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Walbrzych Land and the Sowie Mountains

Industrial Walbrzych, which until recently was associated only with mines, steel mills and other large factories, has become famous for the mystery of the Golden Train. Does the Train in the Underworld really exist? – for now is unknown. However, it is known for sure that the Walbrzych Land is one of the most interesting natural and cultural corners of Poland.

Description

The picturesque Sowie Mountains, a range of the Central Sudetes, delight visitors with their extraordinary landscapes, which can be admired from many vantage points. They are a wonderful place for hiking and biking, and in winter breathtaking views can be admired while riding on numerous trails prepared for cross-country skiing.

Walbrzych Land – an ideal place for active and family tourists

Why is it worth exploring? For its incredible history, rich cultural heritage, enchanting nature, spas and spa climate, and varied mountainous terrain suitable for families with children, seniors, and discerning tourists – cycling and extreme sports enthusiasts alike.

Attractions of the Walbrzych Mountains – for lovers of nature and outdoor activities

Of the tourist attractions for the active, it is worth mentioning the numerous hiking and biking trails within the picturesque Walbrzyskie Mountains, which are part of the Sudetes, where you can meet mouflons, deer, roe deer and wild boars, among others. In winter you can ski in the vicinity of Jedlina-Zdrój, Rzeczka, Mieroszow, Boguszow-Gorcow and Głuszyca. An interesting feature is the year-round toboggan run in Jedlina-Zdroj.

Cultural heritage of Walbrzych land – castles, ruins and underground cities

But the real treasure of the Walbrzych Land is its tangible cultural heritage. Starting with the Książ Castle – one of the most beautiful and impressive in Poland, at which the famous Stallion Stud – a large equestrian and horse sports center – operates, through numerous medieval castles and ruins (Grodno Castle in Zagórze Śląskie, the ruins of Radosno Castle or Cisy Castle), to complexes of rock-cut tunnels from World War II, known as underground cities. The most important of these are the Walim drifts and the Osowka Underground City.

Sowie Mountains – viewpoints and unforgettable views of the Sudetes

While in the Owl Mountains, be sure to visit the observation tower on the Great Owl, the highest peak of the range rising to 1015 meters. The twenty-five-meter tower is a peculiar symbol of these mountains. Built in 1906, it was created as a result of the then-reigning cult of the first chancellor of the German Reich, Otto von Bismarck. In the world, as many as 240 towers were built on the same initiative. From it we can enjoy extensive views of almost the entire Sudetenland from the Karkonosze to the Snieznik Massif, and on cloudless days we can also see Wroclaw. Other noteworthy viewpoints include the tower of the WNMP church in Bielawa, the tower on top of Kalenica and the Srebrnogórska Fortress, which is also an extremely original monument of military architecture.

Ruins of castles and picturesque landscapes – the Owl Mountains in a nutshell

The Sowie Mountains also attract many tourists thanks to their medieval castles and picturesque ruins. You must see the magnificent Grodno Castle in Zagorze Slaskie, which is currently being restored to its splendor. In Zagorze, by the way, it’s worth seeing the spectacular dam on the Bystrzyca River and the Bystrzyckie Lake it created. The castle in Owieśnie and the ruins of Rogowiec Castle are also incredibly impressive.

The Local Tourist Organization “Walbrzych Agglomeration ” operates in the Walbrzych agglomeration.

WROCŁAW

Gallery

Discover the area

It is also impossible not to mention the spas in Jedlin-Zdroj and Szczawn-Zdroj, famous for their excellent therapeutic waters, as well as Sokolowsk with its beautiful architecture and specific microclimate. Also worth remembering is the Osowka Underground City - the largest part of the complex of underground corridors and halls located in the Owl Mountains, which is open to the public. Osowka is part of the "Riese" project implemented by the German Nazis between 1943 and 45. The network of underground corridors was probably intended to house Nazi weapons factories. According to other sources, Hitler's headquarters and the command of the German armed forces were to be located in some of them. In Osowka one can see 1700 meters of underground tunnels and two large above-ground structures.

Attractions