Bielsko-Biala is a capital of the Province of Bielsko, situated in southern Poland, which borders in the north on the Province of Katowice, in the east - on the Province of Cracow and from the south and west - on the Czech and Slovak Republics. The town lies on the Silesian Foothills, in Beskidy Mountains which constitute a northern part of the ridge of Carpathian Mountains. Through Bielsko flows the river Biala. The town is situated at the north latitude 49,49' and east longitude 19,03' and covers the area of 121 km2. It is an area of a varied surface features, consisting of about 20 broad hills separated by deep stream valleys.
The country around the town is overgrown with many forests. One of the most beautiful places, it is the valley of the stream Wapienica which on the length of 4 km runs between two mountain ranges. In the years 1928-32, there was constructed here a water dam, named after the President Ignacy Moscicki, 309 m long and 23 m high. In spite of the fact that it is so close to the town, the Wapienica valley, due to its magnificent natural and climatic conditions, have been taken under protection and there was established a Natural Scenic Area with the aim to transform it into Ecological Park. In the valley, there are occurring many kinds of game - you may meet there red deers, roe-deers, mullards and even bears, lynxes and wolves.
To the south from the town centre, there is situated another nature reserve - Slope of Szyndzielnia which covers 57,92 ha of beech and spruce forest. In Bielsko-Biala, there are growing three oaks a few hundred years old an two lime trees which are considered as nature monuments. In the centre of the town, right next to the Town Hall, there is lying an erratic, originating from the time of glaciation.
The town has a microclimate which combines the features of mountain and submontane climate (with distinct influence of ocean climate), which is marked by high air humidity, long snowy winters and quite often blowing foehn-like winds. Because of a high level of annual precipitation, the surroundings of the town are overgrown with lush vegetation which contributes considerably to the picturesque beauty of the region and enhances its landscape values. The environs of the town offer to sport and recreation lovers various forms of activities - from mountain climbing and mountain tourism, through skiing, sailing, hanggliding and gliding, to angling and hunting. In the vicinity of the town, there are several artificial water reservoirs which are utilised in summer season by water sport lovers.
Many villages in the Province of Bielsko may boast about their state as resorts. There are also numerous typically recreational villages with an abundant offer for tourists, including two best known - Szczyrk and Wisla.
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