Cycling in Świętokrzyskie

It doesn't matter why you get on your bike. Maybe it's because you're always living an active life. Maybe it's because you want to air out your head, get rid of the rush of thoughts, get away from the media hype. Feel the space and spring. Everyone has a different reason to go cycling. And you know what? Every reason is good.

The cycle route from Święta Katarzyna to Nowa Słupia bypasses the highest peaks of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains. Thanks to that, everyone can go cycling in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains - also those who don't want another extreme challenge, but just relax among the Łysogóry nature.

This doesn't mean that you won't find the atmosphere of a real off-road trip along the route. The dirt road leads over rather flat terrain, among the atmospheric forests growing on the northern slopes of the Łysogóry range. In the vicinity of Nowa Słupia, on the other hand, a short but intense light MTB-style crossing awaits you.

The 16-kilometre-long forest path parallels the course of the former narrow-gauge railway that operated here as recently as the last century. Along the route you will see a forest quarry or a bridge over 5 metres high. You will learn about the history of the railway thanks to the educational boards.

If you get tired on the route, make use of one of the available rest areas with tables and benches.

The tour is a proposition for motorised tourists. You can leave your car in one of the car parks in Święta Katarzyna and Nowa Słupia.
You can return to the starting point by taking the same route, the footpath and cycle path through Bodzentyn and Święta Katarzyna, or by taking the roads on the southern side of the Łysogóry. Keep in mind, however, that your trip will then become much longer.

If so far your time spent in Sandomierz has been filled mainly by visiting unique historical monuments, strolling along atmospheric streets or tasting regional products and beverages in one of the restaurants in the old town - it's time for a change. 

It is worth setting aside at least a couple of hours for a short trip around the area. If you don't have your own bike, use the bike rental at the Tourist Information Centre. 

Several interesting cycling routes start in the centre of Sandomierz. Among them is the blue-marked loop called "Sandomierz Landscapes". 

The route runs through picturesque (especially in spring) fruit orchards surrounding the city. Ascents and descents should not be a problem and the low volume of traffic allows for some peace and quiet. 

• Remember that this trail follows public roads with little traffic.
• The route also includes the unusual reserve of the Pepper Mountains.

In the centre of Sandomierz you will find many car parks and paid parking spaces in the parking zone. Sandomierz is also accessible by train.

Eurovelo 11, also known as the Eastern European Route, is one of the more interesting proposals of the European EuroVelo network. The route goes from Athens to the remote Nordkapp in northern Norway. 

Seemingly little, but at the same time a lot. The lack of spectacular sights and places to visit will be compensated by the picturesque panoramas and, above all, the great infrastructure, as you will ride along this section on a super-convenient tarmac path separated from motor traffic.

The Eurovelo in this part follows a section of disused track of a former narrow-gauge railway, which winds through open countryside amidst fields. 

The start and end of the route are in remote locations. The section of Eurovelo 11 we recommend can be part of a longer trip or part of a loop back along the same road or local roads according to a self-designed variant. 

Poland is only 1 of the 11 countries the route passes through. Although most sections of the EuroVelo are still to be developed and constructed, the already existing sections of the route are quite impressive. 

You will find one of them in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. It starts in Lekszyce (on the border with Małopolska) and leads to Wiślica. What awaits along the route? 

Green Velo Eastern Poland Cycle Trail is still the longest trail in Poland. It runs through five voivodeships and is as much as 2,000 kilometres long, 190 of which run through Świętokrzyskie. Is that a lot? For some it is just a warm-up before a longer trip, for others it will be quite a challenge.

We reassure the latter - a trip along the Green Velo in Świętokrzyskie can be planned for 2 or even 3 days - you will find accommodation (worth booking in advance) in one of the Cycle Friendly Places. 

It is also worth remembering that the main route is crossed by other cycle routes. So it's easy to organise a ride tailored to your capabilities. 

You can also use one of the more than 30 ready-made suggestions of trips on the Green Velo and in the immediate vicinity of the trail or plan your own route using the planner available at www.greenvelo.pl and on the Green Velo Android and iOS mobile app. 

Larger towns that you can reach via the Green Velo by train include Końskie, Kielce and Sandomierz.