© ECOTURISM

In recent years a new kind of holiday, based on ecological tourism to organic farms, was pioneered in Poland. This new type of holiday or vacation is associated with the increasing awareness of the importance of the traditional rural environment as a vital natural and cultural resource and treasure that can be both protected and enjoyed. Poland is ideal for such holidays, as it has a variety of regions with beautiful landscapes, rich, bio-diverse environments, and small-scale organic and traditional farms that are ideal vacation spots.

 

With this ECEAT-Poland* Guide to point out some of the best places, you can spend your holidays on one or more farms where farming is done on a small scale and in an environmentally friendly way. Or perhaps you will stay in small bed & breakfasts, often in people’s own homes, in cottages or on small campgrounds. Most of our accommodations are in rural areas, where few other tourists come. If you enjoy peace and quiet, simplicity and nature, you will have a wonderful holiday. The locations simply invite you to take long pleasant walks, ride a bicycle through picturesque surroundings, or just relax. And depending on the farm you’re staying at, it may be possible to swim or ride on horseback, help out with the harvest or share a healthy and delicious meal with your host family. The children will enjoy themselves too. There is plenty of room to play and there are nearly always animals. Spending your vacation at ECEAT-Poland farms and accommodations is also an excellent way to get in touch with different people and a different way of life.

Environmentally Friendly Agriculture

Agriculture in Western European countries like Great Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in the U.S.A., has intensified and specialised its production very much in recent years. This has had a highly detrimental influence on the quality of the food produced, on the natural and cultural landscapes and on animal welfare. It also poisons the soil, water and air. More and more Western European and American farmers are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives and are trying organic farming, which doesn’t use pesticides and artificial fertilisers. In Poland around two million small farms existed even under the communist system. The political changes in 1989 brought all of these farmers into competition with Western European farmers, who receive subsidies from the European Union. The small Polish farmers now realise that their very livelihoods and traditional ways of life are threatened.

Polish farmers are being pressured to produce in the Western European way, with all its harmful effects on the environment. Small-scale tourism to organic farms offers small farmers a way to survive this challenge and protect their farms and lifestyles, as well as to protect the environment and landscape, by providing them with a much-needed source of extra income and an additional outlet for their farm products. And when small farmers successfully co-operate in areas of ecological tourism and small-scale ecological production, their economic and social power increases and so does their capacity to protect the countryside and their way of life.

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ROCZYNY
Jadwiga i Marian Bigos
ul. Zarzeczna 12, Roczyny, 34-120 Andrychow
tel.: +48 33 87 51 818 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 51 818 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Languages: basic German, Russian, Farm and surroundings: Our farm is in Roczyny village, 3 km from Andrychow. We cultivate different kinds of vegetables, keep a cow and also have an orchard. Nearby there are many attractions and numerous walking and biking tourist paths. You can find there really friendly and peaceful atmosphere and of course meals made of the farm’s products. Accommodation: Number of rooms: 2×1, 1×4, 1 bathroom, Road description: Roczyny is village 3 km from Andrychow. Drive out of Andrychow in the direction of Bielsko-Biala, cross the railroad tracks and turn left at the sign of Czaniec. When you see the sign for Roczyny, take the second right, after the Firemen’s Building.
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CZANIEC
Maria i Jan Sordyl
ul. Lipowa 8, 34-314 Czaniec (Gorny)
tel.: +48 33 81 09 680 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 81 09 680 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
e-mail: alicja1200@poczta.onet.pl

