Katowice is associated with the most urbanised part of the agglomeration, while as much as 42% of the city area is covered by forests. 7.5% is occupied by cultivated green areas, and 15% by agricultural land. Katowice has been placed first in the voivodes
Green Katowice - general information
Katowice is associated with the most urbanised part of the metropolitan area, yet as much as 42% of the city area is covered by forests. The further 7.5% consists of consists of managed green areas, while 15% is agricultural land. Katowice ranks first in the Silesian Voivodeship and second among Polish cities in terms of forest area. The city has 6,600 hectares of green areas forming a natural buffer around the metropolitan area, countless walking trails, nearly 100 kilometres of cycling routes, and nature "right at your fingertips".
The Kłodnica and Ślepiotka Rivers flow through the central-western part of the city, including the districts of Ligota, Piotrowice and Ochojec. The northern part of the city (including the districts of Tysiąclecie, Załęże, Koszutka, Wełnowiec, Bogucice, Zawodzie, Szopienice and the city centre) is drained by the Rawa River, and the north-eastern part – by the Bolina River (the districts of Giszowiec and Janów). The Mleczna River flows through the southern part of the city. Katowice is also crossed by several streams, including the Leśny, Kokociniec and Ławecki streams.
The area of Katowice not only consists of the forest parks presented below, i.e.: Kościuszko Park, Katowice Forest Park, interesting recreational places such as Janina or Bolina, Murckowskie Forests, but also the Ochojec Nature Reserve and the ecological site of Płone Bagno. The forests at Panewniki
in the western part of Katowice are also of high recreational values and you can visit them using the cycle routes.
In the recent years, the number of interesting green areas intended for recreation has increased considerably – For example, part of the Ślepiotka River valley and nearby Zadole Park in the Ligota district were modernised as part of the REURIS Project.
Today, residents and visitors can also enjoy the Valley of Three Ponds, the extensive Katowice Forest Park, and numerous revitalised recreational areas that combine urban development with environmental protection.