If you’re planning to escape the urban hustle and bustle for a bit and dream of immersing yourselves in greenery, quiet, and rich history, Roztocze emerges as an absolutely perfect destination. And the heart of this extraordinary land is undoubtedly Zwierzyniec. This beautiful small town, often called the gateway to the Roztocze National Park (and deservedly so, in our opinion!), offers such a wealth of varied attractions that we’ve decided to uncover them for you. Here is one thing worth seeing in Zwierzyniec and its immediate surroundings.

Prepare for a real journey – through history, surprising nature, and local legends. This (we hope) comprehensive guide will help you plan this unforgettable stay in Roztocze more easily. Because Roztocze isn’t just pretty views; it’s a place with character, beautiful at any time of year, although many appreciate it particularly in autumn.

Zwierzyniec – why is it a real gem of Roztocze? A brief history and main attractions

Zwierzyniec is a place that owes its uniqueness primarily to the Zamoyski Ordinance (Ordynacja Zamojska). It was thanks to the Zamoyski family, and more specifically its founder, Chancellor Jan Zamoyski, that Zwierzyniec was established as early as 1593. Initially, it was a settlement which for over 400 years served mainly as a summer residence for the Ordinates.

It wasn’t until 1990 that Zwierzyniec gained town rights, which, considering its long history, seems quite late, doesn’t it? The town is picturesquely situated on the River Wieprz and makes an excellent base for exploring Central Roztocze. It’s strategically located, roughly halfway between larger cities like Lublin and Rzeszów.

Its proximity to the Roztocze National Park makes it the natural tourist hub of the region. And you know what? Zwierzyniec and its surroundings are genuinely worth seeing, offering a unique blend of historical architecture, fascinating legends, and surprisingly unspoilt nature. Although it’s a small town, it holds a wealth of history.

Stroll through historic Zwierzyniec: from the town hall to the narrow street

Starting our walk through historic Zwierzyniec, you simply can’t miss the local town hall. Although the town gained municipal rights relatively recently, in 1990, as early as 1929 the commune bought the square from the Zamoyski Ordinance, which allowed the later location of the local government’s headquarters in such a convenient spot, at Rynek 1.

As we’ve already mentioned, Zwierzyniec long functioned as a settlement and didn’t immediately have typical urban ambitions, as its development was closely tied to the Ordinance. Moving on, it’s really, really worth checking out the Borek district. That’s where a real curiosity awaits you, something that immediately grabs your attention – Wąska Street (Narrow Street).

It’s only about 1.5 metres wide, which, well, only allows for walking or, at most, cycling. But that’s precisely what gives the place its unique charm and somehow naturally transports us back to bygone times. You’ll feel the atmosphere, I promise.

Secrets of the Church Pond and the Church on the Water – Zwierzyniec’s legends

The most recognisable symbol of Zwierzyniec is undoubtedly the Church on the Island dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk, affectionately and commonly known as the ‘church on the water’. This Baroque church, located on the picturesque island of the Church Pond (Staw Kościelny), was founded in the 18th century by Tomasz Antoni Zamoyski and Teresa Zamoyska.

Its patron, Saint John of Nepomuk, is a tragic figure – the patron of bridges, the drowning, and an intercessor during floods, who was thrown into the Vltava River on the orders of King Wenceslaus I of Bohemia. And interestingly, the local parish priest inaugurates the solemn celebrations of the saint’s feast day every year, and the bishop leads a procession with a monstrance, in which the faithful float… in kayaks! Isn’t that a wonderful sight?

The interior of the church is adorned with illusionistic polychrome painting by Łukasz Smuglewicz, where on the barrel vault, Saint John adores the Mother of God with the Child. To the left of the altar, you’ll find a statue of Saint Clement, and to the right, a painting of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, funded in 1907 by Róża Zamoyska.

On the church’s facade is the Eye of Divine Providence, along with a cartouche featuring the coats of arms of the founders: Jelita of the Zamoyskis and Rawicz of the Michowskis. The Church Pond, on which the church stands, also has its legends. Apparently, and who knows if it’s true, it was formed by Tatar and Turkish prisoners of war.

