Waltz

Walce (German: Gemeinde Walzen) is a rural municipality in the Opole Voivodeship, within Krapkowice County, located in the Prudnik Land. The municipality was established in December 1945, and its administrative seat is the village of Walce. Between 1975 and 1998, it was part of the Opole Voivodeship, and since 2006, German has been introduced as an auxiliary language in the municipality. Covering an area equivalent to 15.6% of Krapkowice County and 0.7% of the Opole Voivodeship, the municipality is characterized by a significant share of agricultural land (85.7% of its area) and a diverse demographic structure. According to 2021 data, 73.82% of residents identify as Polish, while 28.41% identify as German, with the highest percentage of Silesian language speakers in the country (52.84%). The municipality’s added value lies in its rich cultural heritage, including 13 registered monuments and numerous archaeological sites. Walce also boasts significant architectural heritage, including historic buildings that attract tourists. Among the honorary citizens of the municipality is Archbishop Alfons Nossol. Located in a border zone, the municipality hosts a Border Guard presence and has specific security-related responsibilities. It borders the municipalities of Głogówek, Krapkowice, Reńska Wieś, and Zdzieszowice, fostering cultural exchange and regional cooperation.