Bunzlau: Ceramics, City History and Leisure

Bunzlau (Bolesławiec) combines a strong ceramics tradition with distinctive architecture and leisure activities. When planning your trip, you can focus on different things: the ceramics collections and workshops, the town’s history, or activities at the Leśny Potok leisure complex and Wiadukt Plaza skatepark.

Ceramics and Town History in Bunzlau

The Muzeum Ceramiki contains around 6,000 exhibits. These include the oldest vessel, dating from the 13th century, typical bronze products, stamped ceramics and pieces from the former vocational school for ceramics in Bolesławiec. Contemporary ceramic production is also represented in the collections. The museum therefore offers a view of ceramic craftsmanship ranging from early objects to later and present-day forms.

Those who want to make something themselves can take a ceramics workshop at the Muzeum Ceramiki’s Centrum Dawnych Technik Garncarskich, available in Mini, Midi and Maxi formats. Participants learn and create their own piece. Depending on the format, it is not taken home, taken home unfired, or collected later after glazing and firing. Check the booking conditions in advance to make sure the format you choose fits your plans.

The town hall also has several details worth noting. The oldest part still standing today is the north wing and its tower, which date to the late 15th century. The tower is associated with a Saxon-Lusatian thatched-roof tradition. The entrance to the Wedding Palace is located at the portal on the south façade. The extensive sculptural decoration includes floral ornaments, arabesques, masks, herms and mascarons, as well as rustication and warriors’ heads; it also features the coat of arms of the patron, Mayor Paul Hanewald.

The town’s history can also be seen in the former fortification grounds. The town walls were largely destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1841, it was decided to turn the grounds into a promenade: a picturesque tree-lined avenue with several prestigious buildings. The Bolesławiec railway viaduct adds to the architectural history. It was built in 1844–1846 and is 26 metres high, 490 metres long and 8 metres wide.

Leisure at Leśny Potok and the Skatepark

The Leśny Potok leisure complex is located on Jeleniogórska Street and was built around a restored retention reservoir. The complex includes a swimming area and beach volleyball courts. The water in the swimming area is filtered without chemicals using a plant-based biosystem. Check the complex’s current operating status before your visit.

Wiadukt Plaza skatepark has several areas: a pro area with jumps and the so-called “Satelitka,” a fast outer track, as well as an asphalt bowl and an easy area for less experienced skaters. If you plan to visit the skatepark, check its opening hours and safety rules in advance. This makes it easy to include outdoor activities in your stay.

Information for Your Stay

The tourist information office in Bolesławiec provides information about sights and tourist attractions in the town and surrounding area, accommodation and dining options, and cultural and sporting events. It also sells maps, information materials, guidebooks, historical publications, souvenirs from Bolesławiec and Bolesławiec ceramics. Check the information office’s opening hours and the workshop booking conditions before your visit.

More Places to Explore

More places to explore when planning your trip: Osiecznica, Kraśnik Dolny, Naumburg Am Queis, Kliczków, Kruszyn, Raciborowice Górne, Zebrzydowa.

Go to the main travel overview: Bolesławiecki.