Świerklaniec

• The first Renaissance park in Świerklaniec was laid out next to the castle in 1670–1680 by a branch of the Henckel von Donnersmarck family.
• The landscaped park is classified as a first-category monument. The “Three Graces” fountain still stands on its central terrace.
• The park is home to monumental oaks, horse chestnuts, and pines. Its features also include a mini-zoo, a canoe landing, and ponds for anglers.
• A walking path through the historic castle park leads to the Kozłowa-Góra Reservoir.

The park offers several different ways to explore the history of the Donnersmarck complex. The “Three Graces” fountain on the central terrace is a specific feature of the park’s design. The landscaped park’s classification as a first-category monument is also part of its historical significance. Together with the monumental oaks, horse chestnuts, and pines, these features shape the character of the grounds.

The Dom Kawalerów building is located in Pałac Kawalera. It was built in 1903–1906 to accommodate distinguished guests. The WRAZIDLOK association also organizes tours at Pałac Kawalera on weekends. This is a separate sightseeing option to consider when choosing between a focus on architectural history and a stay that includes time in the park.

Another stop is the church in the park, built in 1895–1897 in the Neo-Gothic style. In the Donnersmarck complex, it is connected by a cloister to a burial chapel laid out on a Greek-cross plan. Count Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck was among those buried in the mausoleum in Świerklaniec. The church, burial chapel, and mausoleum thus offer different insights into the religious and funerary history of the area.

Those who prefer spending time outdoors will find a variety of destinations and routes in the park. A walking path leads through the historic castle park to the Kozłowa-Góra Reservoir; a black hiking trail in Świerklaniecki Park leads to a church. These are two different destinations, which can help you choose the focus of your visit: a walk in the direction of the reservoir or a route to a building in the park.

The bodies of water are also distinct from one another. The central pond in the park is designated for fishing; the park also has ponds for anglers and a canoe landing. The reservoir, formed by damming the Brynica, lies on the southeastern edge of the Świerklaniec municipality. It is called Zbiornik Świerklaniec, Zbiornik Kozłowa Góra, or Jezioro Świerklaniec. The monumental trees, park grounds, and reservoir therefore appeal to different interests and need not be combined into a single excursion destination.

There is also a mini-zoo in the park. If you like to include architecture, walks, and a visit to a mini-zoo in your travel plans, you can consider these alongside the park ponds and canoe landing.

For further location research, you can also visit the pages for Radzionków, Tarnowskie Góry, Ziętek, Nowa Wieś Tworoska, Pyrzowice, Miasteczko Śląskie, Szałsza, and Księży Las.

Where does the cycling route start and end?

The cycling route starts and ends in the parking lot in front of the gate to the historic park in Świerklaniec.

When does WRAZIDLOK organize tours at Pałac Kawalera?

The association organizes tours on weekends as well.

What names does the reservoir go by?

It is called Zbiornik Świerklaniec, Zbiornik Kozłowa Góra, or Jezioro Świerklaniec.

For the main travel overview: Tarnowskie Góry.