Technical monuments

Raczyńscy Trout Farm in Złoty Potok

The Raczyńscy Trout Farm in Złoty Potok, in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, has been operating for over 120 years and is regarded as the oldest trout farm in Europe. It was founded in the 19th century by Count Edward Raczyński, who used the crystal-clear water of the famous Zygmunt and Elżbieta springs. 22 ponds and a hatchery, which still works today, were built at that time.

The first trout farm on the continent

At its inception it was the first and largest trout farm in Europe. In 1881 the first breeding batch of rainbow trout roe arrived here from America; the species went on to conquer tables across the continent. Over time brook trout, lake trout, Californian salmon, eel and Polish carp were introduced as well.

The 1935 lodge

In 1935 Count Karol Raczyński had a wooden lodge in the highland style built on the farm's grounds — the first shelter of the Polish Tatra Society in the Jura region. It is no longer in use, but it still stands among the ponds in the central part of the Parkowe reserve.

Fresh fish on site

The farm still operates: you can buy trout, carp and sturgeon here or eat them in the fryery located between the hatchery and the former shelter. In summer it gets crowded at lunchtime, and with poor phone signal cash comes in handy. The car park in front of the farm is free of charge.