Lower Silesia - dolnyslask.info.pl

Tourist
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of Lower Silesia
ACTIVE LEISURE IN LOWER SILESIA
Following roads, tracks and pathless tracks
The region of Lower Silesia attracts the attention of those keen on tracking and walking for one obvious reason – it abounds in tourist trails, the most
famous one being the Main Sudetan Trail named after M. Orłowicz. Moreover, well-marked cycling routes create great opportunities for those fond
of mountain biking. The most interesting cycling trails are those of the Legnica Region (Ziemia Legnicka), Kaczawskie Hills (Pogórze Kaczawskie),
Chełmów and the whole Lower Silesian Forest (Bory Dolnośląskie).
Kaczawskie Mountains with their smooth but diverse hills are perfect to be visited by bike. Relatively easy routes are an ideal choice for family tourism.
Karkonoski National Park (Karkonoski Park Narodowy), especially Szklarska Poręba and Karpacz, is a real paradise for mountain bikers and magnetize
a numerous group of biking lovers.
The routes of the entire Sudeckie Hills (Pogórze Sudeckie) are also attractive. They include Rudawy Janowickie, Kamienne and the Wałbrzyskie
Mountains, the Sowie and Stołowe Mountains, the Snieżnik Massif (Masyw Śnieżnika), and the Bialskie Mountains.
Lower Silesia is a rich region in different aspects. In the past centuries a range of different cultures interacted here, leaving their footprint
in architectural and cultural heritage in the form of interesting unique monuments often having great historic value. Along the Cistercian
Route (Szlak Cysterski) you can find the great civilization achievements of the Cistercian order. In The Piastowskie Castles’ Route (Szlak
Zamków Piastowskich) you will come across the shadows of the oldest witnesses of Polish statehood. In a Region of Palaces and Gardens
(Kraina Zamków i Ogrodów) in Jeleniogórska Valley (Kotlina Jeleniogórska) you may touch the architectural achievements of the Polish,
the Czech, the German and the Saxons. Around Ślęża Mountain near Wrocław you will discover the history of Celtic and Slavic tribes. In
Jawor and Świdnica you can face the excellence of evangelic buildings. In Kłodzko and Srebrna Góra you will admire the military monuments of the region. In Pstrążna you will see what country life was like a hundred and more years ago. Marvelous churches, colourful
medieval town squares can be discussed on and on …
Lower Silesia is a region rich in minerals. Coal and gold mines along with quarries, are a testimony of the way the elements have been
harnessed by humans. The grounds of Lower Silesia also hide another example of natural resources – mineral waters, whose healing
powers have been inspiring people to built health resorts in far greater numbers than in any other region in Poland.
Lower Silesia is also famous for undiscovered dimension – this land is full of mysteries. You will be convinced in the fact after visiting the
Mysterious Triangle. Besides, there are much more mysteries left…
And finally, there is a primary wealth - a wealth of nature. A great variety rocky labyrinths, beautiful caves, high mountains, waterfalls,
large forested areas and volcanoes (not active, fortunately), National Parks, along with landscaped sites, natural reservoirs, as well as man
made nature attractions such as, conservatories, palm houses and arboretums – belong to this region. One cannot describe the wealth of
this area in a nutshell! One cannot see all the treasures as well! However, if you, dear reader, have got only one, two or three days coming
here, you will have the opportunity to visit the best places in Lower Silesia. You can choose any sights according to the region or topic,
your own interests and preferences; Lower Silesia will not disappoint you!
We invite you to discover Lower Silesia!
FAMILY WEEKEND
The Kłodzko Region
In a rock labyrinth / www.pngs.pulsar.net.pl
If a friend asks you whether you have already been in the Stołowe Mountains, and
your answer will be negative – he will probably not believe you. These are the only
mountains in the country of horizontal sandstone structure, which gained their strange
shapes of spires, towers and mysterious statues due to the influence of time and water.
Following the path from Karłów, squeezing through a rock labyrinth you will reach the highest parts of Szczeliniec Wielki (919 m a.s.l.) and from the observation points you will have the chance
to enjoy the beauty of the non-forgetful scenery. On your way back from the mountains remember to drop
into the spine-chilling Dinosaur Park. If you are still not fed up with admiring nature peculiarities you should
follow the track to White Rocks (Białe Skały) or Rocky Mushrooms (Skalne Grzyby). And the trip you will never
regret is the one to another rock labyrinth called Errant Rocks (Błędne Skały), whose name proves its peculiarity.
To Jerusalem? Sure! / www.wambierzyce.pl
Stołowe Mountains
It’s no wonder why The Marian Shrine in Wambierzyce is called ‘the Lower Silesian Jerusalem’; it is due to
the project inspired by Salomon’s temple. A basilica with stunning staircases, a calvary with 74 chapels
scattered over hills and among trees and an animated crib with 800 statuettes giving the impression that
biblical scenes become alive – can be treated as a real sacral jewel and the object of admiration of pristine
masters of chisel, brush and … religion.
Respect and horror
www.kudowa.zdroj.pl/czermna
Chapels and small chapels which are often founded to conquer death are not a rare phenomenon in Lower Silesia. However, one of them is really unique and special among others.
This is the Chapel of skulls in Czeremna. Its ceiling and the walls are covered with human
bones of those who died during wars
and plagues. To pay tribute to the deceased, priest W. Tomaszek, who kept
in mind Roman catacombs, digged out
and collected the skulls and shinbones
in one grave which is also considered
to be a chapel.
Marian Shrine in Wambierzyce
As it used to be / www.skansen.kudowa.pl
The Chapel of Skulls in Czermna
The town of a spa and
museums / www.kudowa.zdroj.pl
When you discover the charms of Spa Park (Park
Zdrojowy) and the taste of local water encourages you to gain more knowledge, you ought
to head for the Museum of Craftsmanship. Here
you will vividly find out how the shoemaker, tailor, leader-worker, wheeler, vesicle, cooper and
blacksmith worked in the former times.
You and especially your children will be delighted with the Museum of Toys. In glass showcases you will see scenes and characters from
fairy tales. You will also discover the history and
exceptional functions of various dolls, e.g. those
from Peru regarded as cult objects were taken
to graves or the Bulgarian ones which were believed to keep away evil spirits.
Not far from Kudowa there is a place where the time seems to have stopped. Since 1984 the
Skansen of Sudetan Hills Folk Culture has been functioning in Pstrążna. One can take a walk among
a number of huts, some of them dating back even to the 18th century and later periods, scattered
over the picturesque hills. Moreover, you can also find here a flour mill, a forge, a bell-tower and
old beehives. The place shows how the people of borderlands, the representatives of three nations
lived here in peace together. Therefore the mission of skansen is “Life over the border”.
The Skansen of Folk Culture
in Pstrążna
Kudowa Zdrój – the Spa Park
More information at: www.stolowe.yoyo.pl, www.hrabstwo.pl, www.radkowklodzki.pl, www.sudety.net.pl,
www.sudety.it, www.naszesudety.pl, www.dolnyslask.org, www.ziemiaklodzka.pl
THE WATERS OF KŁODZKO
The Kłodzko Region
Compared to other regions in Poland, the region of Lower Silesia abounds in health and SPA resorts (ten SPA resorts can
be found within the area of 200 km), all of them are unique and beautiful. Each of resorts has a local park where one can
enjoy walking along the alleys and benefit from waters extracted from underground which have the properties of healing
different ailments. Additionally, each health resort offers something special, e.g. Duszniki boasts of the Museum of Papermaking and the Chopin Festival, whereas Polanica, Duszniki and Kudowa are attractive owing to the nearby Stołowe Mountains, Lądek is famous for the festival of mountain films and the arboretum, Długopole, in turn, is characterized as a uniquely
secluded and quiet place.
