ŻYWIEC
A HISTORICAL BEER TOWN
Why Żywiec?
Żywiec is known nationwide because of his brewery, and the history of this town is connected to the beer trade. Żywiec existed from the 13th century, but the best period was from the 16th century, when they got the right to produce and trade this amber beverage. From that moment the town was expanded and gained popularity, till the point that in the 19th century became property of the Austrian House of the Habsburg, period in which the town continued developing and gaining importance in the map.
What to visit?
Żywiec Brewery Museum
Our first stop and one the most important in this town, is the Muzeum Browaru Żywiec (www.muzeumbrowaru.pl). From the Train Station it just takes less than 30 minutes walking to arrive there.
The museum was open in the 2006, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the brewery´s existence, and is one of the most modern breweries in the world. Here, after a dose of the interesting history in the Museum, you can taste a beer served directly from the Brewery or take as many pictures as you can.
Market Square
Rynek and the surrounding streets, have remained the original urban layout from the 15th century. Nowadays is a lovely place with coffee shops, restaurants, shops and great beer, surrounded by most of the tourist attractions of Żywiec.
Palace of the Habsburgs
From our last stop, following the street Zamkowa, we arrive to a gate that welcomes you in Pałac Habsburgów, nowadays also called New Castle. This neo-Classicist palace was built at the initiative of Archduke Albrecht Friedrich Rudolf von Habsburg in the years 1885 to 1895. His son, Karol Stefan, who decided to settle here permanently, initiated the Żywiec line of the Habsburgs and sponsored many investments that developed the town back then.
The Komorowski Castle
Zamek Komorowski, also called the Old Castle is a construction from the second half of the 15th century, which was founded on the ruins of an earlier fort, destroyed during the campaign of King Casimir Jagiellon’s troops. The castle, which was expanded several times, has preserved its Renaissance courtyard to our times. Currently, the Old Castle is home to the City Museum of Żywiec - www.muzeum-zywiec.pl
The Castle Park
Park occupies an area of about 26 hectares. For centuries was changing, it was founded in the Italian style, but after a century, it was transformed into an English park, and later into a naturalistic one. A perfect place to find some calm and relax surrounded by monumental trees, canals, fountains and flowerbeds. An interesting monument is an 18th century Chinese House, where you can have a refreshment during summer time.
Where to have a break?
Coffee
Kościuszki 2, Żywiec
Mietówka Café
Great coffee and a fantastic selection of cakes and ice cream. Familiar and warm atmosphere. The place is big enough, so you can always find a seat, even the busiest days.
facebook.com/DeKaffe/
Zamkowa 2, Żywiec
De Kaffe
Fantastic cafe in the heart of Żywiec, with great drinks and desserts. It’s located in the castle park, so during summer time you can enjoy the outside seating. They organize different workshops during the year. The staff speaks english.
FB/HerbaciarniaCzekodeko/
Rynek 16, Żywiec
Czekodeko
A cafe in a shop or a shop in a cafe. The place is small but cozy and lovely. They have a great selection of tea and coffee. It is worth it to visit it if you are in Rynek. Sometimes they organize a book discussion club.
Restaurants
Rynek 6, Żywiec
Piwiarnia Zywiecka Rynkowa
The best place to try the fantastic local beer and the local food. The menu is not very wide, but they always offer great specials of the days.
Rynek 19, Żywiec
Rynek 19 Bistro
They define their food as healthy, tasty and natural. They not only have great meals and drinks, their desserts are so tasty as well. Moreover during the year they organize different events.
ul. Świętokrzyska 8, Żywiec
Browar Krajcar Restaurant
Great atmosphere, they care about the customer. The food quality is fantastic and the portions are huge. They have seasonal beer and they are vegetarian friendly.