Dolina Pilicy

Dolina Pilicy is a tourism and nature conservation area stretching along the lower course of the Pilica river, between Inowłódz and Tomaszów Mazowiecki. It encompasses land in two communes: Inowłódz with ten villages and Tomaszów Mazowiecki with twenty-four villages, totalling around 248.7 km² and just under 13,500 residents. The region's tourism base is centred on Inowłódz.

The river as the region's backbone

The Pilica flows here in its natural, unregulated riverbed, with numerous islands, meanders and side channels. The river connects the surrounding villages and towns into a single tourism area, and its valley is the main reason the region attracts anglers, kayakers and walkers.

Nature conservation

Within Inowłódz commune, two Natura 2000 areas have been designated: Lasy Spalskie and Dolina Dolnej Pilicy, protecting valuable natural habitats of the river valley. Forests account for around 60 per cent of Inowłódz commune's area, giving the region a forested and sparsely urbanised character.

Main attractions in the valley

Within the valley lie Niebieskie Źródła, a rare karst phenomenon described as the Niebieskie Źródła Nature Reserve, and the partially collapsed Jaskinie Nagórzyckie caves.

In Inowłódz itself, the region's main tourism base, it is worth seeing the Zamek Królewski (Royal Castle).

Also worth a visit is the Church of St Idzi, another point on the town's tour route.

Right by the river, in the village of Zakościele, there is a kayak station, from which trips down the Pilica depart.

Area management

The region is overseen by the Local Action Group Stowarzyszenie Dolina Pilicy, a partnership of commune authorities, public institutions and non-governmental organisations operating within the Leader+ programme. This LAG coordinates tourism promotion under the Dolina Pilicy brand, covering the entire route along the river across both communes.

Practical information

• Area: the Pilica river valley between Inowłódz and Tomaszów Mazowiecki communes, tourism base in Inowłódz, approximately 50 km from Łódź.
• Access: PKS coach services to Inowłódz, then around the region mainly by car or on foot or by bicycle along trails by the river, with car parks at main attractions.
• What to expect: a natural river valley with Natura 2000 areas, forests, Niebieskie Źródła, Jaskinie Nagórzyckie caves and the possibility of kayaking trips.
• The exact boundaries of tourism trails within the valley are best confirmed at the tourist information point in Inowłódz or at the Dolina Pilicy LAG.