Starachowice: Forests, Trails and Industrial History

Starachowice lies on the northern edge of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. The picturesque valley of the Kamienna River runs through the town, which is surrounded by a continuous forest area. Landscapes, the history of technology and a range of historic sites give a trip several points of focus. You can spend your time exploring nature and trails, or focus on the history of churches, cemeteries and industry.

Landscape and getting your bearings

The road network also helps put Starachowice in geographical context. The town lies on National Road 42 between Namysłów and Rudnik. The voivodeship roads 744, between Radom and Starachowice, and 756, between Starachowice and Stopnica, also begin in Starachowice. Together with its location on the edge of the mountains and in the Kamienna Valley, this gives you a sense of orientation between the region’s transport links and the town’s landscape.

Walking and hiking trails

The yellow walking trail is about 7.5 kilometres long. It starts at a turning loop on ul. Myśliwska on the eastern side of Zalew Lubianka, follows its southern shore and leads to Langiewicz’s camp. This route description specifies both an approximate distance and notable points along the way.

The black hiking trail has a different starting point: it begins at Starachowice Zachodnie railway and bus station and reaches the Wykus clearing. The two route descriptions offer different guidance for planning: the yellow walking trail focuses on its length and route along Zalew Lubianka, while the black hiking trail starts in Starachowice Zachodnie and ends at Wykus.

Narrow-gauge railway during the tourist season

During the tourist season, the Starachowicka Kolej Wąskotorowa operates on two sections: Starachowice–Lipie and Iłża–Marcule. Timetabled services on the Starachowice–Lipie section are to be provided once repair work is complete. Check the timetable before your trip if you plan to travel by train. This lets you factor the train journey into your day’s plans without confusing the two sections.

Church, industrial history and cemetery

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Starachowice was founded in 1681. It has three naves and is built of sandstone. The three naves describe the church’s layout, while sandstone is its building material; the founding year adds historical context to these architectural details.

The Muzeum Przyrody i Techniki „Ekomuzeum” im. Jana Pazdura is located on the grounds of the blast furnace plant. The blast furnace complex, dating from the late 19th century, is the only fully preserved technological production line of metallurgical facilities in Europe. Alongside religious and landscape themes, the history of metallurgy is also a focus in Starachowice.

The Jewish cemetery in Starachowice is one of the largest in the region. It was established towards the end of the 19th century and was in use until 1946. This timeline offers another perspective on the town’s history: the Church of the Holy Trinity was founded much earlier, while the cemetery’s establishment and use until 1946 mark a distinct historical period.

Choose hotels to suit your travel interests

If you’re looking for a hotel in Starachowice, first decide which themes you want your trip to focus on: landscapes and trails, or cultural and industrial history. These different interests can help guide your search. When choosing a specific hotel, consider which location best suits your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Grabków, Starachowice, Wielka Wieś, Jabłonna, Tarczek, Ambrożów, Pińczów, Staszów.

For the overview of the wider region: Świętokrzyskie.