Spytkowice: Skiing, Remembrance and the History of Beekeeping

Spytkowice can be explored through a wide range of topics: the Beskid ski resort offers downhill slopes and cross-country trails, while places of remembrance of September 1939 and historic beekeeping exhibits offer insights into the area’s history. There is also an art gallery and views of Babia Góra and the Tatra Mountains. This lets you shape the focus of your stay around the interests of your travel group.

Skiing and Cross-Country Skiing in the Beskid

At the Beskid ski resort, visitors can use four slopes rated easy to intermediate. There is a separate practice slope for young beginners. It is wide and gentle, set apart from the rest of the ski area, and equipped with an 80-metre-long conveyor lift. Those getting their first experience on skis will find a dedicated area here; the other slopes are rated easy to intermediate.

Cross-country skiing is also available: the trails are two to five kilometres long and cater to both beginners and advanced skiers. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Babia Góra. The trails are laid out when there is sufficient natural snowfall. This distinguishes them from the four downhill slopes both in terms of the stated trail length and their snow conditions. When choosing an activity, you can therefore decide whether you would rather ski downhill or use a cross-country trail.

Places of Remembrance and Paths into History

Several places in Spytkowice commemorate the fighting of September 1939. The parish cemetery contains the grave and memorial to Lieutenant Tadeusz Stefaniszyn, who fell on 2 September 1939. The memorial stone on Gronik marks the place where Lieutenant Stefaniszyn lost his life. It is also a venue for local patriotic commemorations. The stone can be reached by a path near the cemetery; after the first turn off the road, a further walk of about 700 metres is required.

The battle trail of the 12th Infantry Regiment starts at Primary School No. 2 in Spytkowice Dolne and ends at the cemetery in Spytkowice. It runs through valleys along the Polish defensive line of September 1939. This provides a way to learn about the history along a route whose starting point, end point and historical context are specified. Another local tradition is the Way of the Cross, attended each year by residents of Spytkowice and nearby places on the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II. It is led ceremonially by parish priest Józef Hajnos and the Spytkowice branch of the Związek Podhalan.

Beekeeping, Art and Views

Behind the municipal office is an open-air museum featuring historic beekeeping exhibits. Many of the historic beehives there are more than 150 years old; Józef Różański has been collecting them since 1975. Those interested in traditional crafts and beekeeping will find a different way to explore local history here than at the memorial sites.

Pasieka Pod Lasem includes the Gallery of Saint Ambrose, with more than 100 works. The collection features professional, amateur, folk and children’s art. At the Karczma widokowa na stoku, you can enjoy views of Babia Góra, Spytkowice, Jordanów and the Tatra Mountains in different seasons. The gallery and the views complement the historical themes with art and landscape.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Stay

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Spytkowice, you can start by thinking about which theme you want to shape your stay: the slopes in the Beskid, the places of remembrance connected with the history of 1939, or discoveries related to beekeeping and art. Plan your days around these interests and, when visiting the memorial stone on Gronik, allow for the additional walk described above.

For the broader travel overview: Bad Rabka.