At the foot of the Stołowe Mountains / www.polanicazdroj.com.pl
Chopin’s manor house in Duszniki
Although its springs were already known 400 years ago, Polanica Zdrój is one of the newest health
resorts of the Kłodzko Region. In spite of its merely 150-year-old tradition, the town quickly joined
in the lead of health resorts. Situated in a charming area, a small city of Polanica is famous for the hydrogen, carbohydrate and lime waters. Anemias, bile ducts, ulcers of the alimentary track and heart
conditions are treated here.
Following Chopin
www.chopin.festival.pl
Polanica Zdrój – the promenade
From misery to resort
www.kudowa.com.pl
Hidden behind the Stołowe Mountains, Kudowa Zdrój has the
mildest climate in the Sudetan, and its curing waters have been
already described in 1622, when it still had its former name “Chudoba” i.e.“Misery”.Nowadays it is unbelievable that someone could
call it like that, since the name is not suitable for the contemporary
city in every aspect. Tourist attractions of the neighbourhood and
mineral waters encourage thousands of visitors. Kudowa’s mineral
waters are mainly indicated for those having heart diseases and
for children with stomach ulcer, obesity or hepatitis.
The properties of Duszniki springs were discovered as early as
in the Renaissance period. However, it was only 200 years ago
when the professional spa facilities were built there. Nowadays, Duszniki Zdrój belongs to the most fashionable health
resorts in the Kłodzko Region. To commemorate Frederic Chopin’s visit to Duszniki, the Chopin Festival is annually organized
here. Mineral composition of Duszniki waters is favourable for
treatment of the patients with gastric, respiratory, pancreas
and gullet problems.
The Museum of Papermaking
in Duszniki
What they wrote on / www.muzpap.pl
The Museum of Papermaking is the only museum of this kind in Poland. You will find here everything connected with the history of papermaking: collection of primary products used for
manual papermaking, instruments and various artistic and everyday exhibits of papermaking.
In the seclusion of the Bystrzyckie Mountains / www.dlugopolezdroj.com
The beginnings of Długopole Zdrój are connected with mining and date back to the 14th century
when the first spring bubbled up as a result of the landslip of the roadside near the aluminum sulfate mine. The local health resort was founded more than 100 years ago and since then it has been
a quaint place located between two forested hills at the foot of the Bystrzyckie Mountains. Anemia, hypertension and the diseases of the bile track, liver and pancreas are treated in Długopole.
Kudowa Zdrój – the pump room of mineral waters
Like in a Turkish bath / www.ladekzdroj.com.pl
Lądek Zdrój which is situated at the foot of the Golden Mountains (Złote Góry)
is the oldest health resort in Poland. There is a number of wonderful spa objects
modeled on Turkish baths. The local radon waters are the greatest treasure of this
resort. They are indicated for the treatment of neuritis and rheumatic, heart and
skin conditions.
Długopole Zdrój
Lądek Zdrój
More information at:
www.ziemiaklodzka.pl, www.polanica.pl, www.duszniki.pl, www.kudowa.pl, www.ladek.pl, www.dlugopolezdroj.ta.pl
AT THE SPRINGS OF THREE RIVERS
The Kłodzko Region
On the south-west ridge of the Śnieżnik Massif, there is the so called Trójmorski
Wierch which is a triple divide of the Nysa Kłodzka, Cicha Orlica and Morawa rivers
(relatively belonging to the Baltic Sea, North Sea and Black Sea basins). The highest
peak of the area is Mt. Śnieżnik (1452 m a.s.l.), from which you can admire the beauty of the
Karkonosze Mountains or even the Beskidy Mountains when the weather is favourable. It takes
about two and a half hours to reach it from the village of Międzygórze. In the nearby refuge built in
the 19th century one can relax, drink tea and then continue sightseeing.
In the world of underground beauty / www.jaskinia.pl
A wide panorama of Śnieżnik Massif
There is a place with a Palace Hall which is scarcely located in the palace. It is the Bear’s Cave situated near
the village of Kletno which is considered to be the most beautiful cave in Poland. While visiting it, you’ll
doubtlessly admire the incredible wealth of dripstone forms, subterranean lake and the most bizarre forms
of stalactites. On the 360 meters long route the guide will show you around the rooms and halls and you’ll
be astonished by this incomparable creation of Nature. The cave entrance is cased
with a pavilion in which tourists will see an
exhibition and watch a film about the cave
and its attractions.
The Bear’s Cave
In the world of fairy tales / www.pttkmiedzygorze.ta.pl/
Międzygórze is a fairy tale-like place. So, it is not a surprise that the Fairy Tales
Garden (Ogród Bajek) was built here. Stretching on a 700-metre-high hillside the
garden is penetrated by the Mountain Spirit. It is full of fairy tale statues, miniature
houses, totems and tiny summer cottages made of stone and tree branches.
Międzygórze
In a fairy tale Norway…
… in Poland!
www.miedzygorze.com.pl
The Fairy Tale Garden in Międzygórze
The �ery monuments
www.muzeum.�lumenistyka.pl/
/muzeum
One cannot deny that the Match Museum located in
Bystrzyca Kłodzka is definitely one of the most unique
ideas in the region. It is the only museum of this kind
in Poland. Similar museums will be found in the Czech
Republic, Sweden and England. The place boasts of
impressive and unbelievable variety of exhibits connected with the use of matches, lighters, oil lamps and
matchbox labels. It is the only place to learn the ways of
making fire along with the history of match making.
There is such a place in the valley of the
Śnieżnik Massif situated in the vicinity of
a number of mountain rivers and built up with small houses in
the Tyrolese and Norwegian style like nowhere else in Poland. It is
Międzygórze – a place that abounds in really unusual architectural
and nature sights among which the most distinguishing is Wilczki
Waterfall, one of the biggest in the Sudety Mountains. Visitors are
dazzled with a wonderful cascade of water falling from a 20-metre-high cliff into a charming forested canyon.
The shrine on Igliczna Mountain
www.mariasniezna.pl
Wilczki Waterfall
If you climb higher you cannot miss Our Lady of the Snow Shrine
which is on the Igliczna Mountain. It was established in the 18th
century on the place of miraculous curing when a replica statue of
Madonna was brought here from Maria Zell in Austria. Nowadays
it is an object of local cult. That is why it is “fashionable” and rather
frequent event that newlyweds come here to get married and children are baptized in the shrine.
On the terraces of Bystrzyca Kłodzka / www.bystrzyca.pl
Bystrzyca Kłodzka
Situated in a beautiful area, on a hill above a river, Bystrzyca Kłodzka is distinguished by a unique complex of viewing terraces. What is more, the old town is
really very old as it preserved its medieval patterns – there is a network of lanes
and tenement houses, as well as fortified walls and towers with the famous Water Tower (Wieża Wodna).
More information at:
www.stronie.pl, kletno.pl, www.miedzygorze.pl, www.bystrzycaklodzka.pl, www.bystrzyca.info.pl
UNDERGROUND TUNNELS AND FORTIFICAIONS
The Kłodzko Region
Underground areas and precipices, everything what is
lower or higher than the level we live on every day have
been the objects of fascination for the people of different cultures. There are such places created by the Nature as well as the
ones created thanking to the work of a man. It happened in Kłodzko,
in a city where you will enter the world of history after crossing the old
medieval stone bridge – a miniature of the renowned Charles Bridge in Prague.
The bridge will lead you to the Old Town, one of the oldest ones in Poland and to
many attractive places. However, the interesting sights can be found not only in
the old part of the city but also “under” it.
Kłodzko Fortress
In the underground tunnels of the town / www.klodzko.naszemiasto.pl
Under the Old Town of Kłodzko there is the Underground Tourist Route dedicated to the thousandth anniversary of the Polish State. As in many medieval towns, kilometers of catacombs
were excavated here by the local citizens. Saved from collapsing, they belong to the most
fascinating tourist attractions in Poland. One can walk couple of hundreds meters
under the ground having a terrific Old Town of Kłodzko above the head.
