The water park in Tarnow Mountains is one of two of its kind in the Silesian Voivodeship (there is another water park "Nemo - Water World" nearby in Dąbrowa), and is a major attraction for sports and recreation lovers in this region. All year round it attracts no less tourists than the famous Black Tower in the ancient mines in the Tarnow Mountains.
The water park has three swimming pools with a total area of 1159 sq.m., three water slides, the longest of which is more than 100 meters, as well as many other entertainments - an artificial wave, a “wild river”, jets of water gushing from the floor, water massage, and a salt pool. And, of course, there is everything that every self-respecting water park should have - sun loungers, a jacuzzi, a fitness center, massage rooms. In addition, there is a swimming school for everyone, a gym, a fitness center and a salt cave. There is even a shopping arcade on the territory of the complex.
Address: Park Wodny w Tarnowskich Górach, Agencja Inicjatyw Gospodarczych S.A.,ul. Obwodnica 8, 42-600 Tarnowskie Gory
Swimming pools: 3 indoor
Additionally: sauna, jacuzzi, 3 tube slides
Open all year round
When a sharp movement of her hand disturbed the calm depths of the underground river, a pitiful but short cry seemed to come from her throat. The pain of the broken water mirror floated away in a wave and the river became silent again. As the boat broke away from the shore, the creak of its old bones crashed into the silent walls of the cave and quickly disappeared. Pitch darkness devoured every sound, every color. The darkness was crippled only by the modest flickering of torches. Tarnow Mountains hide in their dungeons deathly silence, dead colors and, oddly enough, a rainbow.
What is this city hiding?
Tarnowske Góry is a fairly large city in . Its strange name comes from the small village of Tarnowtsi and the word “gury”, which in translation means both mountains and mountain mines. The history of the Tarnow Mountains began in the 15th century, when significant deposits of silver, zinc and lead were discovered in this area.
We go down the steep steps into the dungeon. A small boat is moored on the bank of an underground river, in which several tourists are already sitting. The guide stands silently near the boat, reminiscent of the mythical Charon with his detached appearance. We prepare for the excursion in complete silence. Only ten and a half meters underground - and all this noisy city life seems so far away and funny. Ahead is an underground, unexplored world.
Ahead is an unknown underground world.
The “Czarny Pstrong” (Black Trout) mine is one of the most famous attractions in Tarnowskie Góry. It became available to visitors back in 1957. The route is taken by boat from the Sylvester mine (30 meters deep) to the Eva mine (20 meters), or vice versa. During the excursion you can admire stalactites and original sections of the ancient underground path carved into the dolomite mass. The route takes about one hour and is accompanied by a guide who tells legends and facts about lead mining in Góry Tarnowski. This underground boat route is, in fact, the longest in Poland.
The longest underground boat route in Poland.
We sail under the Gate of the Lazy (Gate of the Lazy). So that the curse of eternal laziness does not fall on us, we tap our knuckles three times on the arches of the tunnel. In the underground world, despite the pitch darkness, life is in full swing. Here, right next to the side of the boat, a flock of trout swam by. In the dim light of the torches, the fish appear black. Hence the name of the mine – Charny Pstrong. A bat flies overhead, frightened by the glow of torches. These amazing mammals fearlessly fly straight towards their uninvited guests and only at the last moment before a seemingly head-on collision do they manage to turn sharply to the side. Feeling a sudden gust of wind on your face, it is difficult to say whether you managed to avoid the bat’s attack, or whether it was the touch of something unknown living in this underground temple of silence and shadows.
The route can be covered by boat in an hour.
The famous Black Trout Tunnel is not the only attraction of Tarnowskie Góry. After a fascinating excursion through the dungeons, we get to the surface, where the bright sun blinds our eyes, already accustomed to the darkness, with its rays. In front of us is Repetsky Park.
Reserve "Park Repetsky"- a picturesque forest complex located between Repty and Stare Tarnowice. It was founded in the 19th century on the territory of the von Donnersmarck family. Today, the park houses the Gornošlensky Rehabilitation Center named after General Zentek, a supporter of the policy. In addition to traditional treatment, the resort offers its patients oxygenation of the body while walking through beech forests.
A picturesque reserve.
The park contains many plants listed in the Red Book and carefully protected. Here you can find rare herbal plants, flowers and, of course, lush relict trees. The Drama River flows through the park, its waters fill the reserve with a cheerful murmur.
