Located in southern Poland, this industrial city played a key role in the Solidarity movement. The Renaissance-era Silesian Museum and historic Rynek square mark its cultural center.
Chorzów, a city in southern Poland's Silesian region, has grown beyond its industrial roots. You can spend a day watching elephants and giraffes at the zoo, catch an international football match at the 55,211-seat stadium, or learn about space at the planetarium - all within Poland's largest urban park complex. The city preserves its industrial past through mine towers and 19th-century steelworks, while maintaining cultural traditions with events like the annual Beer Festival and Silesian Feast.
Exploring Silesian Park
The Silesian Central Park covers nearly a third of Chorzów. At the Silesian Zoo, you can see 2,500 animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. The zoo opens daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. The Silesian Stadium hosts international football matches and major concerts throughout the year. Visit the planetarium and astronomical observatory for daily sky-watching sessions and space exploration programs. In summer, walk through the rose garden with its 30,000 roses, or head to Legendia Theme Park, where you'll find 40 rides including roller coasters and water attractions.
Getting Around Chorzów
The Silesian Interurbans tram network has connected Chorzów since 1894. Today, 30 tram lines and regular bus routes link all main areas of the city. Services run from 4:30 AM until midnight. A single ticket system works across the entire Katowice metropolitan area. Buy tickets at kiosks, on board, or through the metropolitan transport mobile app.
Nature Areas Beyond the Park
At Żabie Doły, former mining pits have transformed into lakes where you can spot over 120 bird species, including herons and kingfishers. Walk through the Buczyna reserve's beech forest, with trees dating back to the early 1900s. The Amelung complex includes three connected lakes with marked walking paths and designated bird watching areas.
Industrial Past
The President mine shaft tower reaches 42 meters high, while the red-brick Elzbieta mine shaft stands as a reminder of 19th-century mining architecture. Visit the Kościuszko Iron and Steel Works, built in 1802, to see its original brick buildings. The Historical and Ethnographic Museum displays mining equipment and documents dating back to the 1800s, including working tools and photographs.
Cultural Events
The Market Square comes alive during the July Beer Festival, where 20 local brewers set up stalls and bands perform live music. In August, join the Silesian Feast in Silesian Park to taste regional dishes and watch traditional dance performances. The Silesian Stadium hosts the annual Reggae Rap Festival, while the Municipal Cultural Center organizes the Rock bez igły festival, featuring local and national bands.
