Discover Jeleniogórski

• The Karkonosze Mountains are among the ranges surrounding the Kotlinę Jeleniogórską in Powiat Karkonoski.
• At 1,603 metres above sea level, Śnieżka is the highest point in Powiat Karkonoski.
• Natural and cultural attractions include Rudawski Landscape Park, the Ducal Tower in Siedlęcin and the route through the Valley of Palaces and Gardens.

The Karkonosze Mountains are part of 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. Together, the mountains and the valley area represent different landscape forms within the region described.

Rudawski Landscape Park also encompasses a variety of landscapes: the entire Rudawy Janowickie, the eastern part of the 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 crags and rock groups shape the scenery of numerous elevations, including 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. There are opportunities for hiking, cycling and climbing there. Karkonoski National Park is part of the protected-area system of Powiat Karkonoski. Those who prioritise nature when planning a trip will find several options here: mountain ranges, rock formations and a gorge with a range of named activities.

At Huta Julia, you can watch the production of crystal vessels step by step: from the design on paper through blowing and decorating to packaging 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 their finished pieces home. Krystalium has a different focus: this interactive educational and historical centre explores glass and the traditions of glassmaking in the Karkonosze Mountains.

The Ducal Tower in Siedlęcin was built in the second decade of the 14th century on the orders of Duke Henry I of Jawor. Its 14th-century wall paintings depict scenes from the legend of Sir Lancelot of the Lake; the tower also has some of Poland’s oldest surviving wooden ceilings. Visitors interested in historic buildings and mural painting will find here a different way to explore regional history than in the glassmaking exhibitions.

The route through the Valley of Palaces and Gardens passes more than 20 residences. These include the palace in Mysłakowice, a former residence of the Prussian king. Many sites along the route can generally be visited by tourists. For history and architecture, Park Miniatur Zabytków Dolnego Śląska in Kowary is another excursion option.

The ruins of Bolczów Castle are among the most notable attractions in the municipality of Janowice Wielkie. From the centre of the village, you can reach the ruins on foot via a gently uphill path in no more than 30 minutes. In Kowary, the Kopalnia Podgórze underground tourist route tells the history of mining: from the extraction of semi-precious stones, iron ore, silver and lead to the secret activities of the R-1 industrial facilities. The route is about 1,600 metres long and runs through the workings of the former mine of the same name.

The Museum of Sport and Tourism in Karpacz features permanent exhibitions on the origins and development of tourism in the Karkonosze Mountains, the development of winter sports in the mountains and nature conservation. A different activity takes centre stage at Góra Szybowcowa near Jeżów Sudecki: the mountain is a training and instruction site for glider pilots, hang-glider pilots and paraglider pilots. These attractions appeal to different interests, from regional history and nature conservation to air sports.

The selection of places on this page also includes Trzcińsko, Ściegny, Wojanów, Komarno, Miedzianka, Karpniki, Jelenia Góra, Borowice, Dziwiszów, Łomnica, Szklarska Poręba, Marczyce, Stara Kamienica, Sosnówka K Jeleniej Góry, Milków, Zachełmie, Piechowice, Gruszków, Przesieka, Staniszów, Kopaniec, Podgorzyn and Bukowiec.

What is the highest point in Powiat Karkonoski?

At 1,603 metres above sea level, Śnieżka is the highest point in Powiat Karkonoski.

How do you reach the ruins of Bolczów Castle on foot?

A gently uphill path leads from the centre of Janowice Wielkie to the ruins. The walk takes no more than 30 minutes.

What can visitors learn on the Kopalnia Podgórze route?

The approximately 1,600-metre underground route presents the history of mining in the workings of the former mine, including the extraction of various ores and the secret activities of the R-1 industrial facilities.

What topics are covered at the Museum of Sport and Tourism in Karpacz?

The permanent exhibitions cover the origins and development of tourism in the Karkonosze Mountains, the development of winter sports there and nature conservation.

For the broader travel overview: Lower Silesia.