Near the pond stands a monument in the shape of a Roman sarcophagus, dated 1852 and featuring the Eye of Providence, adorned with theatrical masks and a lyre (a symbol of the fine arts), which is sometimes associated with the Zwierzyniec Masonic lodge or, interestingly, with the ‘theatre on the water’. Lovely waterfowl swim on the pond, beautifully surrounded by a park, and another legend, a bit macabre, says that under the monument is buried the favourite dog of Marysieńka Sobieska, who, allegedly beautiful, was given to her by the Italian Collato, and the Ordinate ordered it to be poisoned. (I don’t know how much truth is in it, but it sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?) Next to the pond, beautifully surrounded by a park, you’ll find monumental trees recognised as natural monuments: paper birches, a maple-leaf plane tree, pines, lime trees, chestnuts, and oaks.

Roztocze National Park: nature and recreation opportunities

Right at the gates of Zwierzyniec stretches the Roztocze National Park (Roztoczański Park Narodowy – RNP), a true gem, I don’t hesitate to use that word, of the region. It’s one of the most heavily forested national parks in Poland, protecting the most valuable parts of Central Roztocze. Its headquarters are located in the historic wooden Plenipotent’s Palace (also called Plenipotentówka), the former Residence of the Zamoyski Ordinance’s plenipotentiary, built in 1890 in a spa style.

The symbol of the Roztocze National Park is the Polish pony (konik polski), herds of which can be encountered within the park. The park area offers absolutely loads of opportunities for active recreation and close contact with nature. Isn’t that exactly what we look for when escaping the city?

Where in Roztocze National Park? A trip to Bukowa Góra and the Polish pony reserve

Alright, what specifically is worth seeing in the Roztocze National Park near Zwierzyniec? Certainly the first nature reserve in Roztocze: the Bukowa Góra nature reserve. It’s a strictly protected area, through which runs a very interesting nature trail starting from Zwierzyniec. The route, which departs from the RNP Education and Museum Centre, is very well prepared. Along the route, you’ll encounter, among other things, the Pope’s Boulder (Głaz Papieski) and the Monument to Fallen Foresters (Pomnik Pamięci Poległych Leśników).

The trail largely leads through a vast clearing which offers a glimpse of Zwierzyniec and the hills of Western and Central Roztocze. The view of the Roztocze fields near the village of Sochy is, for me, particularly impressive.

Another option for a pleasant walk is climbing Piaseczna Góra (298 m above sea level), also within the Roztocze National Park – the trip takes about an hour and can be combined with a hike to Bukowa Góra if you fancy and have the energy. And speaking of ponies, in Zwierzyniec there is a conservation breeding centre for Polish ponies, called Ostoja, where you can see these animals characteristic of Roztocze. Although actually, looking from another perspective, Polish ponies also graze next to the viewpoint tower on Biała Góra (more on that in a moment). In the conservation breeding sanctuary, you can also encounter White-Backed cattle (bydło białogrzbiete).

Echo Ponds: an ideal place for walking, cycling, and nature education

The Echo Ponds (Stawy Echo) in Zwierzyniec deserve special attention, truly special attention. This complex of four ponds, picturesquely located within the Roztocze National Park, near Bukowa Góra, was created in the place of the extensive wetlands of the Świerszcz stream basin.

The Świerszcz eventually flows into the River Wieprz, having first fed the Church Pond (Staw Kościelny) in Zwierzyniec. The Echo Ponds are an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a bike ride. The educational and cycling trail to the Echo Ponds sets off, like the one to Bukowa Góra, from the Roztocze National Park Education and Museum Centre, leading through the beautiful Zwierzyniec Valley (Dolina Zwierzyniecka).

Recreation at the Echo Ponds is an excellent opportunity for nature education and observing local fauna. Although it can get crowded here in summer, especially by the beach, you can’t deny the charm of this place.

Roztocze: the closer and wider surroundings of Zwierzyniec – what else is worth seeing?

Roztocze, often called the ‘Polish Tuscany’ (though, frankly, it has its own unique character, different from Italy’s), is an exceptional geographical region that stretches from Kraśnik in the Lublin Voivodeship, through the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, all the way to Lviv in Ukraine.

