"DISCOVER GREEN OPOLE" ROUTE
Opole is getting more beautiful every year, with buildings undergoing renovation and squares, boulevards and parks becoming greener. The "Discover Green Opole" route was created to showcase the
city's natural charm. One of the charming corners of the city is the Karol Musioł Boulevard. It is about 3 kilometres long and runs along the banks of the Młynówka river. This now picturesque stretch was once the old bed of the Oder, when the river changed its course during the great flood of 1600. Nowadays, the boulevard is a place for walkers, runners, cyclists and Nordic walking enthusiasts. Another highlight is the Oder Park, with picturesque alleys, an outdoor gym, a playground and a climbing wall. The park also features a bust of Juno, built from Opole cement.
The most visited destinations in Opole are Bolko Island and the zoo, which attract crowds of tourists every year. In the historic park on Bolko Island, you will find numerous winding paths, walking trails and cycle paths. The renovated 2.3 km long "Health Trail" with 15 exercise machines and the "Nature Trail" with 8 information boards are interesting attractions. Bolko Island is a bird paradise. About 200 species of birds have been observed here.
Many of these are rare species in Silesia, such as the night heron, which is listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive and is subject to special protection. In addition to birds, the island is also home to the European fire-bellied toad, European hare, European beaver and numerous roe deer. There is also a rare beetle species – Carabus scheidleri. Beautiful old-growth forest specimens, including beeches, hornbeams and poplars, attract attention. The oldest tree is the Piast Oak, with a circumference of 452 cm. In 1993, the park was entered into the register of monuments of the Opole Voivodeship. The island also has a playground and a café. It is the perfect destination for those who enjoy being in touch with nature. The zoo, which is home to over 1,500 animals, adds to the attraction. A mini zoo has been created for the youngest visitors, where they can feed and pet tame animals. There are also playgrounds and small restaurants. Paradoxically, after the 1997 flood, the Opole Zoo was revived. It has been revitalised, more animals have arrived, and it is now one of the most beautiful zoos in Poland.
