SZRENICA

This is the name of the mountain peak overlooking the city, as part of the Central Crest of The Karkonosze Mountains. Its altitude is 1362 m above sea level and can be reached by a chair lift from SKI ARENA at the foot of Szrenica. A well known mountain hostel “Szrenica” welcomes tourists at the top of the mountain covered by a granite disforest. Even though Szrenica is not a high mountain it offers climatic and snow cover conditions very similar to The Alpes at the altitude of 2000 m above sea level, which provides excellent skiing conditions and well functioning skiing infrastructure. 20 km of ski pists along Szrenica slopes, as well as the overall network of ski lifts, have been attracting enthusiasts of white craze to Szklarska Poręba for years. Szrenica also offers an excellent view point over Jelenia Góra Valley, The Izery Mountains and The Kaczawskie Maountains. Next to the top there are three interesting rock groups – Końskie Łby [Horse Heads], Szronowiec[Hoar-frosted rock], Trzy Świnki [Three Pigs].

KAMIEŃCZYK

The highest waterfall in the Polish part of The Karkonosze Mountains. Its threshold is situated at the altitude of 843 m above sea level. The waterfall forms a three-level cascade 27 m high falling to the gorgeous Kamieńczyk Gorge. The gorge is about 100 m long with vertical, rocky walls reaching over 25 m in height while its width at some parts is less than 4 meters. Behind the middle waterfall cascade there is a cave called “Złota Jama” [“Golden Cave”] hammered by the Walloons and famous for pegmatite and amethyst stones concentration. By the waterfall there is “Kamieńczyk” hostel and “Szałas Sielanka” [“Idyll Shelter”].

WYSOKI KAMIEŃ

Wysoki Kamień is the peak 1058 m above sea level overlooking Szklarska Poręba from the west and situated in the High Crest of The Izery Mountains. There are characteristic picturesque rocks at the top from which one of the most beautiful panoramas of The Sudety Mountains can be admired. The following ranges are visible from this point: The Karkonosze Mountains, The Rudawy Janowickie Mountains, The Izery Mountains, The Izerskie Plateau, The Kaczawskie Mountains, The Kaczwskie Palteau and Jelenia Góra Valley.

Until 1963 a tourist hostel was functioning there. At present a small shop and a buffet are open and a new hostel is under construction. The Gołba family from Szklarska Poręba are present hosts of Wysoki Kamień. In Middle Ages the area was intensely excavated by the Walloons and described in legends.

ZŁOTY WIDOK The golden view

It is a huge and very steep rocky threshold extending over Kamienna River valley at the altitude of 20 m and represents an excellent view point over The Karkonosze Mountains, Szrenica and Śnieżka peaks. Near it there are The Grave of Karkonosz andChybotek Rock – beauty spots which became the subject matter of numerous legends.

ŚNIEŻNE KOTŁY Snowy Kettles

These are two best formed postglacial kettles in The Karkonosze Mountains with well preserved glacial forms. They are divided by a narrow rocky perch and squeezed into northern slopes of The Karkonosze central crest, between Łabski Szczyt and Wielki Szyszak. Vertical rocky walls are about 200 m high and the altitude of Duży Kocioł [Large Kettle] top edge reaches 1490 m above sea level. Inside and at the bottom of Duży Kocioł [Large Kettle] there are two small Śnieżne Satwki [Snowy Ponds].

Duży Kocioł (east side) is 800 m long, 600 m wide and together with Mały Kocioł[Small Kettle] (west side) constitutes a strict nature reserve covering the area of 127 hectares. Kettles’ names originate from patches of snow which persist below their vertical stony edges till late Summer (in 1970 till 2nd September). Śnieżne Kotły also represent the area of very rich mountain flora, not only in The Karkonosze Mountains, but also in the whole Sudeten mountain range. Over Śnieżne Kotły there are rocks called Czarcia Ambona [The Devil’s Pulpit] – a view point overlooking kettles’ bottom, next to it there is RTV transmission station building.

KRUCZE SKAŁY Raven Rocks

A large group of rocks along the right bank of Kamienna River at the altitude of 718 m above sea level. The group consists of two huge granite towers 30 m high which provide a perfect view point overlooking Kamienna Valley, part of the town and The Izery Mountains. Krucze Skały are the base of extreme sports centre - “Quasar” Mountain School. Instructors are available to assist tourists in practising multi pitch rock climbing, abseiling, descending, slinging, jumping at the, so called, pendulum or walking over a precipice on a rope bridge.

DOM WLASTMILA HOFMANA Wlastimil Hofman’s House

What an exceptional opportunity to visit the house of Wlastimil Hofman - the painter, which has been functioning in practically untouched state since the artist’s death. The inside of the seemingly small house includes the painter’s workshop, where his easels are still in place, and next to them on a small table there are brushes and tubes of paint. The atmosphere of the house, as the present host Mr Wacław Jędrzejczak ensures, is still fulfilled with the artist’s spirit, which cannot be experienced in any museum.