Organic certificate: BIO EKSPRET
Language: a little German and English, Farm and surroundings: It is a medium-sized organic farm (4ha), at the foot of the mountains and surrounded by forests. Cereals, vegetables and fruits are cultivated. Also cows, horses, pigs, chickens, a dog and rabbits are kept. The hostess cooks delicious meals and makes different sorts of preserves, also bread, butter and cheese. She offers her guests such activities as guided excursions to the mountains, excursions with a horse-sled, picking herbs and wild fruits and relaxing along the Sola river, and also handicrafts of the region. The guests can order meals, also vegetarian. You can also buy the farm’s products. Guests can hire bikes (2). Nearby Krakow (55 km), Oswiecim (Museum in Auschwitz), Wadowice (town where Pope John the Second was born). Accommodation: There are five rooms (2×3, 2×3, 1×4), and a separate toilets (2) and meeting room; campsite. Route description: Czaniec is 30 km. east of Bielsko Biala, 7 km from Andrychow. Driving from Andrychow, pass the village Roczyny. As soon as you enter Czaniec, turn left near a bus stop and keep going for about 300 m. You will see the farm near the road on the right. By bus or train from Bielsko Biala or Cracow to Andrychow. Then take a city-bus from Andrychow to Czaniec, direction Kety (10x). Get off at the stop ‘Czaniec Gorny. Continue on foot about 10 min. Bus stop-Czaniec Gorny 0.3 km, train station-Andrychow 7 km. Prices: 20-30 zl / night, breakfast: 5-8 zl, dinner: 12-15 zl, supper: 5-8 zl.
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INWALD
Zofia i Jordan Plackowscy
Inwald os. Gorki 20, 34-120 Andrychow
tel.: +48 33 87 36 531 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 36 531 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or +48 502 250 359 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 502 250 359 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
e-mail: plackowscy@op.pl

Organic certificate: AGRO BIO TEST
Language: English, German, Farm and surroundings: This is a small organic farm (5,49 ha; with 0.5 ha of forest) at the foot of the Beskidy Mountains. The family grows vegetables and grains, and keeps cows and poultry. The farmhouse is partly built in wood and partly in brick, and has been modernised in the traditional style. There are many trails for walking or cycling tours. Nearby Krakow (50 km), Oswiecim (Museum in Auschwitz), Wadowice (town where Pope John the Second was born). You may bring your pets. For guests’ use there are many guidebooks. .Recommended for families with children. Route description: The village is between Cracow and Bielsko Biala and, more nearby, between Andrychow and Wadowice, on the international road (E 7). Coming from Andrychow, you pass the sign “Inwald” and immediately turn right. After 300 m, at the crossing, turn left. Then turn right onto fifth dirt road. Follow the ECEAT signposts for about 1km until you reach the farm. At the second railway crossing turn right. Continue following the ECEAT signs. Bus from Andrychow , Wadowice, Bielsko Biala . Bus stop, 2 km Inwald. Accommodation: There are two big rooms for quiet work, relaxation, yoga and meditation.
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PORABKA
Irena i Ryszard Fraszczak
ul. Palenica 35, 43-353 Porabka
tel.: +48 33 81 06 610 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 81 06 610 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Organic certificate: BIO EKSPERT
Farm and surroundings: This middle-sized organic (5.5 ha) farm is in the Beskid Maly Mountains, one the of Landscape Park . The farmers cultivate grains, potatoes, vegetables and fruits. They also raise cows, chickens, a horse, cats and dogs. The farmhouse is a new building. Out of the window there is a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. It’s a good place for walking and collecting mushrooms. Near the farm is Zar Mountain with its artificial water reservior on the top. It is used for making electricity. It is also possible to learn hang gliding. From here you can visit the historical cities of Bielsko-Biala and Cracow. Accommodation: three rooms 1×2, 2×4, 1 bathroom; campsite. Route description: From Andrychow take the road to Brzezinka Gorna. At the end of the asphalt road there will be a shop and a bus stop. Turn right onto the dirt road. This road will go into the forest. Follow it for a distance of 1.5 km till you reach a new house on the right side of the road. That’s the place. By bus from Andrychow to Brzezinka Gorna (last bus stop).
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STRYSZOW
Leslawa i Andrzej Gebala
34-146 Stryszow 260

