News
On 21 April 2021, the Holy Cross Mountains Geopark was awarded the prestigious status of a UNESCO Global Geopark, joining both the European and Global Geoparks Networks. On 21 April 2026, we celebrate the 5th anniversary of this milestone – five years as part of the international geopark community.
The number 5 holds a special meaning for our Geopark, which can be highlighted through several key facts:
- The Geopark comprises 5 municipalities: the City of Kielce, the Municipality of Chęciny, the City and Municipality of Morawica, the City and Municipality of Piekoszów, and the Municipality of Nowiny.
- The total area of the Geopark is 526 km².
- The geological foundation of the Geopark consists of Paleozoic rocks representing 5 periods in Earth’s history: the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian and Carboniferous.
- Within Kielce – the main centre of the Geopark – there are 5 nature reserves: Kadzielnia, Wietrznia, Ślichowice, Biesak-Białogon and Karczówka.
- The most important geotourism event in the region – the Kielce GeoFestival – celebrates its 5th anniversary this year. The 2026 edition is held under the motto “5 by Nature”.
This September, Kielce will once again become a center of activity, creativity, and family-friendly entertainment. Two weekends full of attractions await residents and visitors from all over Poland.
Already on December 6, you will be able to feel the Christmas atmosphere at the Geoeducation Center. All thanks to the educational Santa Claus event. “Mikołajki z GEONATURĄ KIELCE” will abound in workshops whose main theme will be broadly understood nature, but in a festive setting.
On September 7-14, a meeting was held in Iceland as part of the project “Geotourism and geoparks – development of education in Earth sciences and the environment for sustainable societies” financed by the EEA and Norwegian funds.
From March 22, the offer of the Geoeducation Center in Kielce is supplemented with offers for the inhabitants of Ukraine (mainly children and youth), currently staying in our city and region.
We wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
