More than 320 bird species have been recorded throughout the entire Wisła Valley. In Lipski County, the valley lies within the municipalities of Chotcza and Solec. Its broad riverbed is marked by numerous islands and sandbanks; around 40 species of water and wetland birds nest in the vicinity of Chotcza and Solec. This means you can encounter a range of river and wetland landscapes in the region.
The Wisła Valley and Protected Landscapes
The Wisła floodplain in Lipski County is part of Natura 2000 sites of international importance for the conservation of biological diversity. The Solec nad Wisłą Protected Landscape Area was established by an ordinance of the Masovian Voivode on 19 April 2002. Near Sadkowice, close to Solec nad Wisłą, a nature reserve protects steppe vegetation.
The wider geographical setting also shapes the landscape: Lipski County extends across the Radom Hills, the Opatów Upland and the Kozienice Basin. The Wisła Valley separates it from the Lublin Upland by a steep escarpment. If you are interested in fishing, there are opportunities to fish in the Iłżanka, Krępianka, Wisła and Kamienna rivers, as well as in standing waters.
Hiking and Cycling Routes in Lipski County
A marked green hiking trail connects Lipsko and Solec nad Wisłą over a distance of 11 kilometres. It follows the Krępianka through fields and woodland. Another type of route is the 39-kilometre red Rzeczniów–Sienno hiking trail: it passes through Kochanówka, Wólka Modrzejowa, Grabowiec, Podkońce, Płósy and Rzechów before returning to Rzeczniów. The information describes two different route lengths and types—a connection between Lipsko and Solec, and a circular route.
The “Szlak Żółwia i dinozaura” (Turtle and Dinosaur Trail), a walking and cycling route, also runs through Lipski County. The cycling network totals 415.6 kilometres, of which 208.8 kilometres lie within the county’s administrative boundaries. Route lengths may change if the signage is updated later.
Lipsko, the administrative centre of Lipski County, lies in the Krępianka Valley at the junction of National Road 79 between Warsaw and Sandomierz and Voivodeship Road 747 between Iłża and Solec nad Wisłą. This road junction provides a useful point of reference when including places in the county in your travel plans.
Castle Ruins, Churches and Culture
Solec nad Wisłą is home to medieval castle ruins dating from the 13th and 14th centuries: the remains of a border fortress built by King Casimir the Great. Sections of the walls and foundations, as well as traces of a cylindrical tower, have survived. The ruins are overgrown and unfenced. Also in Solec nad Wisłą stands St. Barbara’s Church, dating from the 16th century and considered one of the oldest wooden monuments in Masovia. The Reformed Franciscan monastery complex dates from the 17th century.
In Sienno, St. Zygmunt’s Church dates from the 15th century; a foundation plaque from 1442 is set into its wall. The village museum in Lipa Miklas is also among the listed attractions of Lipski County. In the municipality of Ciepielów, a synagogue is listed as a notable part of the county’s cultural heritage.
In Lipsko, the Lipskie Centrum Kultury, a municipal cultural institution serving the town and municipality, organises concerts, festivals, competitions, exhibitions and author events, among other activities. The programme changes, so check the latest dates if you are planning to attend an event.
Discover more destinations: Sadkowice, Lipsko, Kochanówka, Sienno, Wodąca, Gniazdków, Drezno, Ciepielów Municipality
For the regional travel overview: Masovia.