It is characterised by a unique landform that originated millions of years ago as a result of tectonic movements during the folding of the Carpathians. Herculean forces uplifted the Roztocze area, while the terrain of the Sandomierz Basin (Kotlina Sandomierska), let’s call it a depression, subsided. It is the only place in Poland where we can so clearly see the geological boundary between the platform of Eastern Europe and the folded Western Europe. Remarkable, isn’t it?

Roztocze is divided into three parts: Western Roztocze (loess, in the Lublin Voivodeship, with the towns of Kraśnik and Szczebrzeszyn), Central Roztocze (sandstones, sands, limestones; in the Lublin and Podkarpackie Voivodeships, with Biłgoraj, Zwierzyniec, Zamość, RNP, and the Krasnobród Landscape Park), and Eastern Roztocze (more varied, reaching beyond the border, with the highest peak Czartowa Skała in Ukraine).

Zwierzyniec is, as you already know, an excellent gateway to Central Roztocze, also known as Tomaszów Roztocze. When travelling around Roztocze, absolutely loads of attractions await you. You can easily spend an interesting long weekend in Roztocze, or even, if you can afford it, a whole week’s holiday.

A quick trip to Zamość – pearls of the Renaissance

Although Zamość only borders Roztocze, acting as a kind of cherry on top of Roztocze’s attractions, a trip there will be a perfect, simply perfect, addition to a holiday in Roztocze. Zwierzyniec is very well connected to Zamość, so it’s literally, literally, a short drive away.

Zamość, known as the ‘Pearl of the Renaissance’, the ‘City of Arcades’, or the ‘Padua of the North’, gained town rights in 1580 based on the location privilege granted by Chancellor and Grand Crown Hetman Jan Zamoyski. Its Old Town has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Doesn’t that sound appealing?

A walk around the impressive 100 by 100 metre Great Market Square (Wielki Rynek), admiring the beautiful steps and the 52-metre town hall tower, as well as strolling along the defensive walls are, in my opinion, must-sees when visiting this exceptional city. Zamość has a completely different atmosphere to Zwierzyniec; it’s worth seeing the contrast.

A trip around Roztocze: from Krasnobród to Szczebrzeszyn and beyond…

Roztocze entices with many charming towns and villages, each with its own character. Just a 10-minute drive from Zwierzyniec, picturesquely situated on the River Wieprz, is the small town of Szczebrzeszyn. Made famous, quite rightly, by Jan Brzechwa and his poem about a beetle buzzing in the reeds, Szczebrzeszyn has a rich history – town rights were granted to it by King Casimir the Great in 1352. Today, it’s one of the hosts (along with Zamość) of the ‘Capital of the Polish Language’ festival which takes place in August.

Another place worth visiting is Krasnobród, located about 25 minutes from Zwierzyniec. Sometimes called the heart of Roztocze (although Zwierzyniec also has aspirations to that title), it lies on the Wieprz within the Krasnobród Landscape Park. Here you’ll find a popular reservoir (zalew), a viewpoint tower above a quarry (built in 2002 from Józefów limestone, identical to the one in Susiec), and above all, the Chapel on the Water (Kaplica na Wodzie), also called the Chapel of the Apparitions, commemorating, quite rightly, the apparition of the Mother of God to Jakub Ruszczykowski in 1640.

It’s also worth visiting the Saint Roch Valley (dolina świętego Rocha), where, in the ‘Święty Roch’ Reserve, stands a shingle-roofed chapel funded by Marysieńka Sobieska, featuring a painting of Saint Roch of Montpellier, the patron saint of those suffering from infectious diseases. Other interesting places include Górecko Kościelne and Górecko Stare (connected by a road with parking available, which is convenient), or Guciów with its open-air museum (skansen), which takes you back to bygone times. You can also head to Tomaszów Lubelski or Susiec (more on that, yes, in a moment). Because Roztocze is a network of places that connect with each other.

Active leisure in Roztocze – something for those keen on getting active

Roztocze is a land that, almost tangibly, invites you to be active. If, like us, you enjoy spending time outdoors, you have loads, simply loads, of options. It’s a real paradise for cyclists, and Roztocze’s rivers entice with kayaking trips. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect combination?

