Nature

Parkowe Nature Reserve in Złoty Potok

The valley of the Wiercica stream in Złoty Potok is a place where nature meets literature and economic history. The „Parkowe” reserve was established on 3 September 1957, and after enlargement in 2011 it covers 234.13 ha of hills, old woodland and spring-fed grounds within the Eagles' Nests Landscape Park and the Natura 2000 site „Ostoja Złotopotocka”.

The Springs of Zygmunt and Elżbieta

The Wiercica rises here from two springs. Źródło Zygmunta — a large spring fed through ten fissures — has preserved rare fauna, including the alpine flatworm, thanks to its low water temperature. Nearby flows Źródło Elżbiety, named by Zygmunt Krasiński after the poet's daughter who died young; the Krasiński family owned these lands in 1852–1858.

Rocks, ponds and the trout farm

Among the rocks it is worth visiting the Diabelskie Mosty with their wooden stairs and the distinctive Brama Twardowskiego, known from school lessons. In the centre of the reserve lies Staw Zielony, called the „Midsummer Night's Dream”, and below the springs a historic trout farm has been operating — the first in Poland, founded in 1881. In the 8th century an early-medieval stronghold stood on the hill.

Practical information

You can enter from Staw Amerykan in Złoty Potok or from the car park on road 793 from the Ostrężnik side. Wooden signposts give distances to the most interesting features, and entry is free.