Not far from Repetsky Park, in Stare Tarnowice (Tarnowy Góry district), there is a delightful small palace built in the second half of the 16th century on the site of the former residence of Włodków (an ancient aristocratic family). The palace has a distinct Renaissance style and is a real decoration of the city.
The Wrochem Palace is a decoration of Tarnowskie Góry.
The palace was built on the initiative of Piotr Wrochem, whose reign became the “golden age” of the city of Tarnowskie Góra. Unfortunately, after World War II, the palace and the surrounding lands became the property of the local state farm. Dozens of years of captivity in the hands of the “builders of communism”, who wanted to reduce everything to ugliness, chaos and poverty, did not pass without a trace for the palace. Unofficially, he was sentenced to destruction. This continued until 2000, when it became private property. High-quality repairs, restoration and “beautification” were carried out, which undoubtedly contributed to the restoration of the former glory of the “pearl” of the Tarnowski Mountains.
Now there is a luxurious restaurant in the palace.
Tarnowske Góry is a charming town in every way. In addition, it is one of the oldest mining centers in Europe. In the heart of the Old Town Square stands the delightful Town Hall, born in 1889.
Dark purple clouds hang over the Old Square. The sun modestly breaks through the curtain. Suddenly, it starts to rain. Huge drops that look like sapphires dance their frantic mazurka against the backdrop of ancient houses. With the last bars of this delightful dance, a shimmering rainbow yoke appears in the sky.
Tarnowskie Góry is a stunning city.
The Tarnow Mountains bloomed with all the colors of the rainbow, demonstrating their dazzling beauty. Such moments remain forever in human memory. And before the evening silks, embroidered with billions of star beads, descend on the land of Šla, you need to hurry and get to know this wonderful town better.
Silesia is a world-famous industrial region where mining has been going on since the early Middle Ages. Over many centuries, a large number of adits have formed in the region, which amaze with their beauty. One of them is located in the city of Tarnowske Góry. By the way, the word “gury” itself is translated from the Old Polish language as “mines”.
The history of the settlement is closely connected with the mining of lead, zinc and silver. As legend has it, the first piece of silver was discovered by a certain peasant named Rybka in 1490. The news of the discovery quickly spread throughout Poland, and numerous settlers began to arrive in the area in the hope of getting rich. This is how Tarnowskie Góry was founded. Local mines acquired special importance in the European economy, and Polish silver found its way into the markets of many countries - Germany, France, England, Spain, Austria. With the beginning of the industrial revolution, mining volumes in Tarnowskie Góry increased manifold.
Today, mining of valuable metals has ceased in the city, but local mines are still open to tourists. Over the course of 500 years, underground labyrinths – chambers, drifts and adits – formed near Tarnowske Góra. The premises are partially flooded, which gives them additional flavor. However, the mines are equipped with everything necessary for excursions, so travelers will not have any difficulty getting into even the hard-to-reach corners of the labyrinth. You can cross underground reservoirs on boats prepared in advance by the administration of the unique underground museum. You should pay attention to the “black trout” adit - this is a large underground river, in which there is even fish. The system of partially flooded caves attracts special attention from tourists, since such natural wonders are considered extremely rare. Excursions along the “black trout” route are conducted separately.
How did miners cope with high humidity? They built several drifts specially designed to drain water from the mines. Over time, these engineering structures ceased to cope with the assigned tasks, and water began to accumulate in the underground vaults. Insufficient maintenance of communications led to the formation of unique underground reservoirs.
Above the mines are museums of steam engines and the mining industry. There you can get acquainted with the peculiarities of mining in Silesia, as well as learn more about rocks and their processing technologies. The museums contain not only modern technology, but also devices used in the Middle Ages and Modern times. The industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries also left its mark on the history of Tarnowskie Góra. The city was a large mining center, so local enterprises were equipped with the best steam engines. Guests of museums and mines have a unique chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of antiquity. In addition, the museums contain a unique collection of minerals and items related to the mining industry.
The underground complex in Tarnowskie Góry continues to live its own special life. The caves are overgrown with legends and tales, but retain their original alluring mystical image. There are several hotels, restaurants and a water park in the city near the dungeons. Tourists can also visit the local castle in the Rybna area.
