Bystrzyca Valley Landscape Park

Bystrzyca Valley Landscape Park covers the valley of the Bystrzyca river in Lower Silesia, within five municipalities: Wrocław, Kąty Wrocławskie, Mietków, Sobótka and Miękinia. It covers 8,570 hectares and is one of the larger protected areas in the immediate vicinity of Wrocław.

When the park was created

The park was established on 27 October 1998, by an ordinance of the then Wrocław voivode. It has no buffer zone, that is, a protective zone surrounding its boundaries.

River and reservoir

The Bystrzyca river flows through the central part of the park, and most of the protected areas are concentrated around it. Within the park there is also the artificial Mietków Lake retention reservoir, one of the larger bodies of water in the region.

Birds of the valley

During the breeding season, 118 bird species have been recorded in the park, including the white stork, grey heron, mute swan and common buzzard. The river valley, with its numerous oxbow lakes and wet meadows, favours species associated with water and open landscape.

Mammals, amphibians and fish

Mammals found here include wild boar, European beaver, otter, fox, roe deer and bats. The park's waters are home to species including perch, roach, carp, pike, pikeperch and European catfish, while amphibians and reptiles include the grass snake, common toad, frogs and the smooth newt.

Practical information

• Extent: the municipalities of Wrocław, Kąty Wrocławskie, Mietków, Sobótka and Miękinia, Wrocław County
• The area covers the valley of the Bystrzyca river and Mietków Lake
• The park has no single entry point; it is explored via routes along the river and around the reservoir
• It's worth checking current information on trails and accessibility before setting off