Bliżyn – Hiking Trails, Churches and the Reservoir

Bliżyn brings together hiking routes, architectural history and a leisure area by the Bliżyński Reservoir. When planning a stay, you can choose from a range of options: route lengths, named points of interest along the way, leisure activities by the water and churches with their own architectural histories. This lets you decide whether to focus your stay more on hiking, the reservoir or historic buildings.

Hiking Trails by Length

The black hiking trail from Sołtyków to Bliżyn is 10.5 kilometres long. The green hiking trail runs from Bliżyn to Zagnańsk and covers 24.5 kilometres. The green route is 14 kilometres longer; the different endpoints also help distinguish the two routes.

The green trail starts at Bliżyn railway station and passes, among other places, Piekło Dalejowskie, the Brama Piekielna natural monument, the Dalejów and Świnia Góra nature reserves, and the Dąb Bartek oak tree. If you want to consider specific named points as well as distance when choosing a route, these provide clear reference points. Check local conditions before setting out.

Cycling and Themed Routes

Another option is the yellow “Miejsc Mocy” Pilgrimage Cycling Trail. Within the municipality, it runs along the Ubyszów–Bliżyn–Sorbin–Nowki section. As a cycling route, it differs from the two hiking trails; its designated course through the municipality offers a distinct reference point for planning.

The Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship Wooden Architecture Trail also passes through Bliżyn and Mroczków. Both villages have historic churches in the Kamienna Valley. So, alongside the hiking and cycling trails, you can explore a themed route and its links to local churches, without needing to combine the individual routes into one trip.

At the Bliżyński Reservoir

The Bliżyński Reservoir is on the Kamienna River in Bliżyn and covers 10.34 hectares. Its facilities include a bathing area, piers, a beach and a paddling pool for children. A promenade along the north shore is ideal for a stroll; there are also numerous cycling routes by the reservoir. This gives you a range of waterside activities to consider when planning your visit.

The 2025 bathing season was affected by renovation work. If you plan to use the bathing area, check the current conditions before your visit. The leisure area by the reservoir also includes a playground, an outdoor fitness area, a street workout area and a pump track. These facilities were among the works completed in 2025.

Churches and Architectural History

At St. Zofia’s Church and the adjoining cemetery, you’ll find a unique collection of cast-iron work from the second half of the 19th century. It includes railings, fence components, tombs and stairs made at the local foundry. The church can be visited by prior arrangement with the parish priest of St. Louis Parish, so be sure to arrange your visit in advance.

St. Louis Church was built between 1886 and 1900 from ashlar stone in the Neo-Gothic style. It is a three-nave basilica with a flat chancel closed on three sides. Pointed-arch windows with stained glass dating from around 1908 define the building; the stained glass was made by Zakłady Górnicze w Bliżynie. The church’s dates and architectural features give it a distinct place in the town’s architectural history.

The Neo-Gothic Plater family palace was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Only the west wing, coach house and outbuilding have survived; the Gminny Ośrodek Kultury is now based there. Together with the churches, the palace offers another tangible link to the history and architecture of Bliżyn.

Discover more destinations: Skarżysko-Kamienna, Płaczków, Łączna.

Return to the main travel overview: Skarżysko.