Things to do
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Chojnik Castle
A medieval castle ruin on a wooded hilltop above Sobieszów, burned by lightning in 1675 and never rebuilt. A steep forest path of about 45 minutes leads to the walls and a tower with views over the Jelenia Góra valley. The ruin is ticketed and the climb needs proper shoes.
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Kamieńczyk Waterfall
A waterfall dropping in three steps into a narrow gorge above Szklarska Poręba, the tallest on the Polish side of the Karkonosze. Helmets are handed out for the walkway to the base, which runs between the rock walls. Entry is ticketed, and the gorge path closes in icy conditions.
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Karkonosze National Park
A protected strip of the Karkonosze ridge with glacial cirques, subalpine bogs and dwarf pine, crossed by a long border trail. Marked paths link mountain huts, glacial lakes and granite tors. Entry is ticketed at the trailheads, and the weather on the ridge changes within the hour.
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Pałac Staniszów
A restored palace in its own park in the Valley of Palaces and Gardens, between Karpacz and Jelenia Góra. Rooms are period furnished, and the restaurant draws on the estate garden. It is small, so book ahead for summer weekends.
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Śnieżka
The highest peak of the Karkonosze, 1603 metres, crowned by a meteorological observatory shaped like three stacked discs. Marked trails climb from Karpacz, and a chairlift to Kopa shortens the ascent to about an hour on foot. The summit is exposed and often in cloud, so carry a warm layer even in August.
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Szklarka Waterfall
A waterfall about 13 metres high on the Szklarka stream, in a beech forest a short walk from the road between Szklarska Poręba and Piechowice. A mountain hut serves food nearby. The path is ticketed as part of the national park and gets slippery after rain.
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Vang Stave Church
A twelfth-century wooden church from Norway, bought by the Prussian king and moved here in pieces in 1842. Its carved dragon heads and runic details are original, and it still serves a Lutheran congregation. Entry is ticketed, and the church closes to sightseers during Sunday services.
