Tourism attractions

The Region has excellent climate and natural assets and offers a selection of outdoor activities. Summer and winter outdoor recreation and adventure opportunities are some of the finest you will find anywhere in the Region that is characterised by diversified topography (Silesian Uplands, Silesian Lowland and a portion of Sudeten Foothills, Oder Valley).

Large part of the territory is covered by forests with four natural parks, many protected natural areas and biosphere reserves. Niemodlin Woods, Stobrawa Woods, Lubliniec and Racibórz Forests are among the largest forests in the Region.

Hikers and cyclists can appreciate adventures along the paths of St. Ann’s Hill, or Opava Mountains (close to the Czech border surrounds). Many modern recreational resorts with the latest spa treatment facilities (swimming pools, classic massages, Jacuzzi etc.) have been built in recent years in Moszczanka, Pokrzywna, Jarnołtówek. Someplace else, in Kamień Śląski, there is under construction the first sanatorium in the country to offer Kneipp therapy. Near Kamień Śląski there is also under redevelopment a small airfield (with hangars, maintenance service and hotel) for recreational aviation and pilot training purposes.

Lovers of swimming, sunbathing and water sports can enjoy their leisure time at Region’s dam lakes in Turawa near Opole or the Nysa Lake and Otmuchów Lake at the feet of Opava Mountains.

Opole Silesia is rich in sites of historical and archaeological interest, with its ancient monuments of the different historical ages – from Gothic-style fortified castles, Baroque mansions to small 19th century manor houses. Among much visited buildings of considerable artistic and architectural interest are the castle in Moszna, the ruins of the 19th century mansion in Kopice, the Silesian Piast Dynasty Castle in Brzeg and the Late Baroque mansion in Kamień Śląski.

When visiting the Opole Region, one cannot help but visit Krasiejów, a locality in the Gmina of Ozimek, where one of the world’s greatest palaeontological discoveries has been made recently. The well-preserved set of fossils of Triassic reptiles found here date back to about 225 million years ago. It is planned to set up a museum and tourist site to bring a spark of hope for tourist revival in the region. In January 2005, a permanent exhibition entitled “Walking with Dinosaur” was opened in the former primary school.