San and Vistula Valley
The trail of blooming azaleas
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About this route
The route will be well suited to those who appreciate tranquillity and cycling in forested areas. The route is quite well signposted, so you should not find it difficult to complete. In case of difficulties, in Nowa Sarzyna you will find the PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society) branch, which is there to help tourists.
You can get to Nowa Sarzyna, from where you will start your journey, by car or by train. If you decide to take the former option, you can park your vehicle near the railway station without too much trouble. The main aim of the trip is to visit the unique Kołacznia Nature Reserve. The tour is therefore a great choice for lovers of fauna and flora. Following the trail, you will pass a fishery located at an agrotourism farm.
Practical advices
Although this route is not demanding, it is worth preparing for it properly, so that nothing surprises you at any point. Start with the most important thing, which is your helmet. A good helmet is essential for your safety. Take care also of proper lighting, both front and rear. In addition to bike lights, equip your bike with reflectors so that you are highly visible on the road.
What else is worth taking with you on a trip? Make sure to pack a sweatshirt or a rail jacket in your backpack, in case the weather changes. It is also a good idea to bring snacks to give you energy during the trip. Protein bars or energy mousses work well.
If you plan to take visit the attractions along the route, you will need to leave your bike behind in some places. To make sure it is still there after the tour, be sure to bring a bike safety device such as a U-Lock or any bicycle lock.
Dolina Sanu i Wisły
Audiodeskrypcja tekstowa
Route details
Nowa Sarzyna - Smycze - Kołacznia- Perlaki - Nowa SarzynaStart
- 1Nowa Sarzyna0 kmNowa Sarzyna
Start your route on Rejtana Street. From there, you will reach 1 Maja Street and then turn into ks. Popiełuszki Street. Driving through the forest, you will pass the Ciech S.A. industrial plants.
- 2Smycze4.3 kmSmycze
Smycze is a hamlet where you will see a cross and a monument to St John Paul II. 400 m past the monument, turn right towards the forest. Follow the blue ATR Bicycle Trail until you reach the next point.
- 3Kołacznia6.6 kmKołacznia
The smallest nature reserve in Poland, with an area of just 10 acres, awaits you in Kołacznia. However, this does not mean that it is not worth a visit. Its greatest treasure is the yellow azalea, also known as the Pontine azalea. This shrub grows naturally in Poland only in this area. The site was discovered as early as 1909. The azalea shrub was included in the Polish Red Data Book of Plants until 2001. Azalea bushes occupy approx. 450 m² of the reserve. They can sometimes also be found in the nearby alder forest.
Please note that this is a poisonous plant. In animals, it can even lead to death and in humans to severe poisoning. The best time to visit this place is in May since this is when the shrubs are covered with yellow flowers. It will be hard for you to miss them, not only because of the intense colour but also because of the strong, pleasant smell they emit.
After leaving the reserve, follow the signs of the blue ATR Bicycle Trail northwards. A distinctive point will be the martyrdom site you pass along the way. It is a stone obelisk with a plaque and cross, commemorating the murder of 10 Poles on December 22nd, 194
- 4Perlaki8.4 kmPerlaki
When you reach the hamlet of Perlaki, turn right. You will reach a crossroads where you should also go right. Turn left in front of a chemical plant. After about 400 m, take the right road at the bifurcation and, following the signs of the red cycle trail, ride for about 3 km to the railway line. When you reach the tracks, turn right and follow the road to Leśna Street. Continue straight on towards the railway station.
- 5Nowa Sarzyna14.2 kmNowa Sarzyna
Your cycle route ends at the starting point.
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