Iłowa brings together garden art, architectural history and opportunities to explore the surrounding area by bike. Park Dworski, Pałac w Iłowej and the cycling routes described here give the town its different facets. You can focus on historic architecture, plants or an active exploration of the area.
Garden Art and Architecture in Iłowa
Examples of Japanese, English and French garden art can be seen in Park Dworski. These three traditions offer a concrete reason to focus on the design of the gardens: they represent different garden styles and are a key feature of the site. Those with a particular interest in gardens will also find a historical connection in the story of dahlias. At a dahlia exhibition held in Iłowa in 1939, 1,000 varieties were presented.
Another historical highlight is Pałac w Iłowej. Christoph von Schellendorf had it built in 1626. The building combines elements of the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau. Surviving details include stucco decorations and a wooden staircase with a balustrade. These styles give the palace a multifaceted architectural character, while the interior features mentioned add specific examples of craftsmanship.
The church of pw. Chrystusa Króla also preserves a remarkable instrument: its 28-stop organ was built in the 1930s by the company “E. Kempper & Sohn”. Together with the 1939 dahlia exhibition, it points to two distinct historical themes—sacred music and horticulture.
Gardens and Flowers Nearby
The Pudełek ornamental plant nursery in Iłowa has a show garden with collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. This extends the garden theme beyond Park Dworski to include a specialized plant collection. Święto Parku Dworskiego is also worth noting as part of the annual calendar: it takes place nearby every May, showcasing flower varieties cultivated in the surrounding area. As this is a seasonal event, it is advisable to check the dates before visiting.
Cycling Routes and Self-Guided Discoveries
All the routes on “Rowerem wokół Iłowej” start and end at the town hall building at ul. Żeromskiego 27 in Iłowa. Most of the routes run along forest roads. The yellow cycling route is about 25 km long, is rated easy and runs mostly along firm, well-maintained forest roads. Its approximate length and difficulty rating help with planning; it is a good idea to check current trail conditions before setting out.
The red cycling route passes the ruins of the cemetery in Nowoszów and a shelter by Cichy Staw. The yellow route can be assessed by its length, difficulty rating and described surface, while these two landmarks give the red route its specific points of interest. Two self-guided quests offer another way to explore Iłowa by theme. “W poszukiwaniu skarbów Iłowej” introduces the palace, redesigned by Count Friedrich von Hochberg, and the gardens inspired by his travels and his appreciation of beauty, especially flowers. “Spacer z Winklerem po Iłowej” takes you through Iłowa and shows places connected with the work of Wilhelm Winkler and his family. The focus of each is distinct: the palace and gardens in one, places associated with Winkler in the other.
More to Explore Nearby
Near Iłowa, the Bory Dolnośląskie offer opportunities for horseback riding, cycling, hiking and canoeing. These regional activities complement the garden, architecture and cycling-route themes associated with Iłowa, offering several ways to experience the surrounding landscape.
The Park Beats Festival is also part of the town’s events calendar: its third edition in Iłowa in 2026 featured music, dance and entertainment. This refers to that edition and does not promise that the festival will return in a future year.
Discover more destinations: Gmina Szprotawa, Żagań.
Go to the main travel overview: Sagan.
