Active leisure in Zloty Stok: from gold mines to extreme attractions

Active leisure in Zloty Stok: from gold mines to extreme attractions

June 11, 2025

Zloty Stok, a small town located in Lower Silesia, hides an extraordinary wealth of attractions that attract tourists craving both historical experiences and extreme thrills. This former mining settlement, famous for its centuries-old gold mining traditions, today offers much more than a history lesson. From the fascinating underground corridors of the gold mine, to the educational mining museum, to modern attractions for adrenaline enthusiasts, Zloty Stok is a complete destination for an active vacation. Regardless of age or interests, there is something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay in the picturesque Golden Mountains.

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The underground treasures of Zloty Stok

The Gold Mine in Zloty Stok is undoubtedly the region's flagship attraction, which has continually delighted visitors since it opened to tourists in 1996. This vast mining complex hides real treasures - not only gold, but also a fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages. The underground labyrinth of as many as 320 kilometers of passageways is a testament to the mining craftsmanship and determination of generations of miners, who for centuries have been pitting these rocks in search of precious ore.

The Gertruda Adit, which is the main part of the tourist route, introduces visitors to the mysterious world of ancient mining. Walking through the narrow corridors, one can almost hear the echo of the footsteps of the old miners and imagine their hard work by the light of the mounding lamps. Particularly fascinating is the fact that not only gold, but also arsenic, which for centuries was the region's main export product, was mined in this mine. During the tour you can see authentic mining tools, learn about ancient mining methods and hear fascinating stories about the life of the miners.

One of the most spectacular features of the mine is the only underground waterfall in Poland, located in the Czarna Górna Adit. This eight-meter cascade of water, spectacularly illuminated, creates unforgettable scenery that remains in the memory for a long time. For the brave there is an additional attraction - the opportunity to take a boat ride through the underground corridor, which is quite an adventure and allows you to look at the mine from a completely different perspective.

Inextricably linked with the gold mine is the Museum of Mining and History of Zloty Stok, which comprehensively presents the history of mining in the region. The museum's exposition includes not only exhibits related to gold mining, but also a unique collection of minerals and memorabilia documenting the daily life of the former inhabitants of Zloty Stok. Of particular interest is the Chamber of Remembrance and the unique Museum of Warnings and Appeals, where a collection of plaques, mainly with occupational safety and health regulations, has been gathered, which amusingly illustrate how attitudes to occupational safety have changed over the years.

A unique element of the complex is the Medieval Mining Settlement - a replica of an old mining village built on a 1:1 scale based on engravings and descriptions by Georgius Agricola. This educational path allows you to travel back in time and see what life was like for miners in the Middle Ages. Here you can see craft workshops, learn about ancient techniques of mining and ore processing, and take part in gold panning - an activity that is very popular with both children and adults. For the youngest, an additional attraction is the opportunity to mint a commemorative gold coin.

Extreme attractions for adrenaline seekers

The Golden Slope is not only history and education - it is also a paradise for lovers of active recreation and extreme thrills. The Skalisko Forest Adventure Park, located in the immediate vicinity of the gold mine, offers a number of attractions that will make the adrenaline level rise even in the most demanding tourists. This park, harmoniously integrated into the natural terrain, takes advantage of the natural advantages of the area, creating a space for active outdoor fun.

The main attraction of Skalisko is an extensive rope park with routes of varying difficulty, adapted to the age and skills of participants. From easy trails for the youngest to challenging obstacles suspended high above the ground for adults, everyone will find a challenge to suit their abilities. Crossing rope bridges, Tyrolean descents or balancing on logs suspended several meters above the ground is not only great fun, but also an excellent exercise in motor coordination and overcoming one's fears.

The park also offers a climbing wall, which is an ideal introduction to the world of climbing for both children and adults. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can take your first steps in this demanding discipline or perfect the skills you already have. The variety of climbing routes with varying degrees of difficulty means that everyone will find a challenge suitable for themselves.