Wlastimil Hofman (1881-1970) – called by Jan Sztaudynger “the painter of internal radiance” was an artist famous both in Poland and all over the world – a painter, a poet, a student of Stanisławski, Wyczółkowski and, most of all, Jacek Malczewski. In 1947 he moved from Cracow to Szklarska Poręba, talked into it by Sztaudynger himself and settled with his wife in a small house situated in Szkalrska Poręba Średnia. Hofman became very close with local community and painted many portraits and small pictures for the residents. Also the Franciscan fathers became the recipients of his works. His paintings decorate private houses and local churches.

Hofman’s House – “Wlastimilówka”, in a short time it became the meeting place for local artistic community. After the painter’s death, following his will, Mr Wacław Jędrzejczak became the owner of the house with all its belongings. The host opens painter’s workshop and the living room decorated with pictures for visitors. Visits are arranged by phone.

Wlastimil Hofman’s House – The Museum
23 Matejki Street
phone: +48 75 717 27 52
The house may be visited only in the presence of its host, to be arranged by phone.

CHATA WALOŃSKA JUNAJUNA The Walloons’ Hut

The seat of Walloons, Medieval masters in excavating and processing natural minerals, iron ores, metals, precious stones and quartz. Old Hut is placed at the bifurcation of the Czech path leading to the springs of Łaba river, the place of ancient cult and black trail surrounding Szklarska Poręba. A Sculpture Workshop is open next to the Hut. In dark chambers of the Hut meetings are held during which visitors can listen to tales about Walloons who used to inhibit The Sudety Mountains, as well as old stories and legends about these mountains. Rich collection of semi-precious stones also presents these typical for The Karkonosze Mountains. Special offer for organized groups (more than 20 persons) – the first level of Walloons initiation.'

Chata Walońska JUNA [Walloons Hut JUNA]/
12 Kołłątaja Street
phone: +48 75 717 29 56, fax +48 75 717 33 56
old Walloons Hut is opened by prior arrangement
www.chatawalonska.pl

LEŚNA HUTAGlass Factory in the Woods

Owing to abundant resources of quartz and wood in the forests surrounding The Karkonosze Mountains Szklarska Poręba has been known for many centuries for crystal glass manufacturing. First glass factory was opened in Szklarska Poręba Dolna [Lower Szklarska Poręba] at Szklarski Potok[Szklarski Creek] in the middle of 14th century. Today the many centuries lasting tradition of glass manufacturing is preserved by Mr Henryk Łubkowski, who turned Leśna Huta into family business. Visitors coming there can watch coloured glass being hand made in front of their eyes. The factory manufactures diversified glass forms and ornaments, like flower vases or table glassware. In manufacturing process old tools and moulds are used, which results in better perfection of products made by expert craftsmen. Broken glass and admixture of glazier’s sand are base materials used in the manufacturing process.

Factory Outlet by Leśna Huta is open for customers.
Leśna Huta,
2 Kołątaja Street,
phone: +48 75 717 23 03
www.lesnahuta.pl

DOM GERHARDA I CARLA HAUPTMANÓW The House of Carl and Gerhard Hauptmann

“One day, while hiking in the mountains and looking down I noticed this valley and a thought crossed my mind how nice it would be nice to settle in this place. Enchanted and delighted by this idea I walked in the woods, ran down along a path amidst meadows and in a few hours I arranged the purchase of a country cottage, including adjacent land, green areas, beech wood and natural water springs. I still recall this unconfined joy of my wife and children the moment we could call this corner of the world totally ours and took to renovating an old and falling apart cottage, which following best possible transformation was supposed to become our cosy, family settlement.” - Gerhart Hauptmann In this way an old country cottage, purchased in 1890, became both the family house and a place of creative work for two outstanding writers and brothers – Carl and Gerhart Hauptmann’.

CHYBOTEK

Since the 19th century Chybotek has been one of major tourist attractions in Szklarska Poręba. Several meters high group of rocks is made up of a few granite blocks. The top rock of 4 m in diameter is supported in its two points and can easily be put into swinging motion. Owing to its shape it has also been called “A bowl of sugar”. Numerous Walloons tales and legends about the Ghost of the Mountains frequently mention Chybotek as the rock surrounded by the veil of mystery since, according to old-time stories, it used to close the entrance to an underground treasury.

KRZYWE BASZTY Crooked Towers

Located on the left bank of the Kamienna River a group of strongly inclined granite rocks 18 meters high. The small cave, formed as a result of mining pegmatites, is in the south wall. Vertical rock walls are used for rock climbing.

ALPINE COASTER

The gravity slide with the highest "carousel" in Poland is a crazy downhill slide over the rooftops of Szklarska Poreba.
The slide was built in the center of the city and is part of the emerging ESPLANDA Family Theme Park.

The slide, going among the trees of the park offers an amazing experience. Its speed is felt quite differently than in the open. The curves, a few ledges, waves, and the highest carousel in Poland, built on 8-meter-high supports all provide an unforgettable experience while driving.

The significant steepness of the terrain makes the carousel is 12 meters above the road number 3 and over a dozen meters above other parts of Szklarska Poreba. The passengers fall in it in carts speeding at 40km/h, thereby ending the emotional ride.