Cycling through Roztocze: Green Velo and the Central Cycling Trail

Roztocze is criss-crossed by wonderful cycling trails, which will delight any lover of two wheels. The most well-known is the Central Roztocze Cycling Trail, marked in red. It leads through the most interesting places in the region, starting, if I recall correctly, in Kraśnik, and ending all the way in Hrebenne. This trail runs, of course, through the Roztocze National Park, and its route is made easier by train stops (e.g., Józefów Roztoczański, Susiec, Maziły, Bełżec), allowing for flexible trip planning, which, I must admit, is very practical.

A section of the Green Velo Eastern Cycling Trail, probably recognisable throughout Poland, also runs through Roztocze and RNP. From the RNP Education and Museum Centre in Zwierzyniec, you can set off on a beautiful cycling route that passes by the Echo Ponds and follows the Florianka Road (Gościniec Florianiecki) through Rybakówka and Górecko Stare all the way to Florianka.

This particular Green Velo cycling trail is a great idea for a family trip, especially since in Florianka you can visit the Polish Pony Stable Breeding Centre and the RNP Forestry Chamber (Izba Leśna RPN). In fact, you could spend half a day there with children.

Kayaking trips: adventure on the Wieprz, Tanew, and other rivers

Roztocze is also a paradise for kayaking enthusiasts. It’s impossible to forget about that. The most popular river for trips is the River Wieprz. The shortest and, I’d say, easiest section runs from Obrocza to Zwierzyniec. But a more picturesque stretch, if you’re looking for beautiful views, starts from the village of Bondyrz.

From Zwierzyniec, specifically from the Rudka reservoir (zalew), kayaking trips are organised down the Wieprz all the way to Szczebrzeszyn. That’s a great full-day trip. For more advanced kayakers seeking a bit more of a challenge, we recommend the River Tanew, which flows through the Solska Forest (Puszcza Solska) and is, well, a bit more demanding. Trips on the Tanew often start in Osuchy and end in Stare Króle.

Trips are also possible on other Roztocze rivers, such as the Łada (e.g., from Sól to Harasiuki) or the Bukowa. Kayakers paddling down the Wieprz, or other rivers, can admire the surrounding nature from a completely different perspective, which, in my opinion, is the greatest advantage of these trips.

Roztocze cuisine and accommodation – where to eat well and sleep soundly?

After a day full of impressions, whether on the trail or the water, it’s time for a well-deserved rest and rejuvenation. Roztocze offers a wealth of flavours and, importantly, a varied accommodation base that should satisfy every traveller.

The most convenient place to look for accommodation in Roztocze is Zwierzyniec itself, which is an excellent starting point for exploring the entire region – from Western Roztocze, through Central Roztocze, to Eastern Roztocze (although getting to Kniazie in Eastern Roztocze from Zwierzyniec takes about 56 minutes by car, if I remember correctly, so that’s a fair distance).

Flavours of Roztocze: regional cuisine and recommended places

Roztocze cuisine is based on fresh, local products, and you can taste it! Be sure to try the regional specialities. Personally, although I know it’s a speciality of a neighbouring region, we recommend the Biłgoraj pieróg (pieróg biłgorajski). And buckwheat groat cutlets (kotlety z kaszy gryczanej) – surprisingly tasty!

In Zwierzyniec, a great place to try these dishes is Karczma Młyn (Mill Inn), picturesquely located right by the Church Pond. If you fancy something lighter but equally regional, it’s worth trying the Roztocze trout (pstrąg roztoczański).

Chata Rybaka (Fisherman’s Hut) in the nearby village of Bondyrz enjoys, from what I’ve heard, an excellent reputation, and indeed, the trout served there is superb. Near the Church Pond, you’ll also find, which might be surprising in such a place, a burger joint called Zwierzogródek, which, as our followers recommend (and they were right!), serves truly delicious burgers. Local inns (karczmy) and restaurants offer many other regional flavours that are simply worth discovering. Because food is an important part of any journey.

Where to find accommodation in Roztocze? from agritourism to hotels

Zwierzyniec, being, as we’ve repeatedly stressed, the heart of Roztocze, offers a good accommodation base to suit every budget and, importantly, different preferences. Here you’ll find comfortable hotels, cosy guesthouses, as well as charming agritourism farms (agroturystyka) or camping spots.

