In Jelenia Góra County, mountain landscapes, glassmaking history and medieval heritage sit side by side as distinct discoveries. The Karkonosze Mountains are among the ranges surrounding the Jeleniogórska Valley in Karkonoski County. At 1,603 metres above sea level, Śnieżka is the highest point in Karkonoski County; Karkonosze National Park is part of the system of protected areas in Karkonoski County.
Rocky Landscapes and Protected Areas
The diversity of the landscape is clear from the designated boundaries of Rudawy Landscape Park: it encompasses the entire Rudawy Janowickie range, the eastern part of the Jeleniogórska Valley, the southeastern ridge of the Kaczawskie Mountains with the Ołowiane Mountains, and the western part of Brama Lubawska, including the western parts of the Marciszów and Kamienna Góra basins. Numerous peaks are marked by rocky cliffs and formations. Notable formations include Sokolik, Starościńskie Skały, Fajka and Skalny Most.
The Bóbr Valley Landscape Park offers a different impression of the landscape. It includes the Borowy Jar gorge, which ends at an artificial dam and Jezioro Modre. Hiking, cycling and climbing are all possible ways to explore Borowy Jar. So here, the focus is not only on the rocks, but also on the different ways to engage with the landscape.
Experience and Understand Glass
Glass connects hands-on experience with regional history. At Huta Julia, you can watch crystal vessels being made, from the design on paper and the blowing and decorating stages to the packaging of the finished product. Huta Julia also offers workshops for children and adults. Participants make glass objects and jewellery, learn traditional decorating techniques and can take home the pieces they have made.
Krystalium takes a different approach: this interactive education and history centre is dedicated to glass and the traditions of glassmaking in the Karkonosze Mountains. If you would rather watch the production process or work with materials and decoration yourself, Huta Julia offers another way to explore the theme of glass. Both experiences raise questions about craftsmanship and history, but in different ways.
Castles, Palaces and Mining History
The ruins of Bolczów Castle are among the most important sights in the municipality of Janowice Wielkie. From the centre of Janowice Wielkie, you can reach the ruins on foot via a gently uphill path in no more than 30 minutes. Local path conditions may change, so plan your walk with the conditions on the day of your visit in mind.
The Prince’s Tower in Siedlęcin also tells the story of medieval architecture: it was built in the second decade of the 14th century at the behest of Duke Henry I of Jawor. Its 14th-century wall paintings depict the legend of Sir Lancelot of the Lake; the tower also has some of Poland’s oldest surviving wooden ceilings. If you specifically want to see the paintings, check visiting arrangements in advance.
The Valley of Palaces and Gardens includes more than 20 residences along its route. Among them is the palace in Mysłakowice, a former residence of the Prussian king. As the status of individual sites may change, it is best to check with each property about visiting arrangements before you go. In Kowary, the Lower Silesian Monuments Miniature Park explores history and architecture.
The Kopalnia Podgórze underground tourist route is about 1,600 metres long and passes through the workings of the former mine of the same name. It tells the story of mining in Kowary, from the extraction of semi-precious stones, iron ore, silver and lead to the secret activities of the R-1 industrial enterprises. Check before your visit whether the route is currently operating.
Museums and Further Discoveries
The permanent exhibitions at the Museum of Sport and Tourism in Karpacz cover three topics: the origins and development of tourism in the Karkonosze Mountains, the development of winter sports there and nature conservation. They offer insight into how tourism and winter sports have developed in the region and the role played by nature conservation.
Góra Szybowcowa near Jeżów Sudecki is a training and instruction site for glider pilots, hang-glider pilots and paragliders. If you are interested in air sports, this focus adds another perspective on the region alongside its cultural and landscape attractions.
Culture in the Wider Destination of Lower Silesia
The Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica are a distinctive cultural highlight in the wider destination of Lower Silesia. Built in the mid-17th century under the terms of the Peace of Westphalia, they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. As Europe’s largest half-timbered Baroque churches, they offer a further insight into Lower Silesia’s architectural heritage.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: 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, Łomnica, Borowice, Jelenia Góra, Karpniki, Komarno, Miedzianka, Trzcińsko, Ściegny, Wojanów.
View the overview of the wider destination: Lower Silesia.