Language: basic English and German (children), Farm and surroundings: This is a traditional farm (5 ha), located in a very nice area beside Chelm Mountain (700m). You will find here different animals (cows, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats) and enjoy the traditional way of agriculture. A small river and meadows full of herbs and wild flowers surround the farm. From the campsite and guestrooms there are picturesque views. The lady farmer cooks very delicious traditional meals. For guests’ use there are four double rooms, a bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen. Guests can order meals or buy the farm’s products – milk, vegetables, butter and fruits.
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“SUNFLOWER FARM”
Jadwiga Lopata
34-146 Stryszow 156
tel/fax: +48 33 87 97 114 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 97 114 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
e-mail: icppc@sfo.pl; jadwiga@sfo.pl;
ICPPC On-line: http://www.icppc.sfo.pl
Sunflower Farm On-line: http://www.sfo.pl

Organic certificate: BIO EKSPERT
Languages: English. Farm and surroundings: The farm is the seat of ICPPC (International Coalition to Protect the Polish Countryside). The farm is also the seat of The Ecological Technology Centre “Sunflower Farm” – the first such centre in Poland. It is based on organic farm. There is also a demonstration house of clay and straw, with photovoltaic modules. The traditional house (100 years old) is well-maintained and artistically decorated. In the garden there is a geodesic dome-shaped greenhouse. The main house is on a hill with a great view of the countryside.
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DABROWKA
Lucyna i Stanislaw Nicieja
Dabrowka 9, 34-146 Stryszow
tel.: +48 33 87 97 054 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 97 054 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Organic certificate: AGRO BIO TEST
Language: English (daughter Viola), Farm and surroundings: This is small, organic farm (1.5 ha) farm where strawberries and different kinds of vegetables are grown. From strawberries and others fruits (plums, apples) the farmers produce juices and make marmalades. In the surrounding area there are several established hiking and biking trails. The surrounding forests are full of mushrooms, berries and herbs. The farmers lead education meetings. The guests can order meals, also vegetarian. In nearby Stryszow there is a 16th century country manor house which is part of the Wawel museum. In nearby Lanckorona you’ll find houses and mansions from the 13th century. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska has the most interesting site in this area: the Benedictine Abbey (17th century).. In Wadowice you can visit the house where the Pope John Paul II was born and grew up.
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LEKAWICA
Boguslawa i Bogdan Mamcarczyk
Lekawica 60, 34-124 Kleczna Gorna
tel.: +48 33 87 97 025 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 97 025 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Organic certificate: AGRO BIO TEST Languages: basic English (children), Farm and surroundings: Mainly delicious fruits are grown here. The farmer produces tasty juices from gooseberries, apples and other fruits. You can buy here these unordinary juices. The young farmers are very friendly and helpful.
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LEKAWICA
Helena i Szczepan Master
Lekawica 38, 34-124 Klecza Dolna
tel.: +48 33 87 97 914 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 97 914 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Organic certificate: AGRO BIO TEST
Language: English, Farm and surroundings: This is organic farm (3,05ha) in Lekawica. The farmers raise 3 cows, pigs and poultry and grow vegetables and grains. On the farm you can learn how to make butter and white cheese in the traditional way (they are very delicious). The farmer lady bakes great cakes on a traditional stove and leads education meetings. In the surrounding area there are several established hiking and biking trails. The guests can order meals, also vegetarian. You can also buy the farm’s products. The farm is located in a very picturesque area with a view of the Beskidy Mountains. It is a perfect starting point for walking or biking. It is also located close to historical towns and cities such as Kalwaria, Wadowice and Cracow.
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LEKAWICA
Krystyna Skoczylas
Lekawica 44; 34–124 Klecza Dolna
tel.: +48 33 87 97 877 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 97 877 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Farm: This is a small (4 ha) traditional farm, in the processes of transition into organic production. Vegetables and fruit are grown. The farm also has cows, goats and poultry. In the surrounding forests it is possible to pick mushrooms and berries. You can also buy the farm’s products. Surroundings: The farm is located in a very picturesque area with a view of the Beskidy Mountains. It is a perfect starting point for walking or biking. It is also located close to historical towns and cities such as Kalwaria, Wadowice and Cracow.
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STRONIE
Natalia i Henryk Bienkiewiczowie
Stronie 10, 34-145 Stryszów
tel.: (033) 87 97 218 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE (033) 87 97 218 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, (012) 26 74 298 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE (012) 26 74 298 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
e-mail: ekosoki@interia.pl

