I wasn't really planning a bike trip to this place. I decided that I would cycle around the Silesian Park, do some kilometers and that would be enough.

But that's how it is with me that when I suddenly surprise, I make a decision spontaneously. And so it was this time. While doing one of the laps of the great bicycle loop in the park, I suddenly left the loop and went in a completely different direction.

As it turned out later, the blue bicycle trail led me to Żabie pits to the Nature and Landscape Complex. I was so drawn to this landscape, and to the perfect weather for a bike, that I lost track of time.

I realized that I had been driving for 5 hours, with small stops for photos and refilling fluids. I drove around the entire reserve, including the pedestrian-only lanes, and I didn't want to go home.

What is the nature and landscape complex "Żabie Doły"

It is a nature and landscape complex created on over 226 hectares of wasteland to protect the habitats of valuable species of fauna, mainly waterfowl, and countless unique flora.

Frog pits are former post-industrial areas. It is true that there are no factories, mines or steelworks there, but the area was heavily exploited for the extraction of various raw materials.

Hard coal, zinc and lead ores and other minerals were mined there. As a result of the exploitation of the area, its subsidence occurred and during the last 1309 years the area lowered by 8 meters, thus creating basins in which today there are beautiful ponds. In addition, several meters high railway embankments create a kind of divisions separating individual water basins. More interesting information about this wonderful place can be found at https://www.zabiedoly.pl

Dozens of species of birds live in this reserve. Special places for observation were built for this purpose, which I must admit fulfill their role twice, because they are also a great place to rest.

Graffiti artists have also left their performances here. But they did it right and it looks quite nice.