Jeleniogórski: Rocks, Glass and History

The Karkonosze Mountains are among the ranges surrounding the Kotlinę Jeleniogórską in Powiat Karkonoski. In Powiat Karkonoski, Śnieżka is the highest point, at 1,603 metres above sea level. Karkonosze National Park is part of Powiat Karkonoski’s protected-area system. Together, these landscape and conservation features provide a distinctive setting for a stay focused on nature and culture.

Landscapes and activities

Rudawski Landscape Park encompasses the entire Rudawy Janowickie, the eastern part of Kotlinę Jeleniogórską, and the southeastern ridge of Góry Kaczawskie, including Góry Ołowiane. It also includes the western part of Brama Lubawska and the western parts of the Marciszów and Kamienna Góra basins. Rocky cliffs and formations characterize many of the park’s elevations; examples include Sokolik, Starościńskie Skały, Fajka and Skalny Most.

The Bóbr Valley Landscape Park includes the Borowy Jar gorge, which is closed off by an artificial dam and Jezioro Modre. Borowy Jar offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and climbing. Góra Szybowcowa near Jeżów Sudecki is used as a training and instruction site for glider pilots, hang-gliders and paragliders. The landscape brings together a range of interests: rock formations, outdoor activities and air sports.

Glass, crafts and learning

At Huta Julia, children and adults can take part in workshops, make glass objects and jewellery, and learn traditional decorative techniques. They can take home the pieces they make. Visitors can also follow the production of crystal vessels, from the design on paper through blowing and decorating to packaging the finished product. Krystalium offers a different perspective on the same material: the interactive centre explores education and history related to glass and the traditions of glassmaking in the Karkonosze Mountains. Practical creativity and historical context sit side by side.

Architecture and mining history

The Ducal Tower in Siedlęcin was built in the second decade of the 14th century on the orders of Duke Henry I of Jawor. It features 14th-century wall paintings depicting the legend of Sir Lancelot of the Lake, as well as some of Poland’s oldest surviving wooden ceilings. Check visiting arrangements separately. The ruins of Bolczów Castle are among the most significant attractions in the municipality of Janowice Wielkie. From the centre of Janowice Wielkie, a gently ascending path leads to the ruins in no more than 30 minutes on foot; conditions on the local path may change.

Mining history is also part of the story in Kowary. The approximately 1,600-metre-long Kopalnia Podgórze underground tourist route runs through the workings of the former mine of the same name. It presents the history of mining, from the extraction of semi-precious stones, iron ore, silver and lead to the secret operations of the R-1 industrial plants. Check before travelling whether the route is currently open.

Museums and residences

The Museum of Sport and Tourism in Karpacz dedicates its permanent exhibitions to the origins and development of tourism in the Karkonosze Mountains, the development of winter sports there, and nature conservation. In Kowary, Park Miniatur Zabytków Dolnego Śląska is an excursion destination for history and architecture. The route through the Valley of Palaces and Gardens passes more than 20 residences. It includes the palace in Mysłakowice, a former residence of the Prussian king. Many sites along the route can generally be visited by tourists; check visiting arrangements with each property in advance.

In the wider destination of Lower Silesia

The wider destination of Lower Silesia also includes the Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica. They are Europe’s largest half-timbered Baroque churches. Built in the mid-17th century under the provisions of the Peace of Westphalia, they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. This regional cultural context complements the local themes of glass, mining, landscapes and historic architecture.

Discover more destinations

Przesieka, Milków, Zachełmie, Karpniki, Komarno, Jeżów Sudecki, Dziwiszów, Łomnica, Borowice, Jelenia Góra, Kowary, Sosnówka K Jeleniej Góry, Stara Kamienica, Marczyce, Szklarska Poręba, Staniszów, Gruszków, Kopaniec, Karpacz, Podgorzyn, Janowice Wielkie, Bukowiec, Piechowice, Mysłakowice, Miedzianka, Wojanów, Trzcińsko, Ściegny

To the wider travel overview: Lower Silesia.