You can explore Drzewica through two themes: Zalew Drzewicki, with its paths and leisure activities, and local history, which is visible at St. Luke’s Church, Plac Wolności and in the history of canoeing. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping these highlights and the sports and leisure centre’s operating season in mind.

Paths and leisure activities at Zalew Drzewicki

A 508-metre-long, lit and signposted footpath and cycle path was laid out on the north shore of Zalew Drzewicki in 2010. The short route can be explored on foot or by bike. A floating T-shaped pier is located beside the path. It consists of two sections and an access ramp, and is 15.4 metres long. This means the lakeshore has two features of different lengths: a 508-metre stretch of path and a 15.4-metre pier.

There is also a playground along the footpath and cycle path on the north shore. The town of Drzewica describes it as the best-equipped playground of its kind in the town. Another attraction is the Drzewica Sports and Leisure Centre at Zalew Drzewicki. It is a local hub for water sports and operates from May to September. Check its operating period before your visit.

The bathing area at 2 Zdrojowa Street is free and supervised; it has a beach and a beach volleyball court. Confirm current supervision and operating arrangements before your visit. The quest trails in Drzewica offer another way to engage with the town: you can follow them using the free-to-download “Questy - Wyprawy Odkrywców” app or quest cards. Cards are available at the Regional Cultural Centre and Drzewica Town Hall; you can check their current availability there before visiting.

St. Luke’s Church, Plac Wolności and the history of canoeing

The history of St. Luke’s Church includes two clearly distinct dates: it was founded by the Drzewicki family in 1315, and Wojciech Drzewicki made it a parish church in 1321. A statue of St. John of Nepomuk, donated by Ludwika Szaniawska in 1788, stands in the square in front of the church. Together, the church and statue offer both an early point of reference and a later 18th-century testament for those interested in history.

In the historic centre, a park laid out in the 1950s takes up most of Plac Wolności. Lime and acacia trees grow there. A cycle route runs along Kilińskiego Street to the square, where there is a large information board. This makes the square a specific destination on a cycle route, while the church and statue provide a separate historical point of reference.

Zalew Drzewicki also has an industrial origin: it was created to supply a blast furnace, the construction of which Filip Szaniawski began in 1760. To provide the water supply, water was dammed at a suitable location to form a large pond. At that time, the pond covered 8.6 hectares. This historical figure refers to the pond from this period of its origin.

Slalom canoeing in Drzewica began in 1978, when a canoeing section was established. A new canoe slalom course was officially opened in 2005 and was then among the most modern slalom facilities in Europe. The dates mark distinct stages: the start of the local sport and, later, the opening of the course. Its description at the time as a modern facility should be understood in its historical context.

Plan your stay

Plan your visit to the centre during its operating season and check current supervision and operating arrangements at the bathing area.

Discover more destinations: Celestynów, Małoszyce, Opoczno.

Go to the overview of the wider area: Opoczno.