Olszyna – Churches, History and Motopark

• A Neo-Gothic brick church dating from 1897 now serves the parish of św. Józefa Oblubieńca NMP.
• The church of Podwyższenia Krzyża Św. is mentioned in documents from 1314 and has a painted coffered ceiling dating from 1614.
• Olszyna Motopark covers 502,000 square metres; its off-road racecourse is just under 30 kilometres long.
• A walking trail leads from ul. Wolności to a forest edge about two kilometres away.

The Neo-Gothic church, built of red brick, was erected in 1897. It once served as a Protestant church and now belongs to the parish of św. Józefa Oblubieńca NMP. Its tower shapes Olszyna’s skyline. The architecture and various furnishings tell of different eras: inside are a Renaissance high altar from 1652, a Baroque-Classical baptismal font from the 18th to 19th century, and electrical fittings from the 19th century.

The church of Podwyższenia Krzyża Św. offers a different impression. This east-facing, single-nave stone building is mentioned in documents as early as 1314. Particularly detailed is its wooden polychrome coffered ceiling from 1614: Christ, the Apostles, John the Baptist and the Angel of Peace appear among plant ornaments. The church’s former furnishings also included a Renaissance high altar from 1652.

The two churches differ both in their architectural form and in the details recorded about their interiors. If you would like to see the furnishings in person, check access to the church interiors in advance.

The Baroque palace in Olszyna was built in 1704 and restored in the 19th century. Its history took a decisive turn in 1959: a fire destroyed the building, which was not rebuilt afterward. This sets the palace apart from the churches, whose buildings or furnishings remain present in the details described here. Olszyna’s character is shaped not only by what survives, but also by the memory of a building whose story ended in destruction.

Olszyna Motopark offers a very different focus from the churches and historic buildings. Its just-under-30-kilometre off-road racecourse hosts the international King Of Poland and GORM24 competitions every year. The site covers 502,000 square metres, or around 50.2 hectares. The area figure describes the size of the site; the length refers to the racecourse. If you are travelling specifically for one of the competitions, check the dates of the events in advance.

For a quieter way to get out into nature, the route offers a different scale: from the main road, ul. Wolności, a footpath runs alongside the bypass for about two kilometres to a forest edge, where a blue trail runs. The distance is approximate. Check the path conditions and markings on site before setting off. The walk and the motorsport events can thus be considered different reasons to travel, without combining them into a single route.

You can then compare accommodation based on your personal requirements for location and amenities.

Another landscape view can be found in the municipality, not in Olszyna itself. From the high tower of Rajsko Castle in Zapusta, the view stretches across wooded slopes and a reservoir to Czocha Castle. The castle is reflected in the waters of Jezioro Leśniańskie. This view adds a perspective on the municipality’s landscape to the town’s history; geographically, it should be distinguished from the churches and Motopark in Olszyna.

Discover more destinations: Zapusta, Nawojów Łużycki, Pobiedna, Lauban, Niemstów, Księginice, Marklissa, Bad Flinsberg.

Which church has the 1614 coffered ceiling?

The wooden polychrome coffered ceiling is in the church of Podwyższenia Krzyża Św. Among plant ornaments, it depicts Christ, the Apostles, John the Baptist and the Angel of Peace. Check access to the interior in advance.

Was the palace in Olszyna rebuilt?

No. The Baroque palace was destroyed by a fire in 1959 and was not rebuilt. It had been built in 1704 and restored in the 19th century.

What should you check before visiting the Motopark or the walking trail?

If you are travelling for King Of Poland or GORM24, check the event dates. For the footpath from ul. Wolności to the forest edge, check the path conditions and markings on site.

For the main travel overview: Lubański.