Szydłowiec Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Szydłowiec with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring must-visit places, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, and more.


Introduction to Szydłowiec

Szydłowiec is a small town located in the Masovian Voivodeship, in central Poland, approximately 100 kilometers south of Warsaw. It has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century and boasts a well-preserved medieval Old Town.

Despite its small size, Szydłowiec has a lot to offer visitors, from its cultural and historical sights to its scenic nature trails and outdoor activities. The town is also known for its traditional cuisine and friendly locals.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, local culture and customs, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Szydłowiec

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Castle Hill

The Castle Hill is a natural elevation that was once the site of a 14th-century castle, which was destroyed during the Swedish Deluge in the mid-17th century. Today, the hill provides a picturesque backdrop for the town and is a popular spot for picnics and scenic walks.

The Old Town

The Old Town of Szydłowiec is a well-preserved example of medieval urban design and architecture. Its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic market square evoke a sense of the town’s rich history. The buildings along the market square include the Town Hall, the Gothic-style Church of the Holy Spirit, and the Renaissance-style Town Houses.

The Museum of Szydlowiec Region

The Museum of Szydlowiec Region is housed in a historic building on Wolnosci Street. The museum showcases the town’s history, culture, and traditions, including exhibits on local crafts, folk costumes, and historical artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Szydłowiec: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Sulejowski Reservoir

The Sulejowski Reservoir is a man-made lake created in the 1970s. It covers an area of 9,8 km2 and is a popular spot for fishing, sailing, and windsurfing. The lake’s surroundings also offer scenic hiking and cycling trails.

The Swietokrzyskie Mountains

The Swietokrzyskie Mountains are a picturesque range that provides a scenic backdrop for Szydłowiec. The mountains are a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and skiing, with several well-marked trails and ski resorts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Szydłowiec

Szydłowiec and its surrounding area offer several scenic trails for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Some of the popular routes include:

  • The Sandomierz Gorge Trail
  • The Swietokrzyski National Park Trail
  • The Cisowka Valley Trail

These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and are accessible throughout the year.

Best Things to Do in Szydłowiec: Activities and Tours

Szydłowiec Cultural Tour

Experience the town’s rich history and culture by taking a guided tour of the Old Town. Learn about the Polish town’s history, heritage, and traditions while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Sulejowski Reservoir Tour

Discover the scenic beauty of Sulejowski Reservoir with a guided boat tour. See the stunning landscape while learning about the flora and fauna of the area. It’s a unique way to experience the beauty of the region.

ATV Adventure

For adventure seekers, ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) tours offer an excellent way to explore the picturesque terrain of the Swietokrzyskie Mountains.

Week-Long Itinerary for Szydłowiec

Day 1 - Arrival and walking tour of the Old Town Day 2 - Visit to the Museum of Szydlowiec Region and Castle Hill Day 3 - Sulejowski Reservoir boat tour followed by a fishing afternoon at the lake Day 4 - Cycling excursion on the Swietokrzyski National Park Trail Day 5 - ATV adventure in the Swietokrzyskie Mountains Day 6 - Visit the nearby town of Radom Day 7 - Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Szydłowiec

Must-Try Dishes

Bigos

Bigos is a traditional Polish dish made of sauerkraut and a mix of meats, such as pork, bacon, and sausage. It’s slow-cooked with spices like paprika and served with rye bread or potatoes.

Barszcz

Barszcz is a sour soup made with beets. It’s usually served with a boiled egg or a dollop of sour cream, and it’s a staple dish in Poland.

Local Beverages

Wódka

Wódka (vodka) is Poland’s national drink and is usually served chilled, paired with pickles, herring, or bread. Szydłowiec has several bars that offer a variety of different vodka flavors.

Where to Stay in Szydłowiec: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Szydłowiec has a range of accommodation options to suit all kinds of travelers. Some of the popular choices include:

  • Hotel Sarmata
  • Villa Aviator
  • Hotel Wilson

What to Buy in Szydłowiec: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Local handicrafts, such as traditional pottery and embroidered fabrics, make great souvenirs. Szydłowiec also produces a range of dairy products like cheese and butter that make for excellent gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Szydłowiec

Polish culture places a strong emphasis on family values, national pride, and hospitality. The people of Szydłowiec are known for their warm and welcoming nature, and visitors can expect to be greeted with a smile.

Best Time to Visit Szydłowiec

The best time to visit Szydłowiec is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are in full swing. The town is also beautiful during the fall months, which offer stunning foliage vistas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Szydłowiec

Do:

  • Learn a few common Polish phrases before your visit
  • Try traditional Polish cuisine
  • Respect local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the importance of proper clothing and footwear for outdoor activities
  • Forget to carry cash, as some of the smaller shops and restaurants might not accept credit cards

Safety and Health

Safety in Szydłowiec

Szydłowiec is a safe town, and visitors need not worry about any significant safety concerns. However, ordinary precautions should be followed, such as avoiding empty streets at night.

Health in Szydłowiec

Visitors to Szydłowiec should ensure that they carry appropriate health insurance coverage. For emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Radom.

Getting to Szydłowiec: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Szydłowiec

The nearest airport is the Warsaw Chopin Airport, which is approximately 130 kilometers away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a train to Szydłowiec.

Bus Stations Near Szydłowiec

Szydłowiec has a central bus station, with several buses plying the route from nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Szydłowiec or take a train from Warsaw or Radom.

How to Get Around in Szydłowiec

The town is small enough to explore on foot. Visitors can also rent bicycles or take taxis to get around.

Where to Go Next from Szydłowiec: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Krzyztopor Castle

Krzyztopor Castle is a beautiful Renaissance-style castle located in nearby Ujazd. The castle provides an excellent example of Polish architecture and design, and its beautiful gardens are a must-visit for visitors.

Radom

Radom is a historic town located approximately 35 kilometers from Szydłowiec. It boasts several historical landmarks and museums, including the Museum of Radom and the Gothic-style St. Mary’s Church.

Conclusion

Szydłowiec is a quaint Polish town that provides a beautiful and relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty to do and see in this charming town. Plan your trip and enjoy the best of Szydłowiec’s treasures.

Town Hall of Szydłowiec Town Hall of Szydłowiec