
The Kaczawskie Mountains and Foothills, known as the Land of Extinct Volcanoes, are the northernmost part of the Western Sudetes, captivating primarily with their natural beauty and landscapes. The highest peak here is Ostrzyca Mountain—its distinctive silhouette, visible from many kilometers away, is strikingly reminiscent of Fujiyama, Japan.
Other post-volcanic mountains include Wilcza Góra, Czartowska Skała or Grodziec. Of special note is the monumental Wielislawski Organs – a 20-meter-high, red-colored rock wall with a columnar structure resembling organ pipes.
The tourist region of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes, largely overlapping the Kaczawskie Foothills, also encompasses the Kaczawskie Mountains and is intersected by the valleys of two beautiful rivers – the Kaczawa and the Bóbr – renowned for their unique flora, protected in several nature reserves. The unique climate allows for the development of thermophilic species, and the most distinctive feature is the immense abundance of orchids, unique in the country.
When visiting the Kaczawskie Mountains and Foothills, it’s worth seeing at least one of the many landscape parks established in the area. We particularly recommend the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark, which was added to the UNESCO Global Geopark Network in 2024. Chełmy Landscape Park, with its numerous volcanic hills, the Rudawski Landscape Park, and the beautiful Bóbr Valley are just a few examples.
Architecture enthusiasts can enjoy magnificent monuments, including medieval ones, including the world-famous wooden Church of Peace in Jawor, built entirely without nails, and the Romanesque-Gothic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The beautifully preserved defensive complex in Grodziec, with its castle, moat, and spectacular courtyard, is truly impressive. Another remarkable architectural monument is the massive ruins of Bolków Castle, whose tower has a unique teardrop shape in cross-section. Numerous knightly tournaments and an international Gothic music festival are also held here annually. The entire Kaczawskie Foothills region abounds with ruins of palaces, castles, towers, and other buildings, preserved to varying degrees.
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Tourists can choose from a variety of hotels in the region's larger towns – Złotoryja, Jawor, and Lwówek Śląski – as well as numerous guesthouses and agritourism farms, and – especially popular – accommodations in castles and palaces, such as the palace in Brunów. For more information, visit gorykaczawskie.pl.