We had the opportunity to stay in a few places, but one that particularly stuck in our minds, in a positive way, was Agroturystyka Siedlisko pod lasem, where Mrs Maria offered us a mug of delicious tea upon arrival, instantly making us feel, as they say, right at home. (It’s a small gesture, but it means a lot!).

For those travelling with a tent or campervan, a good choice is the ‘Echo’ campsite, located near the ponds of the same name and the cemetery. Whether you’re looking for luxury, or closeness to nature and simplicity, you’re sure to find the ideal place to stay in Roztocze. In fact, there are so many options that everyone will find something to suit them.

Zwierzyniec: hidden gems and lesser-known, yet interesting attractions

Fortunately, Zwierzyniec isn’t just the church on the water and the Echo Ponds, although they are, of course, its landmarks. The town and its surroundings hide many hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that also, genuinely, deserve attention. Don’t limit yourselves only to the most popular spots.

Jewish cemetery, former paper mill, and other secrets of the past

An example of a lesser-known, but historically important place, is the Jewish cemetery (kirkut) in Zwierzyniec. It is one of the smallest Jewish cemeteries in Poland. Before the war, in 1939, the Jewish community in Zwierzyniec numbered, surprisingly perhaps, around 1000 people. Previously, Jews were buried in nearby Szczebrzeszyn.

Although the cemetery is small, it remains, despite the passage of years, an important testament to the region’s former multicultural history. It’s worth reflecting on this for a moment when visiting this place.

Not far from Zwierzyniec, in the Czartowe Pole Reserve, while walking along the banks of the Sopot stream, you’ll come across the ruins of the old Zamoyski paper mill. During the period of the Duchy of Warsaw and the Kingdom of Poland, it was a significant establishment, something few people remember today.

• Interestingly, the paper mill produced as much as 80% of the paper in the Lublin Governorate – an impressive number!
• It utilised the power of the Sopot stream current in the production process, which shows the ingenuity of engineers at that time.
• The watermark on the paper produced featured the Ordinate’s monogram and the Zamoyski coat of arms, like a company logo.

The paper mill’s decline was first brought about by two floods, and finally, the ultimate act of destruction, was completed by a fire. A sad history, but worth knowing about.

Wodospad nad Jeleniem, Czartowe Pole Reserve – hiking in the area

Roztocze is an excellent place for hiking, and the walking trails around Zwierzyniec offer lots, truly lots, to discover. One of the more interesting destinations is Wodospad nad Jeleniem (Waterfall over the Deer) – the largest waterfall in Roztocze, located in Susiec, on the border of Central Roztocze and the Biłgoraj Plain (Równina Biłgorajska).

The waterfall is located on the Jeleń stream, which flows from a small water reservoir called ‘Morskie Oko’ (Sea Eye). You can treat it as a separate, short trip, or, which I recommend, add it to a walk along the famous ‘Szumy nad Tanwią’ trail.

Another extraordinary place is the Czartowe Pole Reserve, located about a 25-minute drive from Zwierzyniec (you need to pass the village of Hamernia). The reserve lies within the Solska Forest Landscape Park (Park Krajobrazowy Puszczy Solskiej) and protects the picturesque gorge of the River Sopot, which is a right tributary of the River Tanew. A 1.4 km long educational trail leads through the reserve, which is ideal for a leisurely walk.

Although mosquitoes by the River Sopot can bite viciously (well, that’s a minor drawback, you need to be prepared), it’s worth it, it’s really very much worth, walking this route. Along the trail, you’ll see a monument commemorating the Polish military manoeuvres in 1931 and symbolic graves of partisans who fell in fighting in 1943.

The trail in Czartowe Pole, although often compared to the famous Szumy nad Tanwią (the ‘Whispers over the Tanew’ falls), offers a slightly different character and is also, in my opinion, incredibly charming. Two different, but equally beautiful routes.

Józefów and surroundings: geotourism, quarries, and viewpoint towers

Near Zwierzyniec is the town of Józefów, which is an important point on the map of Roztocze geotourism and offers several, not to say a dozen or more, interesting attractions.