For lovers of more dynamic entertainment, Skalisko has prepared a paintball field - a team game that combines elements of strategy, cooperation and healthy competition. The games take place on a specially prepared terrain, full of natural and artificial obstacles, which further increases the level of excitement and requires participants not only to have an accurate eye, but also to think tactically.

One of the park's more original attractions is the 'diamond field', where you can feel like a treasure hunter, sifting through the sand in search of shiny stones. This activity, although less extreme, provides plenty of fun especially for the youngest explorers and is a great addition to the park's offerings.

For two-wheeled enthusiasts, a true paradise is the Singletrack Glacensis 'Zloty Stok Loop' - part of a larger network of bicycle routes stretching across the Polish-Czech borderland. This specially designed one-way route leads through the picturesque terrain of the Zlaté Mountains, offering both technical sections for advanced cyclists and easier sections accessible to less experienced cyclists. The loop, which is a dozen kilometers long, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding countryside, while providing a solid dose of adrenaline on the more challenging sections.

The route was designed in accordance with the best world standards, with a view to making maximum use of the natural terrain. Narrow paths winding among the trees, natural obstacles, fast descents and technical climbs - all of these make riding the singletrack an unforgettable experience. Importantly, the route is regularly maintained and marked, ensuring the safety of even less experienced cyclists.

Education and entertainment for the whole family

The Golden Slope, in addition to extreme attractions and historical treasures, also offers spaces where education is combined with fun, creating the perfect place for families with children. The SOWA Imagination and Activity Discovery Zone is a state-of-the-art educational facility that introduces children and young people to science, technology and nature in an interactive way. It's a place where you can touch science, experiment and learn through play.

The SOWA Zone is designed to foster creativity and cognitive curiosity. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational games make science a fascinating adventure. Here children can conduct experiments on their own, observe physical and chemical phenomena, and learn the laws governing the natural world. All this takes place in a fun atmosphere, without school coercion, which makes the knowledge assimilated in a natural and lasting way.

Particularly interesting are the thematic workshops organized regularly at SOWA, during which children can explore selected scientific issues under the guidance of experienced educators. From geological workshops, referring to the mining traditions of the region, to classes in robotics and programming, the offer is extremely diverse and tailored to different age groups.

It is worth noting that SOWA is not a typical museum, where exhibits are viewed from behind glass - here everything can be touched, tried and tested. Such a form of education is particularly valuable for children, who learn best through experience and active action. Parents, on the other hand, will appreciate the fact that while their kids are playing and learning, they too can learn many interesting things or simply relax in a friendly space.

Complementing Zloty Stok's educational offer are numerous events and festivals organized in the city, especially during the summer season. Days of Zloty Stok, mining festivals or demonstrations of ancient gold mining techniques are just some of the attractions that attract tourists and local residents. These events often draw on the mining traditions of the region, combining historical education with fun.

When planning a visit to Zloty Stok, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. First of all, it is worth reserving at least half a day to visit the gold mine including the museum and the medieval settlement. The temperature in the underground remains constant at around 7-10 degrees Celsius, regardless of the season, so even in summer warmer clothing is useful. On the other hand, when going on a bicycle singletrack, make sure you have the right equipment - a mountain or trekking bike and a helmet, which is a must for the route.

Ticket prices for individual attractions can be described as average, with most places offering discounts for children, teenagers and seniors, as well as family tickets, which allow you to save a bit when visiting with the whole family. Combination tickets are also worth noting, allowing you to visit several attractions at a lower price.

Zloty Stok is a place that proves that small towns can also offer a rich array of tourist attractions. Combining mining history with modern forms of entertainment and education, it creates a comprehensive offer for tourists of all interests and ages. Whether you're a history lover, an adrenaline seeker or a parent looking for a place to take your children on an educational trip, you're sure to find something for you in Zloty Stok.

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