The Polish pyramids, Zdrojowy Park, and Wielka Czantoria are tourist attractions that are worth visiting when exploring Ustroń in the Silesian Beskids. Where else should you go?
If you were to see a picture of pyramid-shaped buildings set against green trees, there’s a good chance you could easily identify the town where it was taken. That’s Ustroń – a place that attracted crowds during the PRL era. Ustroń Zawodzie is an outstanding example of spa architecture, appreciated not only in Poland. There are 17 pyramids here, the construction of which began in the 1960s and continued until the 1990s. Architects Henryk Buszko, Aleksander Franta, and Tadeusz Szewczyk aimed to harmonize the structures with the local nature, drawing inspiration from the shapes of traditional highlander roofs. Although the buildings' glory days have passed, Ustroń remains a popular destination in the Silesian Beskids. So, what’s worth visiting in Ustroń? What tourist attractions await mountain lovers? Check out our guide and don't miss these highlights.
Tourist attractions at altitude - Równica and Wielka Czantoria
The Beskids are a great place to enjoy nature and a healthy getaway – hiking in the mountains allows you to fully appreciate these benefits. While in Ustroń, it’s worth visiting Równica (884 meters above sea level) and Wielka Czantoria (995 meters above sea level). You can even drive up Równica by car – there’s a paved road, and the hike itself is easy and accessible for everyone, including families with children. On Równica, there’s a rope park, a toboggan run, and a shooting range for kids. The toboggan run, where you can zoom down the rails at high speeds, is a major attraction. Nearby, there’s a tavern where parents can relax while older kids enjoy the activities.
You can reach Wielka Czantoria by chairlift with four-person seats. In summer, Czantoria attracts hiking enthusiasts and fans of summer toboggan runs, while in winter, it becomes a paradise for skiers.
Tourist attractions for children - Leśny Park Niespodzianek
If you’re visiting the Silesian Beskids with kids, be sure to visit Leśny Park Niespodzianek (Forest Surprise Park). Spread over 15 hectares, the park is home to 30 species of animals, including owls, eagles, bison, and mouflon. This place offers a unique opportunity for close interaction with animals – you can feed deer and fallow deer directly from your hand. Daily shows of birds of prey in flight attract many visitors. For the youngest ones, there’s a Fairy Tale Alley, educational games, and a playground. The park is open year-round and offers both educational and recreational attractions.
Wellness attractions – Zdrojowy Park and the Water Drinking Hall
Zdrojowy Park and the Water Drinking Hall in Ustroń are key wellness spots in the Silesian Beskids. The building of the hall, inspired by the form of Ustroń’s pyramids, draws attention with its modern glass design. Below, the Zygmunt spring provides water with a slightly acidic pH (6.6) and a soft texture. This water, rich in bicarbonate and calcium, has health benefits, especially for the digestive system.
Next to the water hall, there’s a saline graduation tower, where air saturated with minerals has inhalation benefits. A walk nearby promotes relaxation and improves respiratory health. The park around the drinking hall offers charming walking paths and outdoor exercise zones, allowing for active recreation. Access to the water hall and other attractions is completely free, making this place attractive for both spa-goers and tourists.
Ustroń Museum and Regional Museum Stara Zagroda
The Ustroń Museum, named after Jan Jarocki, is the perfect place to delve into the region’s history and culture. It’s located in a historic building of the former "Klemens" steelworks and displays exhibits related to metallurgy and ethnography. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events such as workshops and author evenings.
Stara Zagroda is a private ethnographic museum situated in a traditional highlander homestead from 1768. This place perfectly captures the atmosphere of old Cieszyn Silesia, showcasing old tools and everyday objects. It’s worth noting that this museum is only open during the tourist season.
Historic churches and Ustroń’s Market Square
In Ustroń, it’s also worth visiting the historic churches, such as St. Clement's Church from 1787 and the Evangelical-Augsburg Church of Apostle James the Elder. Both places are not only sites of worship but also important architectural monuments that shed light on the region’s history. It’s worth mentioning that Ustroń and Wisła are towns with very diverse religious communities. Christians, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals all practice here. And it has been like this for centuries, though there were not always periods of mutual tolerance. For example, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Evangelicals used the Malinowska Cave near Ustroń while being persecuted in Silesia.
How to get to Ustroń from Wisła?
Ustroń lies next to Wisła, so there’s a good chance that if you’re traveling to our hotel by car, you’ll pass either through Ustroń or Szczyrk. However, if you’re traveling by train and want to take a day trip to Ustroń, use the Green Wisła Train. One of the routes runs through Równica and Ustroń Zawodzie and takes about 3.5 hours, including an hour of free time on Równica.
Conclusion
Ustroń is a place that combines various attractions – from friendly mountain trails to unique pyramid structures and relaxing walks in Zdrojowy Park. Whether you're planning a family trip or looking to unwind at a spa, Ustroń has much to offer. Nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking active leisure will all find something to enjoy, making it the perfect destination for a short yet eventful vacation.