Lipski

• Lipski County stretches across the Radom Hills, the Opatów Upland and the Kozienice Basin.
• The Vistula Valley shapes the region with a broad riverbed, islands and sandbanks.
• A green hiking trail connects Lipsko and Solec nad Wisłą over 11 km; cycling routes with a total length of 415.6 km also run through the county.
• Cultural sites include castle ruins and historic churches in Solec nad Wisłą, as well as St. Zygmunt’s Church in Sienno.

The varied landscape areas give Lipski County a diverse geographical profile. The Vistula Valley separates it from the Lublin Upland by a steep escarpment. In the municipalities of Chotcza and Solec, the Vistula has a broad riverbed with numerous islands and sandbanks. More than 320 bird species have been recorded throughout the valley; around 40 species of water and wetland birds nest in the area around Chotcza and Solec.

The protection of natural areas is also part of the region’s character. The Vistula Lowland in Lipski County is included in Natura 2000 sites of international importance for the conservation of biodiversity. The Solec nad Wisłą Protected Landscape Area was established by an ordinance of the Voivode of Masovia on 19 April 2002. Near Sadkowice, close to Solec nad Wisłą, a nature reserve protects steppe vegetation. Those interested in river landscapes and birdlife will find specific nature features here, distinct from the historic sights.

For a shorter route, consider the signposted green hiking trail along the Krępianka. It runs through fields and woodland and connects Lipsko with Solec nad Wisłą; it is 11 km long. This makes it easy to distinguish from the longer red Rzeczniów–Sienno hiking route: at 39 km, it passes through Kochanówka, Wólka Modrzejowa, Grabowiec, Podkońce, Płósy and Rzechów before returning to Rzeczniów.

Cycling routes running through Lipski County total 415.6 km. Of this, 208.8 km lie within the county’s administrative boundaries. Another hiking and cycling trail through the county is called “Szlak Żółwia i dinozaura” (“Turtle and Dinosaur Trail”). Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between a named route connecting two places, longer routes and another designated trail. There are also opportunities for fishing on the Iłżanka, Krępianka, Vistula and Kamienna rivers, as well as in standing waters.

Solec nad Wisłą has medieval castle ruins dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. They are the remains of a border fortress built by King Casimir the Great; surviving features include wall and foundation remains, as well as traces of a cylindrical tower. Also in Solec nad Wisłą is St. Barbara’s Church, dating from the 16th century and considered one of the oldest wooden monuments in Masovia. A 17th-century Reformed Franciscan monastery complex adds to the town’s historic attractions.

In Sienno, St. Zygmunt’s Church dates from the 15th century. It contains a commemorative foundation plaque set into the wall, dating from 1442. The village museum in Lipa Miklas is another of Lipski County’s listed attractions. In the municipality of Ciepielów, a synagogue is among the sites listed as notable cultural heritage in Lipski County. For travelers who want to explore architectural and cultural history as well as nature, the region offers a range of historical points of interest.

Lipsko is the administrative center of Lipski County and lies in the Krępianka Valley. The national road 79 between Warsaw and Sandomierz crosses there with voivodeship road 747 between Iłża and Solec nad Wisłą. This location is a practical reference point when planning your arrival and matching it to your travel destinations. The Lipskie Centrum Kultury, a municipal cultural institution serving the town and municipality of Lipsko, organizes concerts, festivals, competitions, exhibitions and author events, among other activities.

For a closer look at individual places, visit the pages for Gmina Ciepielów, Gniazdków, Drezno, Wodąca, Sienno, Kochanówka, Sadkowice and Lipsko.

How long is the green hiking trail between Lipsko and Solec nad Wisłą?

The signposted trail along the Krępianka is 11 km long and runs through fields and woodland.

How long is the red Rzeczniów–Sienno hiking route?

The route is 39 km long and passes through Kochanówka, Wólka Modrzejowa, Grabowiec, Podkońce, Płósy and Rzechów before returning to Rzeczniów.

Which rivers offer opportunities for fishing?

Fishing opportunities are available on the Iłżanka, Krępianka, Vistula and Kamienna rivers, as well as in standing waters in Lipski County.

What is known about birdlife in the Vistula Valley?

More than 320 bird species have been recorded throughout the Vistula Valley. Around 40 species of water and wetland birds nest in the area around Chotcza and Solec.

For the broader travel overview: Masovia.