The Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship is an ideal destination for sightseeing and relaxation in the spirit of slow travel. Idyllic landscapes, uncrowded hiking trails, exceptional geological and natural heritage, magnificent castles and palaces, invaluable cultural treasures, unique museums, and countless family-friendly attractions await visitors. Savor delicious regional cuisine, enjoy the flavours of fruit and vegetables grown on local organic farms, and immerse yourself in ancient Slavic legends. Evenings spent around a campfire or barbecue, leisurely walks through lush greenery accompanied by birdsong, and the peaceful atmosphere of the region will show you what it truly means to slow down.
ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE MOUNTAINS – Legends and an Ancient Primeval Forest
A visit to the Świętokrzyskie Mountains should begin with the Świętokrzyski National Park, home to the Sanctuary of the Holy Cross (Święty Krzyż), the oldest sanctuary in Poland, which welcomes thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.
You can reach Łysa Góra (Bald Mountain) either by following the hiking trail from Nowa Słupia or by taking the easier paved route from Huta Szklana. Adjacent to the monastery is the Gołoborze Viewing Platform, offering spectacular panoramic views and a chance to admire the remarkable Cambrian rock formations, estimated to be around 500 million years old.
Be sure to visit the Świętokrzyski National Park Museum, where you will discover fascinating insights into the ancient ecosystems of the Primeval Fir Forest (Puszcza Jodłowa). On the opposite side of the park, from the village of Święta Katarzyna, you can hike to Łysica, the highest peak of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and, at the same time, the lowest summit included in the Crown of Polish Mountains.
KIELCE – Surrounded by Mountain Ranges
While visiting the regional capital, be sure to explore Castle Hill, home to the former Palace of the Kraków Bishops, regarded as the best-preserved example of Vasa-era architecture in Poland. Nearby, stroll along Zamkowa Street, one of Kielce’s oldest streets, where you will find the Zieliński Palace, the Centre for Patriotic and Civic Thought, and the Hammond Museum – the only museum of its kind in Europe dedicated to the Hammond organ.
Continue your walk along Sienkiewicza Street to Artists’ Square, where you can take a souvenir photo beside the famous Wild Boar Monument and discover the legend behind the founding of Kielce.
From Castle Hill, head towards the Kadzielnia Nature Reserve, passing the Castle Pond, one of Poland’s oldest public parks – Stanisław Staszic Municipal Park – and the charming Avenue of Fame.
Located within a former limestone quarry, Kadzielnia Nature Reserve offers scenic walking paths around the Geologists’ Rock, a picturesque waterfall, an underground cave route, and one of the most beautifully situated amphitheatres in Poland. Walking among the towering quarry walls is like taking a journey through Earth’s geological history. The exposed rock formations reveal a fascinating story dating back approximately 360 million years, when this area was covered by a warm tropical sea. Fossils of ancient marine organisms can still be found embedded within the local limestone.
Not only geology enthusiasts will be impressed by one of the city’s five nature reserves. Visitors seeking an adrenaline rush can soar above the dramatic limestone cliffs on a zip line, enjoying breathtaking views of the Kadzielnia Reserve from a height of 40 metres, or test their skills on the reserve’s via ferrata climbing route.
THE HOLY CROSS MOUNTAINS GEOPARK
The Świętokrzyskie region is often described as an open-air geological paradise – and with good reason. Since 2021, the Świętokrzyski Geopark has been part of The Holy Cross Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark.
The geopark encompasses more than 500 km² and includes dozens of geosites spread across the city of Kielce and the neighbouring municipalities of Chęciny, Morawica, Nowiny and Piekoszów. Within its boundaries are numerous abandoned quarries, striking natural rock formations, caves, escarpments and river valleys. The long-standing relationship between people and the region’s geology is reflected in archaeological sites, the remains of historical ore and stone mining, and many architectural monuments built from locally quarried rock.
PONIDZIE – Where Time Stands Still
Ponidzie is renowned for its gypsum deposits, nature reserves protecting rare steppe vegetation, picturesque roadside shrines and chapels, and internationally recognised sulphide mineral waters, which have given rise to a thriving spa tradition.
One of the defining features of this remarkable landscape is the Nida River, whose picturesque meanders, oxbow lakes and wetlands provide an important habitat for waterbirds. Its unique microclimate, unspoilt natural environment and three landscape parks create the perfect setting for reconnecting with nature.
Kayaking enthusiasts will find a true paradise here. Thanks to its sandy riverbed, the waters of the Nida warm up to as much as 27°C during the summer months, making it one of the warmest rivers in Poland.
STRIPED FLINT – Poland’s “Diamonds”
One of the Świętokrzyskie region’s greatest natural treasures is striped flint, often referred to as the “Stone of Optimism.” The Świętokrzyskie region is the only place in the world where this uniquely patterned flint occurs naturally.
In 2019, the Krzemionki Archaeological Museum and Nature Reserve – part of the Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region – was inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.
To discover striped flint in its finest jewellery form, be sure to visit Sandomierz. It was here, in this historic royal city built on seven hills, that master goldsmith Cezary Łutowicz first introduced striped flint as a contemporary gemstone for jewellery.
