Wlosan lies about 3 km south of Mogilany. Its religious heritage, a historical story about the forest and the landscape of the Wieliczka Foothills give the village several distinct facets. Alongside the chapel and church, a riding centre, walking trails and cycling routes are specific things to consider when planning a trip. This allows you to weigh up whether you would rather focus on culture, scenery or an activity involving horses.

Chapel, church and local history

The St Rita’s Chapel in Włosań was built in 2006 as a votive chapel by the Loster family, in gratitude for graces received through the intercession of Saint Rita. It is designated as a sacred site and a place of prayer, giving it a clear religious focus. If you would like to visit the chapel, check in advance whether visits are possible.

The municipality lists the Kościół NM Królowej Polski church in Włosań as a monument and tourist attraction. The municipal report for 2023 notes this designation. For choosing cultural destinations, this gives you a place explicitly listed as a monument as well as a place of prayer to consider.

A historical episode tells of Włosań residents who received permission from Bolesław Wstydliwy to set up beehives in the forest, collect honey and fish. They had previously served as forest guards. The permission therefore covered several specific uses: beehives could be set up in the forest, and honey could be collected and fishing was allowed. In the local history, the forest appears not only as a landscape but also as a place where historical activities and rights were exercised.

The possible origin of the place name also points to this landscape: Włosań probably comes from the word “wlasan” and refers to its former location in forests once called Czarny Las. The connection with the forest’s history is a probable interpretation. Together with the story about the use of the forest, it offers two distinct ways to explore the village’s past: through its name and through the specific activities of its residents.

Riding centre and trails in the Wieliczka Foothills

Ośrodek Jeździecki Włosań is located in Włosań, on scenic heights in the Wieliczka Foothills. There are numerous walking trails in the vicinity of the riding centre, leading to picturesque parts of the Wieliczka Foothills. Attractive cycling routes can also be found there. You can explore the area around the riding centre in different ways, on foot along the walking trails or by bike on the cycling routes.

One specific offer at the riding centre is the “Kucyk” package, intended for children aged four to eight. It includes led pony rides, with a trainer or helper leading the pony. The age range and supervision are part of the offer and provide clear guidance if you are considering this activity for a child in the appropriate age group.

The riding centre also offers the Caffe Włosań bistro on site as a place to relax and get refreshments. It adds a convenient stopping point to the horse- and landscape-related activities. When planning your trip, you can therefore take into account both outdoor activities and the opportunity to get refreshments at the riding centre.

Discover more destinations: Szczyglice, Zielonki, Sułoszowa, Kopanka, Przybysławice, Michałowice, Sułkowice, Krzeszowice.

For the main travel overview: Kraków.