Valley of Three Ponds, Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland

Katowice’s most popular recreation area, Valley of Three Ponds was first established as a 125 hectare leisure space in the 1960s before being absorbed into the 420 hectare Katowice Forest Park which today surrounds the small Muchowiec airfield (G-5) south of the centre. Though ‘Valley of Three Ponds’ is generally applied to all of the woodless areas surrounding ul. Trzech Stawów and Forest Park’s 11 (not 3) ponds, the name technically refers to the smaller, more cultivated area located just beyond F-5 on the IYP map.

In this vicinity you’ll find a seasonal campground, tennis courts and a fine restaurant (Pan de Rossa) with inspiring views overlooking the water and the distant apartment blocks of downtown Katowice. Of the ponds in the immediate vicinity, the most popular has a beach for bathing, another is reserved for water sports, and several are available for fishing (though you need a permit and the hassle of trying to get one is not worth explaining or experiencing). The entire park area is also full of marked trails, making it a popular place for running, cycling, hiking, sledding in winter, picnicking and generally defeating the Silesian Blues (as we call it). Most easily accessed by bicycle (see Bike Hire during warm months) or instead take buses 674 or 910 from the centre, getting off at the Trzech Stawy shopping mall when you see the Real hypermarket. It’s a short walk east from there.

Visit Poland. Epic Poland Adventure Route © All Rights Reserved | Monika & Simon Newbound 2017

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