Końskie: Walking Routes, Water and History

Końskie is a county town in the northern part of Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. A walking route leads through the town’s streets to historic buildings, monuments and memorial plaques; in Sielpia, the reservoir, pine forests and water activities shape the landscape. The attractions appeal to different travel interests: a town walk focused on architectural history, or a stay where the lake and outdoor activities are key draws.

Town Walk and Architectural History

The walking trail “Szlakiem zabytków i miejsc pamięci,” laid out as a loop, runs through the streets of Końskie. Historic buildings, monuments and memorial plaques lie along the route. Its loop format and varied stops make it a way to get to know the town through several places in its streets.

The present-day appearance of the Kolegiata św. Mikołaja i Wojciecha results from renovations carried out in 1492–1520 and 1902–1903. These two widely separated building phases are both relevant to the church’s current appearance. Anyone interested in Końskie’s architectural history can combine a visit with the walking route through the town.

The palace and park complex also offers several distinct features: it includes palace wings with pavilions, a gloriette, a Greek temple and an Egyptian orangery. There is also a garden pavilion, a chapel, the “Domek Wnuczętów,” and an enclosure system flanked by towers. The complex also includes a park with historic trees. The individual structures and the park give the place a varied architectural character.

Sielpia: Reservoir and Outdoor Activities

Sielpia is a holiday resort by a reservoir on the Czarna Konecka, surrounded by pine forests. The reservoir has a large, supervised sandy beach and a watercraft rental service. The beach and rental service operate seasonally; the availability of water sports equipment may also vary by season.

Organized kayak trips start in Sielpia and follow the Czarna Konecka for approximately six kilometers to Jacentów, beyond the bridge. The route passes through protected Natura 2000 areas. The trips are seasonal and must be booked in advance. The route, destination and booking requirement give this activity a clearly defined framework for trip planning.

There are three Nordic walking routes in Sielpia. Special poles can be borrowed free of charge from the local Ośrodek Sportu i Rekreacji; check availability again before your trip. This lets you plan your routes while considering whether to bring your own equipment or use the local rental option.

A longer circuit can also be planned from Sielpia: “Rowerem dookoła Końskich” is a 45-kilometer cycling loop that starts and ends there. As surface conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out. In both the type of activity and its stated length, the loop differs from the kayak trips and Nordic walking routes.

Fortified Manor House in Modliszewice

In Modliszewice, in the municipality of Końskie, the Dwór obronny w Modliszewicach stands on an island. A pond borders it to the south and a moat to the north. The fortified manor house is one of the attractions on the “Rowerowego Szlaku Architektury Obronnej po Województwie Świętokrzyskim.” Visiting the building can therefore be combined with a regional route devoted to defensive architecture.

Discover more destinations: Tama, Strzeboszow, Stąporków, Sielpia Wielka, Konskie, Fałków, Ruda Maleniecka, Włoszczowa.

View the broader travel overview: Holy Cross.