The Bramy Morawskiej Arboretum covers 150 hectares of hilly terrain dominated by mixed forest. Thanks to the nearby Moravian Gate, this area is rich in remarkable plants, animals and fungi. Numerous living creatures migrated through the gate and continue to do so. Racibórz itself lies in the Upper Oder Valley.
Forest, nature trails and wildlife
Two signposted and clearly marked nature trails give the arboretum different thematic focuses: one dendrological and the other ecological. The dendrological trail draws attention to trees and shrubs, while the ecological trail focuses on relationships in nature. As you explore, you can focus on different aspects of the hilly mixed-forest terrain.
The Łężczok Forest and Pond Nature Reserve also brings together different habitats. Established in 1957, it protects a species-rich riparian forest and former Cistercian fishponds. Its fauna includes, among other things, 249 bird species, several hundred invertebrate species and 46 wild mammal species. The riparian forest and ponds are two distinctive features of the protected area; its biodiversity ranges from birds and invertebrates to mammals.
Another wildlife attraction is the European bison enclosure in Racibórz-Brzezie: it covers more than 10 hectares and was created specifically for European bison. The mini-zoo at the Bramy Morawskiej Arboretum is home to around 100 animals and birds; it is currently closed for renovations.
Parks with distinctive features
Roth Park, formerly known as Gondola Park, covers 5.46 hectares. One hectare of that area is taken up by a pond with an island and a fountain. There is a viewing terrace beside the pond on Bema Street. The water and terrace provide clear landmarks within the park, while its former name records another name for the same place.
At 13.87 hectares, Zamkowy Park is larger than Roth Park. It is legally protected and has been listed in the register of immovable monuments of the Silesian Voivodeship under number A/1672/66/97 since 17 December 1997. The two parks therefore have different defining features: Roth Park is distinguished by its pond, island and fountain, while Zamkowy Park is notable for its protected status and listing as a monument.
Castle history and exhibitions
The chapel at the ducal castle in Racibórz-Ostróg was probably built in the 1280s. The bishop endowed a collegiate church of St Thomas Becket at the castle chapel. To this day, the chapel is considered an outstanding work and a “pearl of Upper Silesian Gothic”—a striking blend of architectural and regional art history.
The malt house at the ducal castle houses the interactive multimedia exhibition “Historia Górnego Śląska czasów Piastów i Przemyślidów.” It is considered one of the most modern exhibitions of its kind in Poland. The exhibition’s title refers to the history of Upper Silesia during the reigns of the Piasts and Přemyslids; its interactive format offers a different approach from the historic architecture of the castle chapel.
The museum in Racibórz presents permanent and temporary exhibitions in the former Dominican church at ul. Gimnazjalna 1. The permanent exhibition “W Domu Ozyrysa” includes the mummy of the Egyptian woman Dżed-Amonet-Ius-Anch, a cartonnage fragment and two anthropoid sarcophagi. If these particular objects are key to your visit, check the current exhibition contents in advance.
Puzzles and city views
Racibórz also offers Questy outdoor games, in which participants solve riddles and complete tasks in the real world. Another format is the Panorama Raciborza mural: it depicts a panorama of the city created by Friedrich Bernhard Werner and produced in Nuremberg in the mid-18th century. Alongside architecture and exhibitions, you can discover playful challenges and a historic cityscape.
Discover more destinations: Kobyla, Szonowice, Ratibor, Kuźnia Raciborska, Rzuchów, Rudy, Pogrzebień, Chorzów.
For the broader travel overview: Silesia.