Organic certificate: AGRO BIO TEST
Season: 31.06-31.08
Farm and surroundings: This 4 ha organic farm is based mainly on fruit production (more than 600 trees and bushes). On the farm there is also a simple fruit-processing line. This is a great starting point for walking and biking tours. The lady farmer is very friendly and makes great juices and meals. The son Daniel is very helpful in guiding. They have also a flat in Cracow so it is possible to get help from them if you are in Cracow. ATTENTION: you can go to this farm only if you have made a previous arrangement with the farmers, since they are not living in the farmhouse.
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DABROWKA
Anna i Jacek Stanowscy
Dabrowka 27, 34-146 Stryszow
tel. +48 33 87 97 093 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 97 093 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Language: German, Farm and surroundings: This is small, traditional farm (2 ha), the farmers grow vegetables and grains. The farmer lady bakes great cakes on a traditional. In the surrounding area there are several established hiking and biking trails. The guests can order meals, also vegetarian. The farm is located in a very picturesque area with a view of the Beskidy Mountains; nearby is Skawa River, where guests can fish. The farm is located close to historical towns and cities such as Kalwaria, Wadowice and Cracow.
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STANISLAW DOLNY
Grazyna i Adam Rybscy
Stanislaw Dolny 12, 34-130 Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
tel.: +48 33 87 67 261 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 67 261 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

 

Language: basic German. Farm: We invite you to our campsite, which is surrounded by meadow and forest. It’s really a nice and quiet place. There is also a pond (1 ha), where you can go swimming. kayaking or fishing. In the nearby forest are great places to observe nature- red deer, buzzards and others. Surroundings: Farm is located close to historical towns and cities such as Kalwaria Zabrzydowska with famous monastery, and Cracow (40 km). Accommodation: campsite.

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BARANCOWA
Helena i Franciszek Kobiela
34-223 Zawoja-Barancowa 691
tel.: +48 33 87 75 887 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 75 887 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
e-mail: kobielafh@interia.pl

Organic certificate: AGRO BIO TEST
Languages: English, German, Farm and surroundings: This is a traditional farm (4ha) in transition to organic production, located 1 km from the very beautiful Babia Gora National Park. Vegetables and grains are grown, and cows, horses and pigs are raised. At the special request of the guests, the farmers can guide them or organise a tour in the surrounding hills by a horse wagon with hay or organise evenings with vocal music . In the winter a sleigh ride is possible. The lady farmer cooks very, very delicious, hearty meals from their own products. The local tradition of the Babiogorsy highlanders is still alive on this farm. Farm close to Babia Gora National (0,5 km) Park (Biosphere Reserve), border crossing in Chyzne (with Slovakia). There are many maps and guide books. Babia Gora National Park. This is also a very good area for skiing.
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SUCHA GORA
Stanislawa i Jozef Toczek
Skawica 343, 34-221 Skawica – Sucha Góra
tel.: +48 33 87 75 863 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting BEZPŁATNIE +48 33 87 75 863 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Languages: English, German and Russian, Farm and surroundings: It is a traditional, 6 ha farm. Cows, horses and chickens are raised and vegetables, grains and fruits are grown. The farmhouse is built in the traditional style and has a traditional interior. The farmers can organise workshops on baking traditional breads and cakes, collecting berries and mushrooms, and butter and cheese production. At special request, the farmers can organise a tour in the surrounding hills by a horse wagon with hay. The farmer can serve as a guide. Farm close to Babia Gora National Park (Biosphere Reserve), border crossing in Chyzne (with Slovakia).