Żelazny szlak rowerowy / Železná cyklotrasa (The Iron Cycling Trail)

The Iron Trail Cycle Route is an exceptional loop leading along the Polish-Czech border, built following the former Kraków-Vienna railway route. This international project completed in 2020 connects territories of five municipalities: Godów, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Zebrzydowice on the Polish side and Czech Karviná and Petřvald. The main theme of the trail is railway heritage, which had an enormous impact on the economic and infrastructural development of these areas.

This is one of the best cycling proposals in the Silesian Voivodeship, featuring excellent infrastructure on the Polish side and picturesque corners of Czech Republic. The trail won an award in 2021 in the competition for the Best Public Space of the Silesian Voivodeship, and in 2023 won the title of Poland's Wonder 2023 awarded by National Geographic in the Silesian Voivodeship category.

Basic trail information

• Difficulty level: Easy - suitable for beginner cyclists and children
• Elevation profile: Frequent gentle climbs and descents
• Surface: Mainly resin-mineral on the Polish side and asphalt on the Czech side
• Trail type: Dedicated cycle path separated from traffic plus public roads with low traffic
• Recommended direction: Following the GPX track (starting in Godów)
• Recommended bicycle: All types of bicycles, including road bikes and bikes with trailers

Signage and navigation

The trail features excellent signage, though it varies in character on both sides of the border. In Poland, orange R-4 type signs with black bicycle and trail logo guide you, supplemented by numerous information boards containing maps and railway history. Signs with distances to upcoming towns have been added as well as information about intersections with other cycling routes.

After crossing the Czech border, orange signs change to yellow ones with complete intersection diagrams, requiring more attention to navigation. Fortunately, the trail logo remains the same. An important aspect is that the trail was built in stages and has several versions - in some places signs lead in two different directions, where both are correct.

Best season and direction

The recommended riding direction is following the GPX track, starting in Godów. The biggest climb on the route is when leaving Karviná via Polská Street, but from this spot impressive views of the surrounding area unfold, making it worthwhile to tackle the trail in the recommended direction.

The trail can be ridden year-round, but the best conditions prevail:

• Spring - from April, when restaurants and cafes reopen for the season
• Summer - full availability of all attractions and best weather
• Autumn - beautiful colors and fewer crowds on the trail

Main attractions along the trail

The trail offers rich attractions, both historical and recreational, concentrated mainly around key towns.

Historic sites and cultural attractions

• Palace in Zebrzydowice - baroque residence by Młyńszczok pond with Municipal Cultural Center and restaurant
• Market Square and Fryštát Castle in Karviná - the only surviving of three Larisch castles, open to visitors since 1997
• Castle in Petřvald - classicist castle on a hill, currently a hotel and restaurant
• Wooden churches in Gołkowice and Łaziska - monuments on the Wooden Architecture Trail of Silesian Voivodeship

Natural and recreational attractions

• Spa Park in Jastrzębie-Zdrój - 18-hectare park with Spa House and recreational infrastructure
• Spa Park in Karviná - historic spa with Art Nouveau Social House
• Božena Němcová Park - English castle park with marina, mini zoo and playground

Culinary discoveries

The Czech section of the trail offers authentic flavors of regional cuisine. After crossing the border, you'll find numerous restaurants serving local delicacies.

• Czech beer - local varieties available in restaurants along the route
• Kofola - traditional Czech carbonated drink
• Fried cheese - classic of Czech cuisine
• Food trucks and ice cream parlors - growing culinary offerings around the Polish section of the trail

Accommodation options

Various accommodation options are available along the trail, from tourist facilities to traditional hotels.

• Hotel in castle in Petřvald - exclusive accommodation in historic building
• Guesthouses and hotels - available in larger towns: Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Zebrzydowice, Karviná
• Agritourism farms - in areas around rural sections of the trail

Access and transport

Car access

The most convenient starting point is parking at the Municipal Office in Godów - free and located directly by the trail. Alternative options include parking at markets in Zebrzydowice or parking areas near the trail in Jastrzębie-Zdrój.

Train access

The main station serving the trail is Zebrzydowice with connections to Katowice via Tychy and Pszczyna as well as to Cieszyn. Alternatively, you can travel to Czyżowice with connections from Katowice via Rybnik and Wodzisław Śląski.

Practical considerations

Border crossing requires identity document - authorities recommend carrying personal ID or passport. In Czech Republic the official currency is Czech crown, though some places accept Polish złoty.

Key differences in Czech regulations:

• Zero tolerance - 0.00% blood alcohol limit
• Mandatory helmets for cyclists under 18 years
• Required bicycle equipment - two working brakes, reflectors, lighting
• Ban on riding on sidewalk for cyclists over 10 years

Rest areas

Rest infrastructure is a standout feature of the trail. On the Polish side, every few hundred meters there are pull-offs with benches, tables and information boards. On the Jastrzębie section, six large cyclist service areas are located, including two with automatic defibrillators and self-service bicycle repair stations.

On the Czech side, the best rest areas are parks in Karviná and publicly accessible tourist infrastructure around the market square and near attractions.

Final tips

The Iron Trail Cycle Route is an ideal choice for a family cycling trip combining the comfort of Polish infrastructure with the charms of Czech traditions. Working brakes are essential for safe riding - several intersections require descent from the railway embankment and controlled braking.

The full loop can be extended with several-kilometer detours to the Spa Park in Jastrzębie-Zdrój or Palace in Zebrzydowice. The trail also intersects with other popular cycling routes of the region, such as Cieszyn Euroregion Loop or EuroVelo 4, offering possibilities to extend your cycling adventure.