Discover Chełm

Beneath the city: the chalk tunnels

The tourist route through Chełm’s chalk tunnels covers about one kilometre of underground passages beneath the city centre. Chambers and niches along the route tell the story of both chalk mining and the city. The approximate route length gives you a specific point of reference when planning this distinctive glimpse into Chełm’s past as part of your day.

Museum and city history

The four buildings of the Muzeum Ziemi Chełmskiej are located in the centre of Chełm. The museum presents permanent exhibitions and numerous temporary exhibitions on natural history, traditional culture and contemporary art. Its subject matter ranges from prehistoric fauna and flora to contemporary art; alongside the permanent exhibitions, the programme includes changing displays.

Cultural trails with different themes

The Szlak Kultury Żydowskiej leads through places that recall Chełm’s Jewish history and the community that helped shape the city over the centuries. Most stops on this walking route are in the centre. The Szlak Kultury Wschodniej leads past ten sites associated with Orthodox and Uniate traditions. They include the 13th-century crypts of the Princes of Halych, seminaries, churches and memorials to notable figures in Ukrainian history.

The Szlak Kultury Zachodniej also leads to ten historic cultural sites in Chełm; allow several hours to walk the route. The Szlak chełmskich zabytków architektury offers a different perspective on cultural heritage: this walk passes through several centuries of Chełm’s architecture and connects the built heritage of three cultures. The trails can therefore be distinguished by their focus—for example, Jewish urban history, Orthodox and Uniate traditions, or architecture.

Architecture, views and a riverside route

The late-Baroque Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on Góra Chełmska and is the hill’s principal landmark. An observation tower on Górka Chełmska offers panoramic views of Chełm and the surrounding area. The basilica provides an architectural focal point; from the observation tower, you can look out over the city and its surroundings.

The municipal Uherka Boulevard is a paved walking and cycling path about 3.5 kilometres long, running along the Uherka River. It leads from the centre of Chełm to the Żółtańce Reservoir and connects park avenues with green riverbanks. Unlike the themed cultural trails, here the riverside route sets the direction: from the city centre to the reservoir.

Choose a location to suit your itinerary

When looking for a holiday apartment in Chełm, your planned itinerary can help guide your choice. The centre is a useful reference point for the museum and most stops on the Jewish cultural trail; the Uherka Boulevard also starts there. If you plan to follow the riverside route, bear in mind that it runs as far as the Żółtańce Reservoir. You can tailor your search to whether you want your stay to focus on cultural sites in the city centre or also include the riverside route.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gotówka, Huta, Rejowiec, Nowosiółki-Kolonia, Stańków, Romanówka, Stołpie, Brzeźno

Go to the overview of the wider area: Chełmski.