The Underground Tourist Route in Kłodzko
The besieging of a fortress / www.forty.pl
During a fascinating trip into the times of Napoleon’s military campaign you will discover the history of the biggest fortress in Europe,
sometimes referred to as “Silesian Gibraltar”. You will visit “Donjon”
– the biggest fortified building of Srebrna Góra Fortress, and the
underground casemates.The fortress Cultural Park was inscribed on
the list of historical monuments. It is not a surprise, since it proves
to be the biggest preserved fortress of mountainous Europe.
Kłodzko labyrinth / www.osir.ng.pl
This is not the end of the story about “underground Kłodzko”. On the hills near
Kłodzko there is a quaint Prussian fortress dating back to the 18th century, under which there are underground labyrinths. Sidewalks of the Main Fortress have
several levels which are 40 km long in total. However, only 1 km of their area can
be accessible for sightseeing. It is a fragment of a big labyrinth through which toepopper makers were supposed to approach the position of an enemy. The fortress
was used as a prison of war camp during the World War II. Nowadays it is
one of the most frequently visited places in the region.
Sudetan line of defense – from Kłodzko to Srebrna Góra
www.forty.pl
Reconstruction of Napoleon military campaign
Not far from Kłodzko after climbing hundreds meters hills between two mountain massifs one will find a picturesque place – Srebrna Góra where silver used to be excavated.
But it is not silver (Srebrna Góra means silver mountain) that makes the town unique
today, though it remains in its name. These are huge forts built into the mountains, which
were built in the 18th century at the Prussian King Frederik II command as a border fortress which together with the fortresses in Nysa, Kłodzko and Świdnica strengthened the
Sudetan line of defense. The fortress of Srebrna Góra is a complex of six fortifications
called the Fortress Culture Park. There exist plenty of stories concerning their mysteries,
among them the one about the Amber Room. The Donjon fort is the biggest fortified
building.
“Donjon” – the Silver Mountain
More information at:
“Donjon” – the Silver Mountain
www.muzeum.klodzko.pl, www.kok.net.pl, www.um.klodzko.pl, www.klodzko.naszemiasto.pl
BETWEEN GOLD AND SILVER
The Ząbkowice Region
Among primeval trees / www.wroclaw.lasy.gov.pl
In the Muszkowicki Beech Forest nature reservation where a more than 100-year-old beech wood may be
found, in the valley of Zameczny Stream (Zameczny Potok), near Ciepłowody, the tourist may see relics of the
past – a barrow cemetery which is divided into four groups and contains objects dating back to the bronze
age, the time of Roman and medieval influences.
At the Slavic springs / www.cieplowody.pl
In Ciepłowody you will have the chance to “touch” the times of Slavic past. The ruins of the knightly Water
Castle (Zamek Wodny) probably date back to the 10th century and conceal in itself even older relic of our
ancestors’ residence. There used to be a stronghold of Slavic rulers in the castle.
Muszkowicki Beech Forest
Castle – residence / www.kamzab.pl
In Kamienic Ząbkowicki there is a monumental castle surrounded by
parks, terraces and fountains – a real residence! It dates from the 19th
century and is a “double” Romantic example – as the one belonging to the
epoch and as a tribute paid to the legendary love of a Polish princess and
a local prince, erected by a Dutch duchess – the founder of the
building. Till nowadays the main chunk has been preserved and
the castle is being reconstructed.
The Castle in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki
The civilization of white monks / www.bardo.pl
But for the civilization and cultural activity of the Cistercians, the history
of Lower Silesia would have been completely different. A tribute to the activities of the Cistercian order is the Cistercian Route, which passes by such
important places as Krzeszów, Lubiąż, Bardo and Kamieniec Ząbkowicki.
Therefore, Pocysterski mighty complex can be also found here.
Kamieniec Ząbkowicki
The Cistercian Abbey in Henryków
The Cistercian Abbey in Henryków
The �rst sentence in the Polish language / www.ziebice.pl
Not far from Ziębice you will find yourself on the Cistercian Route again.In the village of Henryków there is a Cistercian abbey from the 13th century where you can
see the Henryków church famous stalls, a numerous Baroque altars and the range
of paintings by M. Wilmann – a renowned Baroque Silesian artist. It was in Henryków where a book, with the first sentence in the Polish language, was found.
More information at: www.ziemiazabkowicka.pl, www.zamki.res.pl/cieplowody.htm,
www.zamkipolskie.com/kaec/kaec.html, www.krzeszow.pl, www.bardo.pl
BETWEEN GOLD AND SILVER
The Ząbkowice Region
The symbol of Ziębice / www.ziebice.pl
No wonder that Paczkowska Gate dating back to the 14th century is the favourite object of photographers. It turns to be
truly very photogenic! In fact, it rarely happens that a medieval relic is conserved in such a good state and perfectly merges
with modern surrounding. A renowned Paczkowska Gate is a fragment of fortified walls that used to encircle the town, and
one of five existing defensive bastilles.
Ziębice – Paczkowska Gate
Ziębice - St. Jerzy Church
The town of wonders / www.bardo.pl
In the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Bardo you can admire the St. Mary of Bardo’s statuette from the 12th century, the oldest wooden sculpture in Silesia. You will also be
dazzled with a memorable view of Nysa Kłodzka river breakthrough from “Rocky
Precipice”.
A panorama of Bardo
Ząbkowice Śląskie - Market Place, Townhall
The Sanctuary of Our Lady in Bardo
The miraculous St. Mary
of Bardo statuette
The town of Frankenstein
www.frankenstein.pl
While wandering around Ząbkowice
Śląskie streets, which were trotted by
“Devil’s Hunter” one can admire the ruins of the Prince Castle (Zamek Książęcy),
the biggest Leaning Tower (Krzywa
Wieża) in Poland and experience incredible feelings in Frankenstain’s Laboratory.
Bardo - the bridge over Nysa Kłodzka
More information at:
www.ziebice.pl, www.zabkowiceslaskie.pl, www.ziemiazabkowicka.pl
Ząbkowice Śląskie - The Leaning Tower
BETWEEN GOLD AND SILVER
The Ząbkowice Region
In quest of gold / www.kopalniazlota.pl
The sightseeing of the Gold Mine (Koplalnia Złota), a place of over 1000-year-old tradition of gold
excavation and processing, one of the most important gold mining centers in medieval Europe, is a
really valuable experience. Following the tourist track with the only underground waterfall in Poland,
traveling by mining cable cars or by boat through the swamped sidewalk of Gertruda’s tunnel, you
will discover the dark mysteries of old tunnels. For the genuine discoverers – the rinsing of
gold and the opportunity to coin a commemorative ducat in the mint will be the greatest
attractions.
The Gold Mine in Złoty Stok
The Gold Mine in Złoty Stok
The Gold Mine in Złoty Stok
A commemorative golden ducat
A feast at Viking’s
In the manner of the early medieval period you will attend a feast of roast meat, lentil,
peas, cereals and self-baked flat cakes. But the delicious food is not the only attraction.
The Vikings’ world is also a world of warriors. Thus, you will also have the chance to hear
the clatter of arms.
Forest Nature Park in Skalisko
Away from turmoil and noise / www.leszczynowka.pl
Leszczynówka Farm is a quaint place. The beauty of the surrounding nature and wonderful sports horses foreshadow the further attractions.
Vikings’ feast
A real adventure in Skalisko / www.skalisko.eu
Between earth and heaven, in a beautiful forest over the Gold Stream (Złoty Potok) one will
be lucky to find breathtaking and astounding attractions. Forest Park of Adventure – Skalisko
is a type of air tracking, which involves balancing bridges, spider nets, and Tarzan’s jumps as
well as hundred metres of abseiling tracks attached between the hills. Everyone will find
something for himself according to the strength and abilities. The level of difficulty of certain
sectors differs. There are some difficult installations which can be omitted as well as a special
route for children.
Forest Nature Park in Skalisko
More information at:
www.zlotystok.pl, www.kortunal.com
MOUNTAIN ATMOSPHERE
The Jelenia Góra Region
Jelenia Góra – the Pearl of the Karkonosze Mountains / www.jeleniagora.pl
Jelenia Góra is a real jewel in the Sudeten which is worth sightseeing. With the nearby Cieplice and
the wonderful town centre with arcade tenement houses, the town itself is a rewarding sightseeing
experience. However, being surrounded by the Karkonosze Mountains whose unique landscape
of lonely rocks of eerie shapes, hundred meters precipices, mountain lakes and large areas of wild
nature greatly adds to its attractiveness.