Babia Dolina Quarry in Józefów: climbing and a trace of history

One of the key places in Józefów is the Babia Dolina Quarry (Kamieniołom Babia Dolina), known for its sheer limestone walls. This place has a quite recent history – in 2009, Polish soldiers trained here before their mission in Afghanistan. Who would have thought, right?

Today, the Babia Dolina Quarry is a popular spot among walkers and climbers, offering interesting views and geological attractions worth discovering. Near the quarry, there is also a reservoir (zalew) which formed in the former excavation site of a sand mine, which also adds to the place’s character. In Józefów, it’s also worth seeing the Jewish cemetery (kirkut) and the synagogue from the latter half of the 19th century, traces of the former community.

Józefów Viewpoint Tower: Roztocze panorama within reach?

Above the Babia Dolina Quarry in Józefów stands the Stone Viewpoint Bastion (Kamienna baszta widokowa), simply called ‘The Tower’ by locals. It was built from local limestone, originating precisely from the neighbouring Babia Dolina Quarry, which is, well, an interesting connection.

The tower is about 18 metres high, and from its summit, if you climb up, a beautiful, truly beautiful panorama unfolds over Central Roztocze and the Solska Forest Landscape Park, which borders Józefów. The tower is part of the Central Roztocze Geotourism Trail, which highlights its significance.

While in the market square (rynek) in Józefów, it’s also worth noting the fountain adorned with figures of animals characteristic of Roztocze, such as deer, Polish ponies, wild boar, wolf, lynx, white-tailed eagle, capercaillie, and fox. A small, pleasant touch like that.

Zwierzyniec and Roztocze – Final Thoughts

Zwierzyniec and the whole of Roztocze are places that, I deeply believe, can truly captivate you and make you want to return. We’ll certainly be coming back here! It’s a land full of contrasts – from historic towns to the wild nature of the Roztocze National Park.

Zwierzyniec is an excellent hub connecting many tourist trails, making it an ideal base. Here you’ll find walking trails, cycling trails, horse riding trails, as well as kayaking routes on the nearby rivers. The region offers varied routes – from nature trails, geological and landscape trails, to historical, cultural, architectural, and sacral trails, and even a specialised ethnographic trail. Viewpoint trails have been marked out for lovers of beautiful scenery. There are also options for a leisurely walking trail, a recreational trail, or an educational trail. Particularly interesting are the routes that combine different aspects of the region, such as the nature-forestry trail, nature-cultural trail, nature-historical trail, nature-ethnographic trail, nature-geological trail, nature-landscape trail, nature-viewpoint trail, nature-educational trail, nature-recreational trail, or nature-walking trail.

The River Wieprz flows through Zwierzyniec, ideal, as you already know, for kayaking.

Here you’ll encounter Polish ponies, breathe in the scent of the forest, and discover, if you’re willing, the secrets of the past. Remember that the Roztocze National Park, located in the Lublin Voivodeship, has its headquarters in the Plenipotent’s Palace in Zwierzyniec, which further underscores, if it were even needed, the town’s role as the centre of the region.

When planning your trip, consider the variety of attractions, because there’s plenty to choose from.

• Want to go hiking? You have the Bukowa Góra nature reserve (a strictly protected area, with a nature trail from Zwierzyniec), Piaseczna Góra, Tartaczna Góra (the highest hill in Zwierzyniec with a viewpoint tower), Biała Góra (an atmospheric viewpoint tower about 3.5 km from Zwierzyniec, from which you can see the Wieprz valley and surrounding hills like Bukowa, Tartaczna, Pałkowa Góra).
• Prefer cycling trips? There are the Green Velo or Central Roztocze Cycling Trails. You can cycle through the Roztocze National Park, for example from Zwierzyniec to Florianka (a former Ordinance forest settlement from 1830, named after the fourteenth-century knight Florian Szary – progenitor of the Zamoyski family – where you’ll find the impressive Florian Oak, the RNP Forestry Chamber and the Polish Pony Stable Breeding Centre).
• Maybe kayaking trips down the Wieprz or Tanew? That’s an option too.
• Interested in historical sightseeing? There’s historic Zwierzyniec (the Church of Saint John of Nepomuk – founded by Tomasz and Teresa Zamoyski – the Church on the Island), Marysieńka’s Alley (behind the buildings of the Zamoyski Ordinance administration), the Brewery in Zwierzyniec (founded as part of the Zamoyski Ordinance, brewing history began with English porter, today it belongs to a larger group, offers tours and tastings, and hosts the Summer Film Academy with an outdoor cinema every year – a great event!). But remember the difficult history too – in the years 1940-1944, the Germans established a German resettlement camp in Zwierzyniec, through which 24,000 prisoners passed, including 7,000 children. The tragic term ‘Children of the Zamość Region’ (Dzieci Zamojszczyzny) is also associated with Zwierzyniec. On 2 February 1944, a public street execution took place in the market square in Zwierzyniec – German units forcibly gathered residents, and the charge, oh, how terrible, was belonging to the resistance movement.
• Do you like geotourism? Józefów (Babia Dolina quarry, the viewpoint tower which is part of the Central Roztocze Geotourism Trail) awaits.

