Jeleniogórski: Discover mountains, glass and cultural heritage

Jeleniogórski combines striking mountain landscapes with places where you can discover glassmaking, mining and architectural history. When planning your trip, it is worth looking at both: rock formations and protected landscapes shape the character of the outdoors, while museums, historic buildings and a route through the Valley of Palaces and Gardens explore a range of cultural themes.

Mountains, protected areas and rock landscapes

The Karkonosze Mountains are among the ranges surrounding the Kotlinę Jeleniogórską in Powiat Karkonoski. Śnieżka reaches 1,603 metres above sea level and is the highest point in Powiat Karkonoski. The Karkonosze National Park is also part of the protected-area system of Powiat Karkonoski. These landmarks give the landscape a clear framework, without limiting the area to a single peak or park.

The Rudawski Landscape Park offers a different perspective on the landscape. Its area includes the whole of the Rudawy Janowickie, the eastern part of the Kotliny Jeleniogórskiej, the southeastern mountain ridge of the Góry Kaczawskie with the Góry Ołowiane, and the western part of the Brama Lubawska, including the western parts of the Marciszów and Kamienna Góra basins. It is characterized by rock outcrops and rock formations on numerous hills, including Sokolik, Starościńskie Skały, Fajka and Skalny Most. The Bóbr Valley Landscape Park also features the Borowy Jar gorge and the artificial dam with Jezioro Modre.

Glass, crafts and regional history

Glass is more than just an exhibition topic here. At Huta Julia, visitors can follow the production of crystal vessels, from the design on paper through blowing and decorating to packaging the finished product. Workshops for children and adults introduce traditional decorating techniques; participants can take home the glass objects and jewelry they make. Huta Julia thus offers a hands-on insight into craftsmanship and design, complemented by Krystalium, an interactive education and history centre about glass and the traditions of glassmaking in the Karkonosze Mountains.

The mining history of Kowary is the focus of the Kopalnia Podgórze underground route. It spans mining for semi-precious stones, iron ore, silver and lead, as well as the secret activities of the R-1 industrial plants. Those interested in historic working life can also explore history and architecture at the Park Miniatur Zabytków Dolnego Śląska in Kowary. Different ways of remembering the past sit side by side here: the history of industrial use and the presentation of buildings in the miniature park.

Castles, residences and museums

In Siedlęcin, the ducal tower was built in the second decade of the 14th century at the behest of Duke Henry I of Jawor. Among its most notable features are 14th-century wall paintings depicting scenes from the legend of Sir Lancelot of the Lake, as well as some of the oldest surviving wooden ceilings in Poland. Near Janowice Wielkie, the ruins of Bolczów Castle are among the municipality’s most significant attractions. From the town centre, a gently rising path leads to the ruins in no more than 30 minutes on foot.

The Valley of Palaces and Gardens offers a broader view of the history of residences: more than 20 residences lie along the route. These include the palace in Mysłakowice, a former residence of the Prussian king. In Karpacz, the permanent exhibitions at the Museum of Sport and Tourism take a different focus. They cover the origins and development of tourism in the Karkonosze Mountains, the development of winter sports in the mountains and nature conservation. The range therefore extends from architectural history and courtly heritage to the development of travel and sport.

Active ways to explore

Borowy Jar offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and climbing; the gorge, dam and Jezioro Modre also give this landscape its distinctive character. Near Jeżów Sudecki, Góra Szybowcowa is a training and instruction site for glider pilots, hang glider pilots and paragliders. These places appeal to different interests: getting active in the landscape or exploring the world of air sports.

Discover more places in Jeleniogórski

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

For the broader travel overview: Lower Silesia.