The best cycling routes around Kozy

Worth visiting, beautiful view of the lake.

Zapora Porąbka (Międzybrodzie Bialskie) Object type: Dam and hydroelectric power plant. Height: 37.3 meters. Length: 260 meters River: Soła. Completion: 1936 (project by prof. Gabriel Narutowicz). Attractions: Viewpoint over Beskid Mały and Lake Międzybrodzkie. For cyclists/hikers: An asphalt road with a sidewalk runs across the dam's crest, allowing for safe passage and enjoyment of the panorama. It serves as an excellent landmark and a connecting point for routes around the lakes of the Soła cascade.

Quite high when you stand in front of it. There are free parking spaces directly in front ✌🏻

Right by the ski jump there is a free parking lot 😉

Entering Wilamowice, you step into one of the most fascinating cultural enclaves in Europe! The town's name (in the local language: Wymysoü) comes directly from the name Wilhelm (William) – a legendary Flemish or Frisian nobleman. In the 13th century, Wilhelm brought a group of settlers from Western Europe (present-day Belgium, the Netherlands, and even Scotland) who were fleeing great floods to this region. For centuries, the community, living in isolation, created its own unique Wilamowice language (wymysiöeryś), which has survived to this day and is the smallest living language in Poland. What is worth seeing here? Museum of Wilamowice Culture – a modern place where you can learn about the history of Wilhelm's migrants. Unique costumes and traditions – if you are lucky, you will see local women in colorful, traditional costumes with Frisian motifs. The Market Square in Wilamowice – the intimate center of the town, perfect for a short break on your cycling route.

Wilamowice and Stara Wieś The first settlers from the West did not found one village, but two twin settlements located right next to each other. This is confirmed by the oldest church documents (lists of tithes) from 1326: Stara Wieś – recorded in the documents as Antiquo Willamowicz (Old Wilamowice). Wilamowice – recorded as Novovillamowicz (New Wilamowice). Interestingly, the fates of the inhabitants of both villages took completely different paths: The inhabitants of Stara Wieś were very quickly assimilated with the surrounding Polish population. They adopted their language and customs, thereby erasing their Western roots. In turn, the inhabitants of (New) Wilamowice abandoned farming in favor of crafts and trade, lived in isolation, and thanks to this, preserved their unique language (wymysiöeryś), costumes, and cultural distinctiveness for centuries. Hypothesis about settlers from Scotland.. Mention of Scots appear regularly in the Wilamowice tradition alongside Flemings and Frisians. Local tradition in the Municipality of Wilamowice still officially upholds the version that the founding core consisted of fugitives from Western Europe, among whom, alongside the dominant Flemings and Frisians, there was also a group of Scots. Influence on language: Some researchers and the Wilamowians themselves have pointed out that in the Wilamowice language, one can find isolated sounds or archaic words that phonetically show a surprising similarity not only to Dutch, but also to Celtic languages or Old Scots (Scots) and Anglo-Saxon. Traces in surnames: Part of the family names and nicknames in Wilamowice has, over the years, been attempted to be etymologically linked to origins from the British Isles.

Wilamowice is a town near Bielsko-Biała, called "Polish Flanders". It is famous for its unique community: Wilamowian language: A distinct Germanic language that survived despite persecution after 1945. It is currently undergoing intense revitalization, and young scientists are conducting research on it. Traditions: Residents still cultivate colorful local customs today, cherishing the memory of 13th-century settlers from Western Europe. Wilamowian costume: The group also uses its own very characteristic and richly decorated traditional folk costume.

Current Condition and Accessibility Ownership: For a long time, the manor house was owned by the Porąbka Commune and housed the Village Cultural Center. However, a court recently ruled in favor of the heirs of the former owners, sparking a dispute over the future of the property. Technical Condition: Unfortunately, the building is currently neglected and requires extensive renovation, although it has great potential. Tours: The manor house is located within the manor complex, but access to its interior may be limited due to its technical condition and legal status. It is worth contacting the Porąbka Commune Cultural Center for up-to-date information on potential cultural events and tours. (tel. (33) 810 84 03)