Bażantarnia is a beautiful forest park located on the border of Elbląg Upland, of an area of 369 ha. The montane features of that area, slopes covered with beautiful beech-hornbeam forest, hills, streams, mysterious ravines – all that makes Bażantarnia the favorite leisure place for Elbląg citizens. The marked trails invite for hikes. Choosing to walk along the valley of the Silver Stream [Pol. “Srebrny Potok”] we will meet the Devil’s Rock, resting in the river bed, and according to a local legend – dropped there by the Satan himself. A trained eye will see the imprint of devil’s hand.
The Bażantarnia park forms the lungs of Elbląg, beautiful recreational grounds that offer relaxation after work. When it comes to the animals that we can find in the forest alone and on its borders, the list includes roes, deer, wild boars and foxes. The most beautiful group of animals found there are the birds. The species found in Bażantarnia include oriole, jay, woodpecker, falcon, nightingale and blackbird. Bażantarnia is suited for hiking, cycling, horse riding and in winter the paths are perfect for cross country skiing.
In the past there were 7 water mills at Kumiela river. The one which survived the passing of time is the Historic Complex of Water Mill dated 19th century located between Bażantarnia forest and Dolinka park. It is composed of three red-brick buildings. Here, you can still admire some original elements of the mill’s machinery. The mill was operated until the 70-ties of the 20th century. Currently, it has been adapted for the Hotel. From the sightseeing tower you may enjoy the view at Chrobry Mountain and Bażantarnia forest. Also, the historical building of pre-World War II Hansa Schule, was relocated from the Old Town to the mill’s neighborhood. Once adapted for a Public Library, today embraces hotel rooms and SPA facilities.
The picturesque Mount Chrobry is located in the vicinity of Bażantarnia forest, and it is well worth climbing for it offers a beautiful panorama of Elbląg and its neighborhood. When the weather is good the waters of the Vistula Lagoon can be seen from it. In winter Mount Chrobry becomes a centre for winter sports – t-bar lifts, a skiing slope with artificial lighting, GOPR-approved skiing courses, courses for cross-country skiing and the snowpark make it a perfect place for enthusiasts of the snow sports, offering them the best conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the whole of Northern Poland. A rope course park operates here in the summer.
