Siedlec Desert

Siedlec Desert is a sandy area of 25 hectares in the village of Siedlec, in Częstochowa County, in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Until the 1960s sand was extracted here, and the pit was then afforested with pines.

Sand, dunes and a small pond

On the sandy ground lies a small pond called the “Oasis”, surrounded by a cluster of reed-bed plants. On the highest dune an information board with an annotated panorama has been set up.

What plants grow on the sand

Among the typically desert species are the grey hair-grass, sand everlasting (a protected plant) and annual knawel.

Motorbikes, races and a ban on vehicles

The site was a meeting place for motorsport enthusiasts, and desert races were also held here, including the Polish desert running championships. The land now belongs to the State Forests National Forest Holding, and a ban on motor vehicles is in force.

According to legend, the place was scorched by fire by the Devil, who was chasing Pan Twardowski as he fled on a cockerel. Nearby is another stony, desert-like place, the disused Warszawski Quarry.

Practical information

• Location: Siedlec, Częstochowa County. Check the map for the access route and the place to enter the area, because driving in by car is banned.
• It is about 4.5 km from the desert to Ostrężnik Castle and the Ostrężnik reserve.
• The castle in Olsztyn near Częstochowa lies at a distance of about 8 km: Olsztyn Castle.