Beautiful examples of striped flint jewellery, together with remarkable collections of gemstones and minerals, can also be admired at the Museum of Minerals and Fossils in Święta Katarzyna, a popular tourist destination in the heart of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.
SANDOMIERZ – A Royal City Break
Perched on seven hills overlooking the Vistula River, Sandomierz lies at the meeting point of two geographical regions: the Kielce–Sandomierz Upland and the Sandomierz Basin. The earliest written references to Sandomierz as a town date back to the 12th century in the chronicles of Gallus Anonymus. Once the seat of princes and a royal residence, the city flourished as an important trading centre on the route connecting Kraków with Eastern Europe.
Exploring the Royal City – Must-See Landmarks and Attractions
The Market Square is the heart of Sandomierz. Dating back to the 14th century, it is surrounded by thirty beautifully preserved historic townhouses and dominated by the impressive Town Hall. Built in the mid-14th century, the Town Hall is crowned by an elegant Renaissance attic, added in the 16th century and regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in Poland.
The Opatów Gate, constructed in the mid-14th century and crowned with a Renaissance attic in the 16th century, is flanked by surviving sections of the medieval defensive walls. Its viewing terrace offers spectacular panoramic views over the city.
The Royal Castle, a monumental fortress commissioned by King Casimir the Great, was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier stronghold dating back to the 10th century. From the 16th century onwards it served as a royal residence. Although much of the castle was destroyed during the Swedish invasion of 1656, one wing survived and was later transformed into the main building by King John III Sobieski. Today, the restored wing houses the Castle Museum, whose exhibitions include an outstanding collection of jewellery featuring the region’s distinctive banded flint.
Needle’s Eye (Dominican Gate) – Located just off the Market Square between historic townhouses, this narrow gateway was originally created in the city walls as a passage for the Dominican monks. Its present form dates from the 18th century.
St. James’ Church
One of the oldest brick churches in Poland, St. James’ Church was originally built in the first half of the 13th century as a Romanesque church for the Dominican Order. For centuries, it has captivated writers, artists and admirers of the Sandomierz region. Its bell tower houses Poland’s oldest surviving church bells, dating back to the 14th century.
Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary encapsulates more than 600 years of Sandomierz’s royal history. Its beautifully restored Byzantine-Ruthenian frescoes, adorning the side walls and the vault above the main altar, were commissioned by King Władysław Jagiełło and are among only four surviving examples of this remarkable artistic tradition in Poland.
Długosz House
Built in the 15th century through the patronage of the renowned chronicler Jan Długosz, the Długosz House originally served as a residence for cathedral clergy. Today it houses the Diocesan Museum, whose outstanding collection of sacred art includes The Virgin and Child with Saint Catherine by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1518), as well as rare 12th-century sculptures.
Natural Attractions
Just beyond the city lie a series of picturesque loess ravines, carved over thousands of years into the soft loess soil. Among the most spectacular are Queen Jadwiga’s Ravine and Piszczele Ravine.
In Sandomierz, exploring centuries of history can easily be combined with relaxation along the Vistula River, scenic boat cruises, or cycling along the renowned Green Velo trail.
Pepper Mountains (Góry Pieprzowe)
Known locally as the Pepper Hills, this extraordinary nature reserve is one of the region’s most remarkable natural treasures. Here visitors can discover the geological history of the Earth, enjoy natural aromatherapy in one of Europe’s largest wild rose habitats, home to numerous endemic species, and admire breathtaking views across the Vistula River valley.
Located just two kilometers from Sandomierz’s Old Town, the gentle hills are an ideal destination for a leisurely walk or a short cycling trip. The reserve is home to ancient Cambrian shale formations estimated to be around 500 million years old. Their distinctive colour and texture resemble pepper grains, giving the hills their unique name. Combined with glacial clay deposits and fertile loess soils, these rock formations create an exceptional natural environment.
The reserve is crossed by marked hiking trails and an educational nature path, while a scenic viewpoint equipped with benches provides the perfect place to pause and enjoy the panoramic landscape.
Świętokrzyskie – Must-See Attractions for the Whole Family
- Bałtów Tourist Complex – an all-day destination featuring the Dinosaur Park and Museum, Safari Wildlife Park, Oceanarium, Adventure Planet, Miniature Park, amusement park, water attractions and many other family-friendly experiences.
- Krajno Amusement and Miniature Park – considered one of Poland’s most beautifully located miniature parks, showcasing famous landmarks from around the world against the spectacular backdrop of Łysica Peak and the Wilków Valley.
- Museum of Toys and Play, Kielce
- Geoeducation Centre at the Wietrznia Nature Reserve
- European Centre of Fairy Tales in Pacanów
- Royal Castle in Chęciny
- Raj Cave – widely regarded as the most beautiful limestone cave in Poland
- Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd – a monumental palazzo in fortezza combining palace and fortress architecture
- “Harmonia” Świętokrzyskie Cultural Heritage Centre
- Popiel Palace in Kurozwęki, famous for its American bison safari
- Legends Park in Nowa Słupia – featuring a multimedia legends trail, a 3D cinema and a flying broomstick simulator
- Leonardo da Vinci Science Centre
- Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia
- Museum of Nature and Technology in Starachowice
