Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Established in 1988, Opawskie Mountains Landscape Park (Park Krajobrazowy Góry Opawskie) covers a hilly region along the Czech border in the Opole Voivodeship of Poland. The park protects a diverse landscape of mixed forests, meadows, caves, and rivers characteristic of the Opawskie Mountains, part of the Eastern Sudetes. Its geology includes sedimentary rock formations, which have created a variety of habitats including unique limestone outcrops and karst features. The park supports a rich flora and fauna including protected species such as European lynx, beavers, and a multitude of bird species. Historically, the area has been shaped by centuries of small-scale agriculture and forestry, adding cultural heritage with traditional forest villages and sites. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers extensive hiking and biking trails that traverse scenic ridges, mountain streams, and viewpoints like the famously visited Biskupia Kopa mountain — the highest peak in the range. The park’s caves, such as Jaskinia Złota, attract spelunkers and adventure seekers. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Quiet and lesser-known than Poland’s national parks, Opawskie Mountains Landscape Park appeals most to those who appreciate peaceful nature walks, wildlife watching, and exploring Poland’s borderland natural history. The area is well suited for day trips and multi-day trekking, providing a gateway to the Sudetes mountain range and cross-border biodiversity corridors linking with the Czech Republic.