Karkonoskie health resorts / www.szklarskaporeba.pl, www.karpacz.pl
The town centre in Jelenia Góra
Szklarska Poręba and Karpacz are the pearls among the Sudeten mountain towns. Szklarska Poręba is famous, mainly for its ornamental stones. You
can not only buy them here but also admire the collections in the Mineralogical Museum
and Earth Museum. In Karpacz, located at the foot of the highest peak of the Karkonosze
Mountains – Mt. Śnieżka (1602m a.s.l.), you have to visit the Museum of Sport and Tourism
and the Toys Museum, where you will find the exhibits from the collection of H. Tomaszewski, a founder of the pantomime theatre in Wrocław. Ski jump “Orlinek” is also worthy
of attention. It is here where local and international ski-jumping competitions take place.
Besides, even Adam Małysz made his several masterly jumps here.
Karpacz
Mountain cascades / www.szklarskaporeba.pl
Szklarska Poręba
Taking a short stroll from Szklarska Poręba over the Szklarki Waterfall picturesquely located in the enclave of the Karkonoski
National Park will bring you unforgettable feelings. The cascade of water falls from a 13-metre-high wall straight into the
lake surrounded with the rocks. You can visit Kochanówka refuge which is situated by the waterfall. However, this is not the
only waterfall in this neighbourhood. You should necessarily stop at the road leading from Szklarska Poręba to Szrenica and
get pleasure from the magnificence of the highest Sudetan waterfall – the Kamieńczyk Waterfall ebbing 27 metres down
into a natural gorge which is 100 metres long.
From the land of Vikings / www.wang.com.pl
Szklarki Waterfall
The Wang wooden church being one of the greatest region’s attractions cannot be left without your attention! Dating back to the 12th century, it was brought from Norway to Karpacz
and has been an unusual tourist attraction until now. The Prussian King Frederick Wilhelm
IV bought it in the land of Vikings in the 19th century, brought here in pieces and
built again; so, it remained here to “conquer” Karkonoskie lands.
To Samotnia Refuge and to the summit of Śnieżka / www.karkonosze.pl
Dolina Małego Stawu
Following the trail from the Wang wooden Church you will reach a popular Samotnia Refuge.
Thanks to its convenient location it is one of the most frequently visited places in the Karkonosze Mountains. Its cracked walls tower over post-glacial lakes and the waters of Little Pond (Mały
Staw) closely reach the refuge’s walls. Having renewed your strength in Samotnia Refuge, head for
the highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains – the summit of Śnieżka. And do not be surprised
when you see the UFO… The refuge built there looks like an E. T. spacecraft.
The Wang wooden
Church in Karpacz
The precipices of Snowy Cirques / www.e-karkonosze.pl
The enclave of Snowy Cirques has the most Tatrzański character. The trails from Szklarska Poręba or Piechowice
(through Michałowice) lead to the charming Snowy Cirques (Śnieżne Kotły) situated between Łabski
Szczyt and Wielki Szyszak. Snowy Cirques are breathtaking 200-metre-deep gorges, with rock crevices and extensive landslips at their foot. This wild nook of the Karkonosze Mountains will certainly
stick in your mind for a long time and you will feel like coming back here once.
To the Wild West / www.western.com.pl
In Ściegny near Karpacz you will come across the Western City which consists of 12 buildings, among others the
Trapper Hut, the Sheriff’s Office and the Saloon. The Western City offers a rich variety of entertainments so it is
impossible to get bored here.
Snowy Cirques
Walking on glowing embers / www.sztolniekowary.pl
Kowary is situated between the Karkonosze Mountains and Rudawy Janickie. Being famous for its carpets in the past, now
it is famous for the numerous tourist sights – monuments, ski trails, bicycle routes, flying sites for paragliding and above all
the Miniature Lower Silesian Monuments Park will not leave you indifferent. However, visiting the local Adits (Sztolnie) is the
most essential. You can look for treasure here, attend feasts or even walk on glowing embers. This ritual was called “anastenaria” in ancient Greece and here it is a special attraction organized for tourists by the Fire Theatre (Teatr Ognia).
More information at: www.dzpk.pl, www.karpacz.pl, www.kowary.pl,
The Adits in Kowary
www.samotnia.com.pl, www.jeleniagora.pl, www.karkonosze.eu, www.szklarskaporeba.pl, www.piechowice.pl
THE VALLEY OF PALACES AND GARDENS
The Region of Jelenia Góra and Rudawy Janowickie
The Region of Jelenia Góra and Rudawy Janowickie are more often called as the Polish
“Valley of Palaces and Gardens” and it is easy to explain why. In this area an unusual cultural complex of more than 30 palaces has survived. The palaces are being or have been
transformed into hotels, restaurants, assembly and conference halls or the places of knight
tournaments. The residences of old historical families, witnesses of rich multicultural history of those lands have been incorporated into Jeleniogórski Valley Cultural Park, consisting of Mysłakowice, Łomnica, Wojanów, Wojanów Bobrów, Karpniki, Bukowiec, Staniszów
and many others (30 in total – the greatest amount in the country). They can also become
the attraction of the whole Europe, which is getting interested in this region more and
more. Work is underway towards the qualification of the park on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Wojanów Castle
Film-like scenery / www.zamekchojnik.prv.pl
Chojnik is a picturesque castle standing on high rocky hills. Having been erected at Piasts’ times,
and then remaining as the possession of a wealthy Sląsk family, the well-kept castle itself magnetizes with its beauty and location. You can spend a night in a popular tourist refuge and visit a
small museum in the neighbourhood. Or maybe you would like to take part in an annual knight
tournament called Chojnik’s Gold Crossbow Arrow (Złoty Bełt Chojnika)?
Chojnik Castle
Knight tilt-yards / www.zamek-bolkow.info.pl
A crucial point of a trip through this region is a castle on the hill in Bolków. Built in the 12th
century in order to protect the local trade route, a medieval Bolków castle has a characteristic
stone tower and a donjon perfectly visible from the road. If you happen to come here
in summer, you can participate in popular knight and archery tournaments, famous
all over the Europe.
Bolków Palace
A luxurious and secluded place
www.paulinum.wkarkonoszach.pl
In Jelenia Góra, lonely situated on a hill, far from tumult,
there is a beautiful 19th century Paulinum Palace. It
was built according to the Saxon architectural conceptions. Well-equipped and individually designed rooms
make the interior a luxurious one. Well-kept minor halls
are great places for conferences. In 2007 the palace has
become the laureate of the Well-Kept Monument (Zabytek Zadbany) award in the General Heritage Conservator (Generalny Konserwator Zabytków) competition.
A stronghold on the rocks
www.hm.pl/zamki/zamki/swiny.html
The history of the defensive settlement in Świny dates
back to the 10th century when the first wooden mansion house has been built here. It can be true that in
Pagan times it was a private residence of the Slavic
Silesian rulers with the heraldry of pig’s head. It has
been rebuilt many times; therefore you will see here
the old coat of arms of the Świny family as well as Baroque ornaments and the remains of donjon.
Świny Castle
Sir Lancelot in Poland!
www.zamki.res.pl/siedlecin.htm
The 14th century Knight’s Tower in Siedlęcin, which has
been recently reconstructed owing to the Foundation “Chudów Castle”, hides a lot of surprises. Here you will be enchanted by the very unique, medieval polychromy depicting the
very Sir Lancelot well known from legends about King Arthur. In 2008 the Knight’s Tower was awarded the
“Pearl of the Lower Silesian Crown” (Perły w Koronie Województwa Dolnośląskiego) prize.
