Katowice, as the capital of a voivodeship with a population of nearly 5 million inhabitants and the first metropolis in Poland, is a dynamically developing city. This is evidenced by the economic success it has achieved thanks to a skilful combination of the heritage richness with modernity, which turned the city into a creative and innovative centre built on the solid foundations of its industrial past.
For years it has also been referred to as the “city of great events”, associated with strong emotions accompanying events of extraordinary importance, organised in the city space. The Spodek Arena, which for several years, along with the neighbouring International Congress Centre, has been one of the largest meeting venues in the country, is famous for its unique sporting atmosphere created above all by the fans and supporters, their emotions and energy in cheering for their favourite teams.
However, no less excitement is present during events organised outdoors. Katowice has many spaces which are perfect not only for events but also for everyday recreation.
The charming lanes of Kościuszko Park, the atmospheric Murckowski Forest and the Three Ponds Valley, where you can ride a bike, roller-skate, go jogging or hike with nordic walking poles, rent a canoe or spend time with your children at the water playground, encourage active recreation.
Many people are surprised by the fact that Katowice is the third greenest city in Poland. Forests, parks and ponds constitute more than half of its area. This is one of the most important factors ensuring a high quality of life in the city. Katowice residents are aware of that and willingly take advantage of green areas benefits.
About 30 kilometres north of the centre of Katowice, in Pyrzowice, Katowice International Airport is located. It is the fourth airport in Poland in terms of the number of passengers and air operations. Within a radius of 100 km there are two other international airports – Kraków (John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice) and Ostrava (Leos Janacek Ostrava Airport).
There is also the well-developed railway system. A journey to European capitals (Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna) takes just a few hours. Katowice also boasts Poland’s most modern trunk railway line connecting the city with Warsaw and enabling travelling at a speed of over 200 km/h.
The A1 and A4 motorways intersecting nearby allow access from the south to the north and from the east to the west of Poland. The city thoroughfare traversing the centre of Katowice connects the major cities of the Upper Silesian urban area.