It’s also worth visiting the Czartowe Pole Reserve (about 25 minutes by car from Zwierzyniec) or the Nad Tanwią Reserve, where the Szumy nad Tanwią (the ‘Whispers over the Tanew’ falls) are located near the village of Rebizanty (with 24 rock steps on the Tanew, situated within the Solska Forest Landscape Park; an educational trail called “Szlak Szumów” runs through the reserve along the banks of the Tanew via Czarcie Pole; the Tanew meanders beautifully; the former Russian-Austrian border was located on the Tanew, which is also a historical curiosity).

You can get from Czartowe Pole to Szumy nad Tanwią in about fifteen minutes, so you can combine them. Near Szumy, there is also Wodospad nad Jeleniem on the Sopot stream in Susiec. In the area of Czartowe Pole and Szumy, it’s also worth remembering the viewpoint tower near the village of Susiec (33 mins from Zwierzyniec, on Góra Grabowiecka, resembles a bastion, with a panorama of Central Roztocze, the Solska Forest, and Susiec, by the road to Grabowica). Another interesting tower is in Krasnobród, and nearby is its neighbour in Józefów, which dominates the Babia Dolina quarry. As my friend the guide says, “in Roztocze, you can never have too many viewpoint towers!”.

Southern Roztocze also has its treasures, although, admittedly, a bit further from Zwierzyniec. There you’ll find the Baroque Łosiów Palace in Narol, erected by Count Antoni Feliks Łoś, or the Kobyle Jezioro nature trail and the Tanew Springs Reserve (already in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship). By the trail to Kobyle Jezioro, you’ll find parking in the hamlet of Złomy Ruskie within the Southern Roztocze Landscape Park.

Another interesting feature are the Orthodox churches (cerkwie), such as the brick Orthodox church of Saint Demetrius in Stary Dzików (its function ceased towards the end of World War II; scenes for Andrzej Wajda’s film ‘Katyń’ were shot here) or the ruins of the brick Orthodox church in Kniazie (in the Lubycza Królewska commune in Eastern Roztocze), built between 1798 and 1806, which received, yes, the relics of Saint Paraskevi (a Bulgarian holy nun who lived in the 11th century, whose relics travelled before the Turks, like Slavs fleeing infidels from the east – a historical analogy). This church was damaged in 1941 by artillery fire, and in 1944 it was burnt down, and scenes for the film ‘Cold War’ (Zimna wojna) directed by Paweł Pawlikowski were filmed next to this church, which is probably its most well-known modern fact.

Roztocze is a region where history and nature simply intertwine at every turn. Zwierzyniec, with its rich past and location at the heart of Central Roztocze, is a dream location to start. The Polish ponies in the Roztocze National Park, cycling and walking trails, kayaking trips, local flavours, stunning views from numerous viewpoint towers (Biała Góra, Tartaczna Góra in Zwierzyniec, Susiec, Krasnobród, Józefów) – it all awaits you to discover it.

Also remember to visit the Roztocze National Park Education and Museum Centre in Zwierzyniec, because it’s a mine of information. If you have children, you can take the little ones to the Rope Park in Krasnobród or see the Polish ponies in Florianka. This place, I am convinced, will certainly give you loads of positive experiences and beautiful memories. And you know what? Share your impressions of Roztocze on social media, let others know what a wonderful place it is!