Paulinum Palace
The Knight’s Tower in Siedlęcin
More information at:
www.dolnyslask.org/zamki, www.zamkipolskie.com, www.zamki.net.pl, www.dolinapalacow.pl
THE VALLEY OF PALACES AND GARDENS
The Region of Jelenia Góra and Rudawy Janowickie
The atmosphere of history and restoration / www.palac-lomnica.pl
Thanks to the new owners the old monuments of Łomnica have been restored and gained their
former splendor. Łomnica Palace which dates back to the 15th century used to be in a state of
ruin. Now it hosts the “Valley of Palaces and Gardens” exhibition. The Widow’s House, in turn, is
a small palace and a perfect place for cultural events such as congresses, conferences and many
others. The owners are eager to manage the neighbouring old buildings and establish there
the Museum of Farming of Sudety Massif.
To live as an aristocrat / www.palacstaniszow.pl
Staniszów Palace, as the majority of the local castles and palaces, has had new owners since
1990s. Having been restored, the palace has 23 double rooms and a restaurant with charming
antique furniture. Contests for young opera singers take place here. In Staniszów castle there
is an art gallery and a concert hall. You can travel by britzka here as well as take part in a sleigh
party.
Łomnica Palace
The oldest in Poland? / www.zamekwlen.republika.pl
Built at the beginning of the 12th century, Wleń Castle is probably the oldest castle in
Poland, though it is arguable…Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the Thirty Year War and
never rebuilt. However, the elements of the picturesque walls on the castle hills are well
preserved and can be watched, though the access is limited due to the unlucky
walls meltdown.
Staniszów Palace
The pearl of Mysłakowice / www.myslakowice.pl
The greatest attraction and the most precious monument in the town
of Mysłakowice is its royal palace, situated by the Łomnica River and
surrounded by an extensive park. The beginnings of the present palace
construction probably date back to the 18th century…
Rudawy Janowickie – for sport and history
The Royal Castle in Mysłakowice
www.rudawy.ir.pl
Rudawy Janowickie
In the region of Rudawy Janowicke you cannot only …tack yourself to the rope on the climbing rocks, where Wanda Rutkiewicz
and many other famous mountain-climbers did. The eerie rocks
are scattered all over the local mixed forest which almost reaches
the refuge Szwajcarka encourage you to rock climbing or
walking to admire the charming scenery. You can also
discover the history of this land.
A barbican on a hill / www.janowice-wielkie.com
On a rocky hill, over a bubbling stream there is the 14th century Bolczów Castle. Like many other castles in
Lower Silesia it is situated along the Piasts Castles’ Route. Till nowadays a medieval barbican, a gate and a
dwelling building have been preserved.
Bolczów Castle
What about �nding a castle? / www.karpniki.republika.pl
Less amount of the medieval spirit has been saved in the walls of repeatedly rebuilt Karpniki Castle which is situated at the foot of the Giant Mountains (Góry Olbrzymie).
The first stone of the building was put in the 14th century; the local legends, however, claim that its construction took place in the 12th century and … was connected
with the renowned Knights Templars. According to historical sources in Karpniki there was one more castle which had disappeared. Will you be able to find it?
More information at: www.zamkipolskie.com, www.zamki.net.pl, www.dolinapalacow.pl, www.starostwo.jgora.pl,
www.myslakowice.pl, www.janowicewielkie.amsnet.pl, www.podorzyn.pl, www.jezowsudecki.pl, www.starakamienica.pl
THE MYSTERIOUS TRIANGLE
The Wałbrzych region
The Giant in the Owl Mountains
www.gorysowie.com.pl
Lower Silesia for many years has been hunters’ target for treasure, past mysteries
and World War II tracks. Since little is known about the underground tunnels in the
Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie), the region has become the object of great interest for
explorers to the benefit of science and tourism.During World War II Germans built an“underground city” here. Might it have been Hitler’s secret lodgings or a hidden complex of arm
factories or secret laboratories of a special kind of arms? The use of the underground city is still
unknown. The researches carried out here were carefully hidden and known under the cryptonym
“Riese” – “Olbrzym” (Giant). Anyway, the outline of the corridors indicates that the final plans were to
merge all the local undergrounds. However, the defeat of Germans broke those plans.
The underground tunnels in Osówka
The underground tunnels,
dungeons and adits / www.osowka.pl
In Głuszyca you can visit one of such mysterious
underground places. It is the adits, the so called
Underground Town Osówka in the Owl Mountains. The system of halls and corridors, together
with the dungeons under Książ Castle and Walim
tunnels, is the best preserved complex of underground tunnels built at the command of the Third
Reich dignitaries. The prisoners of the concentration camps (among others – those from Gross
Rosen, near Strzegom) were used as a labor to hollow out long corridors whose use was unknown.
The underground tunnels in Osówka
The underground tunnels in Osówka
Dark secrets of the history of World War II / www.sztolnie.pl
In Walim you can visit the so-called Underground Factories (the entrance is next to the road from Walim to
Rzeczka) with its huge corridors of some 750 metres of length. In 2001 Walim Drift Museum (Muzeum Sztolni Walimskich) was set up which can be reached following a black route (Szlak Martyrologii) beginning in
Jugowice and going through the complex of the tunnels connected with the Reise programme. It stretches
from Jugowice Górne, Walim, the Underground Military Complex Rzeczka, Grządki, the “Underground Town”
of Osówka, Kolce to the railway station in Głuszyca Górna. In 1996 the underground tunnels in Walim
were given the Honour Snowdrop Award (Honorowa Nagroda Przebiśniegu) in the third edition of
the competition for the most interesting initiative creating the modern tourist offer in Poland.
The underground tunnels in Walim
The Underground Tunnels under Książ Castle / www.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl
It has not been a long time since a part of the underground tunnels under Książ Castle has
been opened for visitors connected with the history of “Olbrzym” (“Giant”) project. Only one
sector has become available so far, however even this was enthusiastically welcomed by admirers of war history of those areas. Explorers and admirers of the
area talk about the gold seized by
the Nazis and still hidden there.
There also spread the rumours
about the famous Amber Chamber somewhere in the tunnels. The
undergrounds under Książ Castle
were likely to serve as the centre
of commandership in the period
of plane attacks of aliens’ air forces
and not as the underground factory. What concerns the Amber
Chamber – it must be searched
somewhere else.
The underground tunnels under Książ Castle
The underground tunnels in Walim
The underground tunnels in Walim
More information at:
www.gorysowie.pl, www.region-walbrzych.org.pl, www.walim.pl, www.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl
THE KSIĄŻ ATTRACTIONS
The Wałbrzych Region
At the foot of Chełmiec / www.szczawno-zdroj.pl
A characteristic cupola of Chełmiec overlooks a health resort city whose fame
is still increasing. Healthy sorrel has been known since ages! Archeologists discovered a prehistoric spring of curing waters next to Ann Tower. Nowadays numerous diseases are treated here, including respiratory, kidney conditions and children
allergies. The peak of health resort Szczawno Zdrój popularity dates back to the 19th
century when most of the SPA facilities including the SPA Theatre, the pump room and the
promenade were built. The famous parks, the largest SPA parks in Poland, were also laid out
then.
Szczawno Zdrój – The SPA Park in Szczawno
The land of horses / www.rivendell.com.pl
Not far from Szczawno there is the Dworzysko hotel and leisure complex where you will find a group
of buildings inspired by Swiss architecture. This location is especially attractive for horse lovers.
A variety of horse trips and country and western parties are more often organized here
being successful attractions of this place.
Dworzysko
For body and spirit in June
www.mtbanna.hm.pl
If you happen to visit Szczawno in June you can
watch a mountain bike race taking route from
Gedymin Hill (Wzgórze Gedymina) to the socalled Sun Clearing (Słoneczna Polana). Being
the fan of bike riders is the incredible feeling. The
Polish Cup in MTB Marathon is held in Szczawno.
If you prefer to do something for you spirit, June
is also a favourable month for you, because at
that time H.Wieniawski’s annual festival takes
place here.
MTB bicycle race competition
A Giant on the rocky peak / www.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl
Over the picturesque gorge of the Pełcznica River one can see a real giant, one of the biggest castles in
Poland – the Książ castle. Built in the 13th century by the Piasts of Świdnica, it has been the residence of
the Hochbergs for centuries. Those magnificent and well-kept castle towers, beautiful terraces, chambers,
exhibition rooms, corridors and courtyards deserve your attention. If you wish to ride a horse after this
pleasant walk around castle – there is nothing impossible! In the immediate vicinity there are stables of
Stallions Herds and a hippodrome where numerous international competitions are held. If you are fond of
flowers, visit Książ in May to see the great flower exhibition held inside the castle, which is a real miracle!
Książ Castle
A White Lady in Grodno / www.grodnozamek.pl
Grodno castle, which used to be the biggest castle in the region of Silesia, was built by the Piasts of
Świdnica in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the Renaissance. The castle is located by the Bystrzyckie Lake near a huge dam on the Bystrzyca River in Zagórze Śląskie. Who knows, maybe
you will be successful to encounter a White Lady who seems to haunt the castle...?
Exotic plants under the glass / http://palmiarnia.republika.pl
The destiny of Palm House in Lubiechów was connected with the neighbouring Książ Castle and its owners. They established here a huge Palm House and the walls of the building are covered with volcanic lava
imported from Etna Volcano in Sicily. Apart from exotic palm and banana trees, there are various species
of herbs, beautiful flowers and shrubs from all over the world.
More information at:
www.szczawno-jedlina.pl, www.dolnyslask.org, www.zamki.res.pl/grodno.htm
Grodno Castle in Zagórze Śląskie
TECHNOLOGY IS ART AS WELL
The Wałbrzych region
Technology is art as well
www.walbrzych.naszemiasto.pl
The Museum of Industry and Technology in Wałbrzych
What about “industrial” sightseeing? If you resolve on visiting the technical sights,
you will not be the first person to do it, because the German poet – J.W. Goethe – while
being at Lower Silesia, visited the stone-pits and mines located here. The local technical
and industrial places of interest may turn out to be as fascinating as castles, palaces and
churches mentioned above. They have incredible style and more numerous ranges of fans interested in technical ideas, engineering art, technical solutions, since they were projected by people
having rich imagination as those designing palaces and churches, sometimes these were the same
people! The Wałbrzych Region abounds in mines and stone-pits. It also boasts of a variety of technical
and mining equipment, machinery and tools.
In a real mine of “black gold” / www.muzeum.walbrzych.pl
The fact that the grounds of Wałbrzych used to be rich in coal is best reflected by
the presence of The Museum of Industry and Technology in the town. It is located
within the area of the former “Julia” coal mine which was owned by the Hochbergs
who also possessed Książ Castle. There you can see a number of pit shafts and an
exhibition of 19th century coal mining equipment, used for the excavation of the
so-called black gold. During 1, 5 hour you will be absorbed in the difficult world of
underground work and will get acquainted with the 500-year-old mining
tradition of the region. The museum is the biggest and best-kept museum of this kind in Europe.
The Museum of Industry and Technology in Wałbrzych
Under earth by mining railroad / www.kopalnia-muzeum.pl
One of the oldest coal mines in Poland dating back to the 15th century can be found
not far from Wałbrzych, in Nowa Ruda. Though it is not functioning anymore the former
workers will show you around a route of some 700 metres of length. All visitors are provided with helmets and mining lamps like real miners. It is possible to go by mining railroad (which is only available here!) while visiting part of area open to visitors. However, it
would be expedient to visit the exhibition in the museum building at first.
The Coal Mine in Nowa Ruda
On earth by railway / www.muzeumtechniki.pl
You will always find beautiful places for sightseeing, but remember! To move from place to place
you need some kind of transport, for example, a train. When leave the coal mine in Nowa Ruda,
head for Jaworzyna Śląska, one of the largest railway junction points in Lower Silesia, and admire
the craftsmanship of the vehicles exhibited there. The Museum of Industry and Railway Production founded several years ago, boasts of very rare steam engines and other unique rail and motor equipment from other European countries. You can also see here the collections of ploughs,
even the collection of famous Harley-Davidson motorbikes. Have a nice trip! By the way, it is
being planned to launch a retro train which will take you from Jaworzyna to Ząbkowice.
The Museum of Railway Production in Jaworzyna
Harnessing water / www.sudety.it
In Lubachów, near Zagórze Śląskie there is a dam on the Bystrzyca River. Built in the years 1911-14,
44 m high and 230 m wide, the dam located in the shadow of the castle Grodno perfectly illustrates
the way water has been harnessed by the humans. A real giant! In the mountainous part of the village
there is also a water-power station where you will have the opportunity to visit a tiny museum devoted
to the history of… electricity. The local railway line is also worthy of attention, since it passes through
the rocky areas and 9 viaducts.
The dam on the Bystrzyca River in Lubachów
More information at:
www.um.walbrzych.pl, www.walbrzych.info, www.nowaruda.info, www.nowaruda.com.pl, www.jaworzyna.net
SILESIAN OLYMPUS
On the Olympus Mountain / www.sleza.sobotka.net
A panorama of the Ślęża Massif
The Silesian Olympus is in the Sudeten Foothills. This is the Mountain
of Ślęża (718 m a.s.l.), the highest hill of the Ślęża Massif – very often referred to as the Silesian Olympus –which was once a place of worship for our
ancestors inhabiting this region. Different rituals connected with sun took place
here even in the Bronze Period. This place was also closely bound with Celtic tribes
and the sculpture of a bear standing on the peak must be depicting their beliefs. Various archeological excavations and stone worship sculptures located on the summit of the
mountain recall the past. They include the statue of the bear, the Muchroom (Grzyb), the Lady
with a Fish (Panna z Rybą), the Monk (Mnich) and the Wild Boar (Dzik). There you can also admire the mysterious stone circles. Then the
rituals were fulfilled by Slavics. Besides, a
church of Augustans was constructed here
and today we can see a tiny church.
St. John’s night
The town of Sobótka, founded in the middle Ages, is situated at the foot of Ślęża Mountain. There you
can attend the archeological museum with its exhibition of medieval objects. It you happen to find
yourself in Sobótka on the eve of the 22nd of June, the magic day, you should join in a folk celebration
rich of old traditions.
An ancient cult sculpture on Ślęża Mountain
Touching the past
The Archeological Museum in Sobótka
The Archaeological Reservation located at the foot of
Ślęża Mountain will greet you with the statues of warriors
with moustaches. You will see here early medieval complex of settlements, a barrow cemetery (8th – 9th century) and a dwelling (8th – 11th century). Tired after the
trip you can make a fire here and reflect over the life of
people in past. It is interesting that there holds the meeting of those who want to establish the traditions of Slavic
ancestors belonging to the “Association of Native Faith”.
Following Stone Circles / www.muzeum.sobotka.pl
The Archeological
Reservation in Będkowice
Not only on Ślęża will you encounter stone circles. Small “Silesian Stonehenges” can be also discovered when reaching the
summits of Radunia and Wieżyca. They were constructed only from stones and rocky blocks of various shapes without the
use of cement at the beginning of the Iron Period. These Stone structures are thought to have been worship holy places,
inside which, religious activities with the participation of a large number of people were performed. Archeologists agree
at the point that they served as a big cultural centre of undiscovered till now fame and significance
in the world…
A quarry on a mountain pass
wiezyca.pttk.pl
The Quarry - Sobótka Chwałków
There is a lot to be told about the mineral resources of the
region. From the Neolithic period nephrite and serpentinit
have been excavated here to produce arms and instruments.
Stone Tower in Wieżyca
From the 10th century – granite has been discovered. On the
mountain pass between Gozdnica and Wieżyca there is the
Trip House – the place where tourists often drop in during the trips to Ślęża. On the west side of
the pass you will see a huge, oval granite quarry of a picturesque configuration, where there was an
amphitheatre after the war. The pass over Wieżyca is also an important junction of tourist tracks. It
is here where the yellow track to Ślęża, the black track around Ślęża, the tower track to Wieżyca, the
nature path and the signed cycling tracks begin.
