Bunzlau: Ceramics, Architectural History and Leisure

Bunzlau (Bolesławiec) offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: ceramics, city history and leisure activities. The following topics can help you choose what to explore based on your interests – from the collection at the Ceramics Museum to architectural landmarks and municipal facilities.

Ceramics in the Collection and Workshop

The Muzeum Ceramiki in Bolesławiec has around 6,000 exhibits. The oldest vessel dates from the 13th century. The collection also includes typical bronze products, stamped ceramics, works from the former vocational school for ceramics in Bolesławiec, and contemporary ceramic production. This brings historical pieces together with later and present-day ceramic groups.

Visitors who would like to work with clay themselves can take part in ceramics workshops in Mini, Midi and Maxi formats at the Muzeum Ceramiki’s Centrum Dawnych Technik Garncarskich. Participants learn and create their own work. What happens to it afterward depends on the format: in Mini, it cannot be taken home; in Midi, participants can take it home unfired. In the Maxi format, it is collected later, after glazing and firing. If you are planning a workshop, check the booking terms before your trip.

Viaduct, Promenade and Town Hall

The railway viaduct in Bolesławiec was built between 1844 and 1846. It is 26 metres high, 490 metres long and 8 metres wide. Its construction dates and dimensions offer a specific point of interest if you are interested in historic engineering structures.

The development of the city fortifications can also be traced through time: the city walls were largely destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1841, it was decided to transform the former fortification grounds into a promenade – a picturesque walking avenue with several prestigious buildings. The history of the fortifications is thus linked to the later redevelopment of the grounds.

At the town hall, it is worth taking a closer look at its different structural elements and periods. The oldest surviving part is the north wing with its tower, which dates to the late 15th century and is associated with a Saxon-Lusatian thatched-roof tradition. The portal on the south façade forms the entrance to the Wedding Palace. Its extensive sculptural decoration includes floral ornaments, arabesques, masks, herms, mascarons, rustication and the heads of warriors. It also features the coat of arms of the benefactor, Mayor Paul Hanewald. The north wing and portal offer different ways to explore the history and design of the town hall.

Leisure Activities and Visitor Information

The Leśny Potok leisure complex is located on Jeleniogórska Street in Bolesławiec and was developed around a restored retention reservoir. Facilities include a swimming area and beach volleyball courts. The water in the swimming area is filtered without chemicals by a plant-based biosystem. As seasonal operation may affect your visit, it is best to check in advance.

Wiadukt Plaza skatepark has a Pro area with jumps and a so-called “Satelitka,” a fast outer track, as well as an asphalt bowl. There is also an Easy area for less experienced skaters. If you are planning to visit the skatepark, check the opening hours and safety rules beforehand.

The tourist information office in Bolesławiec provides information about sights and tourist attractions in the city and surrounding area, accommodation and dining options, and cultural and sporting events. It also sells maps, information materials, guidebooks, historical publications, Bolesławiec souvenirs and Bolesławiec ceramics. If you would like to use this service, check the opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations: Osiecznica, Kliczków, Naumburg Am Queis, Kraśnik Dolny, Zebrzydowa, Raciborowice Górne, Kruszyn.

For the main travel overview: Bolesławiecki.