Olszowa: Wooden Church, Sacred Miniature Park and Cycling Routes

• The village lies in the buffer zone of the “Góra Świętej Anny” Landscape Park and on the edge of a Natura 2000 site.
• The wooden Church of Matki Boskiej Śnieżnej dates from 1679 and was remodeled in 1748.
• The Sacred Miniature Park includes, among other things, a pond with boating activities and a ropes course.
• Described cycling routes pass through Olszowa or connect the village with Leśnica.

Olszowa lies both in the buffer zone of the “Góra Świętej Anny” Landscape Park and on the edge of a Natura 2000 site. This location connects the village to two named protected areas. If you also consider the surrounding landscape when choosing a destination, you can take this natural setting into account alongside the village’s cultural and recreational activities.

The Church of Matki Boskiej Śnieżnej is a specific point of interest for anyone interested in historic religious buildings. The wooden structure was built in 1679 and remodeled in 1748. It has Baroque features and is built using log construction; the tower is timber-framed. The foundation is made of stone and brick. This means you can see different construction methods in the same building.

The furnishings also combine different artistic influences. The Baroque high altar features a contemporary painting of the Adoration of Our Lady of the Snows. The Baroque side altars include paintings from the 18th century and contemporary paintings. The Neoclassical pulpit depicts the four Evangelists; there is also a folk sculpture of the grieving Christ. The building techniques, remodeling history and furnishings offer several specific aspects to focus on when exploring the church.

Pedal boats can be rented and boat rides taken on a small pond in the Sacred Miniature Park. Other recreational activities include a ropes course with tree houses, rope obstacles, swings and a slide, as well as two zip lines: a smaller one for younger children and a larger one for older children aged 3 to 13. Check with the operator before your visit to confirm which activities are available.

Outdoor attractions include unihockey, ball mazes, bowling, magic mirrors, a pontoon slide, a boat and pedal boats. These activities give families several different themes to consider when planning, from exercise and skill-based activities to things to do on the water. Here too, check with the operator to find out which individual activities you can currently include in your plans.

Municipal route descriptions from 2011 list two marked cycling routes in the area around the village. The yellow Route 16 passes through Olszowa and by the wooden church. The red-marked Route 172 follows side roads through Wiśni Jar and past Wapiennik; at the church, it rejoins Route 16. For these older descriptions, check the current markings and trail conditions before setting out.

A description published in 2021 also mentions a 16-kilometre alternative off-road cycling route from Olszowa to Leśnica, which can also be ridden on touring and recreational bikes. Separately, an alternative route covering 11.9 kilometres is described as rough and intended for off-road cycling. These details can help you distinguish routes by length and the stated type of bicycle; they should not be confused with numbered Routes 16 and 172.

The Sacred Miniature Park complex also includes buildings belonging to a horse stud. Count Renard founded the stud, and its buildings date from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Alongside the recreational activities mentioned, the complex therefore has a historic connection to the stud.

Discover more destinations: Leśnica, Zimna Wódka, Sucha, Jemielnica, Zawadzkie, Stubendorf, Kroschnitz, Colonnowska.

When was the Church of Matki Boskiej Śnieżnej built and remodeled?

The wooden church dates from 1679 and was remodeled in 1748.

What age range is specified for the zip lines?

The smaller zip line is described as being for younger children; the larger one is for older children aged 3 to 13. Ask the operator about current availability.

What should you bear in mind about the described cycling routes?

The municipal descriptions of Routes 16 and 172 date from 2011. Check the current markings and trail conditions before your ride.

For the broader travel overview: Strzelecki.