The geotouristic map and guidebook of the Holy Cross Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark were developed by the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI). The authors and co-authors include specialists associated with the Holy Cross Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark, including staff members of the Holy Cross Branch of PGI-NRI. The publications were prepared with the cooperation and support of the Lower Silesian Branch of PGI-NRI and the Holy Cross Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark.

The map and guidebook complement each other and provide a practical source of information for visitors who would like to learn more about the geology, geosites, natural heritage and cultural heritage of the Holy Cross Mountains. They can be used both when planning a visit and while exploring the Geopark in the field.

The geotouristic map helps visitors locate the most important geosites and other places of interest within the Holy Cross Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark. It also supports route planning and helps explain the spatial relationships between geological structure, landforms and the most important elements of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The geotouristic guidebook provides more detailed information about the geological history of the area, selected geosites and the processes that have shaped the present-day landscape of the Holy Cross Mountains over hundreds of millions of years. It also highlights the links between geology and human activity, including the history of the region, former mining, the use of mineral and rock resources, and the development of the local cultural landscape.

The publications were prepared for a wide range of readers, including individual visitors and families, tourist guides, teachers, educators, students, as well as anyone interested in geology, geotourism and the heritage of the Holy Cross Mountains.

Download the publications

Both publications are available free of charge in electronic form on the website of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute.

Please note that the current editions of both the geotouristic map and the guidebook are available in Polish.

Geotouristic guidebook:
https://www.pgi.gov.pl/oferta-inst/geoturystyka.html#przewodniki

Geotouristic map:
https://www.pgi.gov.pl/oferta-inst/geoturystyka.html#mapy

We encourage visitors to download both publications and use them when planning trips and discovering the geosites, landscapes and geological heritage of the Holy Cross Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark.