Green Velo

Marked in green, the Fortress Trail – Southern section is a bike trail that goes around the outer ring of the southern part of the Przemyśl fortifications. The trail spans around 42 km. In some places it is quite difficult because of muddy roads, long climbs and car traffic. The trail passes by several forts. The most interesting one of them is the Salis Soglio Fort in Siedliska, open for visitors. In addition, the trail also abounds in scenic views and numerous religious monuments.

The general route of the trail is as follows: Przemyśl, Lower Sanok Fortress Gateway, near the chair lift (0.0 km) - Prałkowce (2.0 km) - turn of national road no. 25 (6.4 km) - Prałkowce, Fort VII (8.5 km) - Iwanowa Góra, Fort VI (14.0 km) - Fort V, Biadoliny (15.8 km) - Pikulice (18.5 km) - Łuczyce (24.0 km) - Siedliska, Fort I Salis Soglio (27.4 km) - national road no. 28 (32.3 km) - Przemyśl, intersection of Wybrzeże Witosa and Sportowa streets (41.7 km).

The trail begins in the southern part of Przemyśl, at the foot of the castle hill, next to the Sanok Fortress Gateway. At the beginning, the trail seems strongly discouraging, as it follows along a very busy road. However, after the first six kilometres, past the village of Prałkowce which has an interesting church (formerly an Orthodox church) and a fort, it gets much more interesting and much more demanding. Many descents and climbs await the cyclist before getting to the top of two hills, from which he or she can enjoy beautiful views of the Przemyśl Plateaus, the city itself and the San Valley. This is the most interesting and at the same time the most tiring part of the entire trail. Starting at the fort at the top of Iwanowa Góra, the trail descents towards the east.  Further down, the trail gets a little easier as it goes among small hills between which there are small villages with historical churches, both Roman Catholic and Orthodox. The hills between the villages reveal partially preserved forts of the outer ring of fortifications. Unfortunately, most of them are inaccessible and not available for viewing.  To make up for that, the village of Siedliska, located almost on the border with Ukraine, is home to one of the most interesting forts of the whole system, Fort I Salis Soglio. Unlike the other forts, this one is open to visitors, of course with the exception of the part of it which is on the other side of the Polish-Ukrainian border. It is worth seeing this fort and becoming familiar with the history of the fortress and the battles that were waged here during World War I. Nearby, a rare bird, the European bee-eater, has its nesting area, protected as nature reserve called “Skarpa Jaksmanicka”. After leaving Salis Soglio, the trail goes north in the direction of national road no. 28, leading to the border crossing in Medyka. The trail goes back towards Przemyśl, unfortunately again via a busy road. It then bypasses the town centre from the north and follows the San to the riverside boulevards near the starting point.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. Przemyśl - city monuments
2. Przemyśl Fortress - the outer ring of fortifications
3. Siedliska - Salis Soglio Fort accessible for visitors
4. Historical Roman Catholic churches and Orthodox churches
5. Panoramic views of the Przemyśl Plateau and the “Brama Przemyska” bridge

Not all fragments of the trail are suitable for bicycles with panniers/bike trailers. The trail uses (in its entirety or in part) roads with average traffic volume. There is at least one dangerous intersection (with no bicycle crossing or traffic lights); probably not recommended for families with children. Trail of outstanding cultural heritage value. Trail offering outstanding vistas.

Starting point:

Przemyśl, Lower Sanok Fortress Gateway, next to the chair lift

Finishing point:

Przemyśl, intersection of Wybrzeże Witosa and Sportowa streets (boulevard along the San)