Opawskie Mountains Landscape Park

The Góry Opawskie Landscape Park, established on May 26, 1988, encompasses the eastern part of the Sudetes and covers an area of 49.03 km². It is located in the western part of the Opole Voivodeship, near the border with the Czech Republic, between the towns of Prudnik and Głuchołazy. The park's purpose is to protect the landscape values of the Góry Opawskie, including forest and meadow ecosystems, as well as the cultural and historical heritage of the region. As early as the 12th and 13th centuries, gold was mined in this area, leaving traces in the form of shafts and excavations. The history of the area is linked to the Prudnik Forest, which for centuries was owned by the town of Prudnik and underwent tourist development from the 19th century onward. After 1945, these forests suffered degradation, but changes in legislation enabled the establishment of the park. The geological structure of the area consists mainly of metamorphic rocks, and the river network, dominated by the Biała Głuchołaska and Złoty Potok rivers, is dense. The park's flora includes over 500 plant species, with numerous impressive natural monuments. The fauna comprises 163 animal species, with amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals being the most prominent. The park features numerous architectural monuments, such as the ruins of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, adits, the viewing tower on Biskupia Kopa, and the Franciscan complex in Prudnik. The local tourist trails are also of interest, including the Main Sudetes Trail, the historical trail of the Royal Town of Prudnik Forests, and numerous educational paths. With its natural and cultural richness, the park encourages exploration and raises ecological awareness among local communities.