Cycling around the Błędów Desert – the Velo Pustynia route

You can cycle all the way around the Błędów Desert. The Velo Pustynia loop links all three viewpoints: Róża Wiatrów, Czubatka and Dąbrówka Hill. On the way you cross a boardwalk over the marshy Biała Przemsza valley. Almost the whole route is closed to cars, so it works well for a ride with children.

The Velo Pustynia loop

The easiest part is the concrete walking and cycling path (approx. 8 km) along the edge of the desert. It is smooth and wide enough for a bike trailer or a pushchair. In the Biała Przemsza valley the route goes onto a wooden boardwalk (approx. 400 m, opened in summer 2025) above wet meadows. The rest of the loop follows forest and gravel roads.

• Róża Wiatrów (Klucze): wooden gazebos and boardwalks, toilets, playground, food trucks in season. The best place to start.
• Czubatka (382 m above sea level): the highest point, so expect a short climb. It gives a panorama of the whole desert. The Red and Green ponds lie in the forest nearby.
• Dąbrówka Hill (Chechło, 355 m): a viewing platform looking over the military part of the desert.
• Boardwalk over the Biała Przemsza: the most spectacular stretch. It can get busy on sunny weekends.

Where to start and park

• Róża Wiatrów: car park for 100 cars, 15 minutes free, then PLN 5/h. You can also park for free along the county road. Navigate →
• Czubatka: smaller car park at the viewpoint. Navigate →
• Dąbrówka Hill: car park at the viewpoint, closest to the boardwalk. Navigate →

If you come by train with your bike, the nearest station is Jaroszowiec Olkuski (approx. 6 km from the route). More in our guide: how to get to the Błędów Desert.

Bike rental

The Koło Pustyni rental shop near the desert offers MTBs, e-bikes, fatbikes and children’s bikes. Book ahead at kolopustyni.pl, where you will also find current prices and opening hours.

Which bike and what to bring

• A trekking, gravel or mountain bike works best. A city bike will manage, but the forest has sandy and rooty patches.
• You cannot ride on the desert sand itself, because the wheels sink. Leave the bike at a viewpoint and walk onto the sand.
• In summer the concrete section is in full sun. Bring water and a hat.
• The concrete path and the boardwalk are shared with walkers. Slow down near pedestrians and pushchairs, and walk your bike when the boardwalk is busy.
• Signage in the forest can be sparse, so bring a map or use navigation on your phone.

What is not allowed

• The northern part of the desert is a military area with no entry. Do not ride past the warning signs.
• Quads, motorbikes and cars are not allowed on the desert.
• Organised rides, races and photo shoots need permission from the Klucze municipality. See the visitor rules.

For a longer ride: Velo Przemsza

The Velo Pustynia loop connects to the Velo Przemsza route (approx. 31 km, from Olkusz to Wolbrom). Together that makes about 40 km through forests and valleys. From there you can also reach the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests, including the castles in Rabsztyn and Bydlin.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the cycling route around the Błędów Desert?

The Velo Pustynia loop is approx. 16.5 km. About 8 km is concrete path; the rest is forest and gravel roads plus approx. 400 m of boardwalk.

Can you ride a bike on the desert sand?

Not really, because the loose sand stops the wheels. The cycling route runs along the edge of the desert; walk onto the sand from one of the viewpoints.

Is the route suitable for children?

Yes. It is easy and almost entirely car-free. With small children, stick to the concrete section and the boardwalk; the ride up to Czubatka is a short climb.

Where can I rent a bike near the Błędów Desert?

At the Koło Pustyni rental near the desert, which has MTBs, e-bikes, fatbikes and children’s bikes. Book at kolopustyni.pl.

Information as of September 2026. Sources: Klucze municipality (gmina-klucze.pl), route reports from 2025–2026, Koło Pustyni rental website.