Discover Węglówka

There are two distinct highlights to explore during a stay in Węglówka: the “Do Sztolni” nature and educational trail, and the local history, with its linguistic, religious and oil-industry connections. Each offers a different way to experience the area. The trail is a specific route with stops, while local history encompasses a range of topics and periods. Depending on your interests, you can make nature observation or local history the focus of your visit.

“Do Sztolni” Nature and Educational Trail

The “Do Sztolni” nature and educational trail, created by Zespół Karpackich Parków Krajobrazowych, leads from Węglówka towards the summit of Królewska Góra. At four stops, visitors can see, among other things, amphibian habitats and sandstone adits. Along the trail, nature and traces of history come together, offering two distinct reasons to explore the route.

The sandstone adits date from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Their dating gives the stops a historical context, while the amphibian habitats provide a distinct focus on nature. This period can be distinguished from an earlier chapter in local history: Balthazar Hacquet reported oil springs in Węglówka as early as the 18th century. This comparison places the two historical references in context without equating the adits with the springs.

Local History and Former Names

Węglówka was formerly known as Waniwka in Rusyn. The village was also the seat of a Greek Catholic priest. Its religious history also includes the former Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built around 1600. The priest’s residence and the church represent different religious affiliations. The approximate construction date also provides a specific chronological reference for the history of the former church.

Węglówka has long been known for its oil springs. In the 18th century, Balthazar Hacquet reported several oil springs in a marshy garden in Węglówka, which supplied farmers with lubricant for wagon axles. His account thus identifies both the location of the springs and their practical use. 1888 is generally considered the founding year of Kopalnia Węglówka. Hacquet’s account and this founding year mark different periods in the history of oil production: the earlier use of the springs and the later-established founding of Kopalnia.

The cemetery near the church also preserves traces of history. Several old tombstones remain there, linked to the Rusyn origins of the village’s first residents, known as the Zamieszańcy. This connection complements the former name Waniwka with another link to the Rusyn history of the area. While the former church gives an indication of its period of construction, the tombstones point to the origins of the village’s first residents.

Find Hotels Based on Your Travel Interests

When looking for hotels for a trip to Węglówka, first decide what you want to focus on: would you like the nature and educational trail to shape your trip, or would you rather learn about local history?

Discover more destinations: Odrzykoń, Krosno, Wrocanka, Iwonicz-Zdrój, Dukla, Wisłoczek, Królik Polski, Moderówka

See the wider travel guide: Krośnieński.