More information at:
www.domturysty.net, www.sobotka.pl, sobotka.tiq.pl
IN THE NAME OF PEACE
The Świdnica region
The Church of Peace in Świdnica
In the era of ecumenism it was hard to understand the
genesis of religious discords and wars in Europe. Even then
people strived to show tolerance. That was why from the time of the
Thirty Years’ War ended in the 17th century they erected special buildings
in the name of peace. These are so called
churches of peace. A catholic monarch allowed to build evangelic churches. In the
Świdnica Region there used to be three
of them: in Głogów, Świdnica and Jawor.
Only two of them (the ones in Jawor and
Świdnica) have survived. Moreover, they
are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The place of Peace Concerts / www.jawor.pl
The Church of Peace in Świdnica
The Church of Peace in Jawor and the one in Świdnica are the only wooden sacred buildings in the world of such a size. It was allowed to build them on
condition that that they would not be made of durable building materials, the building period would not be longer than one year and the localization
would be outside the town. Therefore, the wood, straw and clay were used to build a simple construction of the churches. The effect is marvelous: even
though it looks modest from the outside, it can hold a congregation of even 6,000 people, in the nave and in storey galleries. You will be impressed by
the rich Baroque decoration of its interior. This place is suitable for holding special events connected with the idea of peace. That is why every
year, from May to September, Peace Concerts with chamber music are organized here in Jawor Church. Quaint music played by Polish, Czech
and German artists “melting” in the walls of this magnificent construction encourages to reflections and positive emotions.
A place of reunion
www.kosciolpokoju.pl
The Church of Peace in Jawor
A church of Peace in Świdnica is somewhat bigger from the
one in Jawor; it has enough room for up to 7, 5 thousand of
people. It does not lack a Baroque splendour and the scenes
from St. John’s Apocalypses which can take your breath
away. There are also family coat-of-arms, trade guild boards
and thrones where the Hochbergs, the owners of Kśiąż Castle seated. No wonder that till nowadays Churches of Peace
have been treated as the symbols of reunion and tolerance,
the proof is the meeting of the Polish Prime Minister T. Mazowiecki and German Chancellor H. Kohl there before their
visit to Krzyżowa.
The Church of Peace in Jawor
Following Achilles / www.muzeumjawor.pl
Jawor is a charming town where you can walk around the square looking for the remnants of the fortified walls and searching for the Piasts’ castle
or visit International Bread Fairs. In Regional Museum you will find the traces of a 7000-year-old settlement. Not to mention the traces
of Łużyckie and Slavic tribes! What is more, you will come across the proofs of contacts with Mycenaean culture –a gold diadem. Maybe such
diadems were worn by the heroes of Homer’s Iliad?
A former duchy capital / www.swidnica.pl
Jawor – Bread Fairs
Świdnica, once the capital of the Duchy of Świdnica and Jawor, is nowadays one of the most important cities in Lower
Silesia. Its town square is regarded as one of the most precious Old Town squares in Poland, it is the second in size after
Wrocław’s one. Apart from monumental churches, Świdnica
is also famous for a number of cultural events such as the
Świdnickie Jazz Nights (Świdnickie Noce Jazzowe) and the
Polish Declamatory Contest (Ogólnopolski Konkurs Recytatorski). You can also drop in at the Museum of Old Trade. In
case you want to buy something old for yourself – a famous
market of old things and antiques – is just for you.
The Town Square in Świdnica
More information at:
www.targi-chleba.pl, www.koncertypokoju.pl, www.um.swidnica.pl, www.sok.com.pl, www.muzeum-kupiectwa.pl
FOLLOWING THE TRACK OF EXTINCT VOLCANOES
On a winding path of a gorge
www.dzpk.pl
An eruptive cone
Chełmy Landscape Park in Legnica neighbourhood is a picturesque area
with the beautiful Myślibórski Gorge (Wąwóz Myśliborski) – a nature preserve, and the Little Myślibórz Organs (Małe Organy Myśliborskie) and Czartowska Rock (Czartowska Skała) – uncovered basaltic rock structures. A perfect
place for rest and grill party will be at the Sunny Meadow (Słoneczna Łąka) unless you are keen on mountain cycling and you can follow the 10-kilometre bicycle
route surrounding the Gorge. Besides, the
place you must visit is a modern Centre
of Ecological Education (Centrum Edukacji
Ekologicznej).
Little Mountain of Vesuvius / www.kaczawskie.pl
Fortunately, it will not erupt again… Ostrzyca is the highest peak of the Kaczawskie Hills. What is
more, it is a picturesque cone distinguished by its characteristic silhouette, once being dangerous and
today it is an extinct volcano. Due to its shape, it is called the Polish Fudżijama, and is a relic of former
volcanic areas of the region. On the top part of Ostrzyca there is the Ostrzyca Proboszczowicka Reserve where you may see unique basalt stone runs, the proof of former volcanic
activity.
Myśliborski Gorge
The Track of Extinct Volcanoes / www.karkonosze.it.pl
In this beautiful area, Ostrzyca is not the only place where you will come across the proofs of geological history of our planet.There is a track going from Myślibórz to Złotoryja on which you will
see them too, in Wilcz Góra, for example, whose basalt walls form fantastic rock crevices. It can be
funny to think how the modernization of Warsaw would look like but for those basalts – Palace
of Culture and Science, Łazienkowska track, subway corridors built from this mineral resource.
Gold for the bold
www.zlotoryja.info
Gold rinsing in Złotoryja
The town of Złotoryja is renowned for the most precious mineral resource in the world - gold, which is indicated by its name (Złotoryja means town where gold is excavated). The most famous drift, open to visitors is
“Aurelia”. No wonder that in Złotoryja there is the Museum of Gold, The Gold Chamber and The Chamber of Polish Gold Diggers Company. You still have a chance to participate in the International Open
Polish Championship on Gold Rinsing. What you have to do is only to come to the town.
Grodziec Castle
A castle on a volcano
www.grodziec.com
Besides being located on the volcano, it also has old walls… It can be
only possible in Grodziec Castle, which is located on a volcanic hill and
surrounded by a breathtaking area of green beautiful nature. This is
the very beginning of attraction! Traditions of medieval knight tournaments as well as old dances, craftsmanship fairs and fairs of wine and
honey take place here. You must enjoy them!
The panorama of Złotoryja
More information at:
www.mysliborz.pl, www.kaczawskie.prv.pl, www.zlotoryja.pl, www.lwowekslaski.pl, www.zokir.pl
A WEEKEND IN THE FOREST SURROUNDINGS
The Bolesławiec Region
The capital in the Forest surroundings / www.powiatboleslawiecki.pl
Doubtlessly Bolesławiec is one of the most beautiful and interesting towns in Lower Silesia. It is famous
for its peculiar history as well as precious architectural monuments. Tourists are also dazzled by the town’s
natural resources, mainly the Lower Silesian Forest, which brings the visitors back to Slavic times when
the region was ruled by Bobrzanie tribe.
The Town
Square in
Bolesławiec
The panorama of Bolesławiec
An encounter with the past
www.boleslawiec.eu
The so called witnesses of history in Bolesławiec are the fortified walls,
dating back to the 14-15th century, the Church of the Assumption of
the Virgin Mary with its beautiful pieces of Baroque sculpture by J. L.
Weber and the building of the town’s arsenal, rebuilt in 1886 to house
the Town Theatre. Bolesławiec also boasts of well kept medieval net of
streets, a characteristic town square and
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque tenement houses.
The Church of the Assumption
of the Virgin Mary
in Bolesławiec
The fortified walls in Bolesławiec
A giant over the Bóbr River / www.boleslawiec.pl
There are many railway bridges in Lower Silesia designed in the style of Roman aqueducts. The one
in Bolesławiec, however, is unique and impressive. Built from stones in 1844-1846 by E. Gansel, being 490 m long and 26 m high over the Bóbr River, it is one of the biggest structures of this kind in
Europe. It owes its beauty to the precise performance and gigantic size.