DINOPARK

Are you ready to meet the reptiles from hundreds of millions of years ago? If so, we invite you to Dinopark, where there are several reconstructions of life-sized dinosaurs, which are distributed among the rocks and hills in the vast forest. Each of these dinosaurs looks like a living thing - some quietly break the leaves off the highest branches in the forest, some are preparing to spring on their prey.

Others look so that people with weak nerves prefer not to have a closer look. For example, the ferocious predator Albertosaurus - "Lizard from Alberta" found in the province of Canada. Or the Centrosaurus - a herbivorous dinosaur with an over 1m long, horned skull.

Its frill had two skin-covered holes, to reduce the weight of the skull. There are also a great many other specimens, whose names are known only to the most dedicated enthusiasts of the Earth's natural history.

KOLEJ IZERSKA

Po przeszło 65 latach na tory linii kolejowej 311, łączącej Szklarską Porębę z  Jakuszycami, powrócił pociąg.Kolei Izerska - jak nazywane jest połączenie kolejowe Jelenia Góra - Szklarska Poręba  - Korenov to malowniczy szlak, który ponownie został uruchomiony w 2010 roku po przeszło 65 latach nieużytkowania.Ta niezwykła linia kolejowa, wybudowana na początku ubiegłego wieku jest jedną z najciekawszych  w Polsce. 
Tajemnicze zakola, górskie urwiska, fauna i flora Gór Izerskich niemal na wyciągniecie ręki sprawia, że sama podróż żelazną Koleją Izerską jest atrakcją.

SZKLANA HUTA

W Górach Izerskich w osadzie Orle powstała prawdziwa atrakcja turystyczna - jedyna Polsce, i jedna z nielicznych na świecie, ekspozycja szklanych przycisków do papieru i szkieł millefiori. Podziwiać ją można w Szklanej Hucie – w wyremontowanym rok temu zabytkowym budynku dawnej szlifierni huty szkła Carlsthal .

MUZEUM MINERALOGICZNEMineralogical Museum

Since 1993 the museum in run by the Sokołowski family: Renata, Grzegorz and their son Kzimierz. The parents’ passion is also shared by two daughters who run a similar institution in Kamień Pomorski. The museum in Szklarska Poręba offers almost 3000 exhibits: mineral stones and fossils from all over the world, as well as Gibeon’s meteorite - an exhibit from cosmic space. In front of the museum building there is “CARBONIFEROUS WOOD”, the only one in Europe, in the form of fossil Dadoxylon tree trunks. The trees were growing here about 300 million years ago. Fossil exhibits and dinosaurs’ skeletons collected in the museum are an attraction for every visitor. It is the biggest in Poland private collection of these reptiles which inhabited the Earth millions of years ago. Among the exhibits there are also eggs of dinosaurs from China. The oldest fossils presented in the museum are 570 million years old stromatolites originating from The Kaczawskie Mountains and trilobites dated for Lower Cambrian period (530 million years ago). The museum provides an audio-video room where popularized scientific films are shown.

20 Kilińskiego Street
mobile phone: 607 100 880
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.sokolowski-muzea.pl
open: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10 am – 6 pm, Sundays 10 am – 4 pm, Mondays – closed; in peak season opened everyday from 10 am till 6 pm

TEATR NASZ W MICHAŁOWICACH

 Teatr  Nasz - Kraina Dobrego Humoru w Michałowicach oddalonych 7 km od Szklarskiej Poręby,  to miejsce tradycyjnych już spotkań z niemal dwudziestoletnią tradycją.Twórcy i właściciele Teatru Naszego - Jadwiga i Tadeusz Kutowie - zawodowi aktorzy, zapraszają na wieczory kabaretowe i muzyczne, po których dalszą część wieczoru można spędzić w zacisznej restauracji, przeznaczonej tylko dla Gości teatru.

SZTOLNIE KOWARY

 To interesująca i bezpieczna trasa turystyczna. Jest ona odbierana przez turystów jako podziemny świat legend, tajemnic i historii prawdziwej, związanej przez blisko 700 lat z poszukiwaniami kruszców, minerałów oraz wydobywaniem rudy żelaza, a także rudy uranowej. 
Jest to jedna z ponad 20 sztolni radziecko-polskich zakładów R-1 zajmujących się poszukiwaniem, pozyskiwaniem i wysyłaniem rudy uranowej do ZSRR z przeznaczeniem do wyprodukowania pierwszej radzieckiej bomby atomowej w latach 1945-47. W tym czasie działalność wydobywcza w Kowarach i okolicy była otoczona ścisłą tajemnicą. A i później dzieje tych sztolni nie były do końca jawne.

HUTA SZKŁA KRYSTALICZNEGO W PIECHOWICACH

Ręczna produkcja kryształów jest procesem niezwykle pracochłonnym i obecnie już zanikającym. 
Huta szkła umożliwia obejrzenie wszystkich etapów kreowania i zapoznania się ze ŚWIATEM  KRYSZTAŁU. W towarzystwie przewodnika mogą Państwo poznać historię i magię tworzenia kryształów.

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