

In Środa Śląska, the town hall dates from the 15th century. The distinctive, well-preserved town layout also shapes the historic character of the place. Those interested in medieval art will find an exceptional collection in the Środa Śląska Treasure: it includes gold jewelry, a royal crown, a fibula with a central cameo of an eagle, decorated temple rings, as well as 2,924 silver coins and 39 gold coins. The treasure is currently not on display. The crown dates from the second half of the 13th century; each of its twelve elements bears an eagle.

Malczyce is home to the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God. Originally a Protestant church, it was built in the Neo-Gothic style in 1902–1903 to a design by Hans Poelzig. Also in Malczyce, a memorial stone made of Strzegom granite commemorates the flood of the century: it was unveiled in 2002 on the fifth anniversary. Six marble plaques mark the highest water levels recorded on the Oder between 1854 and 1997.

Other religious buildings are found in other places: Udanin has the Gothic Church of St. Ursula, while the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lusina contains frescoes by Baroque artist Franz Heigel. The ruins of a castle are located in Pielaszkowice. Together, these places show different aspects of architectural and local history, without reducing them to a single sightseeing focus.

Hiking Trails and Route Planning

There are routes of varying lengths for walks and hikes. A 420-meter educational trail was created in Brodno in 2014. Its facilities include a wooden pavilion, a footbridge, stairs, and information and educational boards about plants and animals. By contrast, the green PTTK hiking trail runs for 17.3 kilometers within the municipality of Malczyce, via Kwietno, Rusko, and Malczyce. This offers a short nature-themed educational trail alongside a much longer hiking route as separate options. Check local conditions before setting out.

A cycling route is also described: it leads from Kostomłoty to Zabłoto and then to Jakubkowice. The routes mentioned have different starting points and should not be treated as a single continuous route. For planning, it helps to consider the places you want to visit and the route intended for them separately.

Forest, Protected Areas and the Oder Riverbank

The “Zabór” nature reserve protects a riparian forest within a larger forest complex in the Pradolina Wrocławska. It covers 34.7 hectares and is located in the municipality of Miękinia in Środa County. Part of the municipality of Malczyce lies within the Łęgi Odrzańskie Natura 2000 sites: the special area of conservation for habitats PLH020018 and the special protection area for birds PLB020008.

A grey heron colony and frequent visits by white-tailed eagles can be observed along the Oder near Malczyce; sightings are not guaranteed. In winter, numerous birds gather along the Oder near Malczyce, including, above all, mallards, as well as common goldeneyes and goosanders. Their presence and numbers may vary from year to year. These seasonal observations differ considerably: the mallards, goldeneyes, and goosanders mentioned are associated with winter, while the grey heron and white-tailed eagle observations offer a different nature theme along the Oder.

Travel Planning and Choosing a Hotel

Local attractions range from the historic town layout and architecture to nature and outdoor activities. At Winnice Jaworek, the vineyard covers 24 hectares, where more than 30 grape varieties are being tested. The area and number of varieties may change. This information adds insight into viticulture to the cultural and landscape impressions, without promising a visit or tasting.

The “Odrzanka” railway line runs, among other places, through Malczyce and makes it possible to travel by train to the station and return to a car parked there. Check current train connections when planning this option.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Środa Śląska, Krępice, Jarosław, Piotrowice, Lenartowice, Kostomłoty, Wilkszyn, Mrozów

For the main travel overview: Lower Silesia.