The Old Theatre in Bolesławiec
The railway bridge in Bolesławiec
More information at:
www.powiatboleslawiecki.pl
A WEEKEND IN THE FOREST SURROUNDINGS
The Bolesławiec Region
Saints do not make
pottery…
www.muzeum.boleslawiec.pl
The Bolesławiec Region is most famous
for its pottery. Thanks to the rich resources
of stoneware clays in the basins of the
Bóbr and Kwisa Rivers in the 17th century
the region was hailed an important pottery centre. In 1897 the Pottery School
educating people from all over the world
was built in the town. Today this building houses The School of Electronics.
Characteristic Bolesławiec potteries ornamented with stamps and patterns are
exported to many countries and become
the signs of recognition and best promotion of the region. The local Museum of
Pottery (one of this kind in Poland) holds
a valuable collection of over 3000 pottery
pieces. Such events as International Ceramics and Sculpture Workshop and Ceramics Holiday and Art Festiwal – Gliniada
take place here. Tourists’ attention is also
attracted by the presentation of claymen.
Bolesławiec – Ceramics Holiday
Bolesławiec’s ceramics
In the aura of old forests / www.borydolnoslaskie.pl
The Lower Silesian Forest is a perfect place for those keen on watching nature, animals and wild
birds, including the wild-tailed eagle which came to be the national symbol of Poland. One can find
here a beauty if nature, silence and peace. The area is also a paradise for mushroom, berry and blue
berry pickers. A part of the Lower Silesian Forest blends into the Przemków Landscape Park which
boasts of such unique natural phenomena as expansive moors, heather fields and inland dunes.
The Kwisa River which flows across the Lower Silesian Forest is considered to be the Pearl amongst
the Lower Silesian Rivers, since it preserved its original nature and its waters are transparent and
clean.
Bolesławiec – Claymen
The Lower Silesian Forest
Heathers and honey / www.wrzosowakraina.pl
The Heather Land is located in the eastern part of the Lower Silesian Forest. The quaint Eco-Museum
of Heather Land is situated here. No wonder that the heather honey from the Lower Silesian Forest is
regarded as unique and was inscribed on the List of Traditional Products. Therefore, it is worth to visit the
village of Borówki where Heather Holiday takes place at the end of August.
The Kwisa River
More information at:
www. powiatboleslawiecki.pl, swietoceramiki.boleslawiec.pl, tbdwitryna.w.interia.pl, www.dzpk.pl, www.przemkow.pl
A WEEKEND IN THE FOREST SURROUNDINGS
The Bolesławiec Region
Castle elegance and … knight
tradition / www.kliczkow.com.pl
Hidden in the Lower Silesian Forest, in a beautiful extensive park, Kliczków castle is a medieval
fortress rebuilt to become a baronial residence.
After the recent reconstruction it was restored
to its former splendour. Knight traditions have
been preserved here as well, since every year
Knight May Picnics are held in the castle.
St. Mary of Częstochowa
Church in Gościszowie
Kliczków castle
Zamek Kliczków
The oldest shrine?
www.nowogrodziec.pl
In Gościszów you will be amazed by the St.Mary of Częstochowa
Church which is made of sandstone. Built in the Roman period
in the years 1200-50, the church is one of the most beautiful
and oldest shrines in Lower Silesia.
The dark Middle Ages
Gościszów is a place where many monuments and relics of the past may be found. The major tourist
sights are: the medieval pillory with chains and grips to which prisoners were fastened, as well as
penitential crosses erected at a place of crime.
The castle of Templars / www.wartaboleslawiecka.pl
Not far from Warta Bolesławicka there are ruins of this medieval “Starry Castle” with stone defensive
walls. The castle, built in the 12th or 13th century, was surrounded by an embankment and a double
moat. It was owned by the monks and knights of the renowned legendary Order of Templars.
Their mysteries are being continually discovered, even in popular culture. So, here you can
touch a real history…
A penitential cross
An old pagan shrine
www.osiecznica.pl
The old chronicles affirm that in Obłok
from around the year 800 there existed a Slavic shrine in which a god called
Milog was worshiped.
Courtly life
The many palaces, manor houses and complexes of gardens are proof of the magnificence of the past times.
The most beautiful ones can be found in Modła, Osła and Kraśnik Dolny. Cartouches and the remains of the
clock on the tower of Osła palace are worth paying attention to.
In the forests by bike / www.rowery-boleslawiec.pl
Osła Palace
The Przemków Landscape Park stretches among others in the Lower Silesian Forests. You may relax on cycling routes and when the opportunity occurs see interesting things such as the cave from Ice Age (26 meters corridors) located by the Lower Silesian Forest track, Kliczków, the Beech Forest, a sandstone rock called
“Bolesławiecka Vase” as well as 300 or 400-year-old nature memorials situated by the “Track of Copper and
Stone”. The “Silesian-Łużycki track”, in turn, will lead you to Gościniec where one of the oldest Lower Silesian
Marian shrines may be found.
The taste of tradition
The district distinguishes itself as a mixture of traditions, customs and tastes. Re-emigrants and their progeny coming from Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia,
Belarus and Ukraine live here. Protecting their cultural heritage, they popularize their south-east folklore. When you visit the district you may participate in
“The Baking Holiday”, the “Holiday of Pierogis” and the “Festival of Four Cultures”. You will get acquainted with unique local folklore and taste the tradition.
More information at:
www.ekowczasy.pl, www.powiatboleslawiecki.pl
ACTIVE LEISURE IN LOWER SILESIA
In the places where snow invites you to do winter sports
In Lower Silesian Mountains, there is an abundance of places where you can enjoy winter sports.
Such centers, as Rzeczka, Andrzejówka or Łysa Góra provide ideal conditions for family winter activities. For more advanced skiers the offer is wide as
well. Szklarska Poręba, with its well known Ski Arena Szrenica of 11 kilometres of trails of varied difficulty, is a Mecca for all snow lovers.
The nearby Karpacz offers more than 20 well-lighted and well-snowed ski-lifts of varied difficulty. For more advanced skiers there is the Ski Complex of
Śnieżka with its 8km of ski trails.
Zieleniec in the Orlickie Mountains is a popular ski centre as well. Due to a specific microclimate, this resort has the longest ski season in the area.The
20 varied and well-prepared ski tracks make Zieleniec even more attractive for any skier.
What is more, the dynamically developing ski centre of Czarna Góra in the Śnieżnik Massif is worth visiting. With its beautiful surroundings and 8km
of ski tracks it is a dream place for any skier.
Jakuszyce in the Karkonosze Mountains, in turn, is a magic place for all ski run lovers. The Piast’s Run (Bieg Piastów) is organized here every year. The
whole Sudetan Hills Massif is a real place of satisfaction for ski tourism, winter strolls into undiscovered places.
More information at:
http://www.e-szklarska.com/nartostrady.php, http://www.narty.rekreacja.pl/, www.zieleniec.pl www.czarnagora.pl/
POLAND
Lower Silesia
Lower Silesian Tourist Organization
13 Igielna St., 50-117 Wrocław, Poland
Tel./Fax No.: +48 71 344 11 09, 341 79 92
e-mail: [email protected]
www.dot.org.pl
www.visitsilesia.pl
www.dolnyslask.info.pl
www.riket.pl
www.rower-dot.org.pl
www.dolnyslaskbezbarier.pl
www.dolnyslask.poland.pl
www.tpe.org.pl
Published with the �nancial support of
Lower Silesian Government
Designed and assembled by:
mirwal art Sp. z o.o.
41 Wyzwolenia Av.
58-300 Wałbrzych
Tel. /Fax No.: +48 74 842 67 63,
Tel. No.: +48 74 842 48 26
e-mail:
[email protected]
www.mirwal.com.pl
Photographs taken by:
Archiwum DOT
Archiwum mirwal art
Tomasz Gmerek
Translation:
Axon - Oksana Galarowicz