This calm mountain town in southern Poland has forests and hills ideal for hiking. Its 12th-century Church of St. James and Renaissance Town Hall reflect its long history.
Jelenia Góra, a city in southwestern Poland, sits in a valley encircled by the Karkonosze mountains. In the Old Town, you'll find a Market Square with baroque townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Cieplice district has thermal springs dating back to 1281. Nearby, you can explore Chojnik Castle or hike in Karkonosze National Park. Throughout the year, Jelenia Góra hosts several events, including the International Film Festival "Zoom Zbliżenia" and the International Street Theatre Festival.
Jelenia Góra's Old Town
The Old Town centers around the Market Square (Plac Ratuszowy). 17th and 18th-century baroque townhouses with arcades line the square. In the middle stands the Town Hall, built between 1744 and 1749. As you walk through the narrow streets surrounding the square, you'll see remnants of medieval city walls and towers, such as the Grodzka Tower on Grodzka Street.
Historical Churches of Jelenia Góra
The Church of the Holy Cross (Kościół Św Krzyża), built in 1718, has a park with nearly 300-year-old baroque tombstones and mausoleums. Originally built for a Lutheran congregation, it has served Catholics since 1947. The Church of St. Peter and Paul (Kościół Św Piotra i Pawła), with its yellow façade, dates from 1737, though the first Catholic church on this site was built in 1453.
Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój: A Spa District
The Cieplice district, now part of Jelenia Góra, has had thermal springs since 1281. Cistercian monks developed the spa in the 15th century, and by the 16th century, it had gained popularity beyond Silesia. Today, you can visit thermal pools and receive spa treatments in this historic area. The district also has buildings from the 1700s, built by the Schaffgotsch family, one of the oldest noble families in Silesia.
Natural Areas and Outdoor Activities
From Jelenia Góra, you can reach the Karkonosze National Park, which receives over 1.5 million visitors annually. The park headquarters are in the Sobieszów neighborhood. You can hike numerous trails in the surrounding mountains or cycle along routes like the "Bóbr valley trail" (ER-6) or the biking ring road of Jelenia Góra. In winter, nearby resorts like Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba have skiing facilities.
Cultural Events and Museums
Jelenia Góra hosts several cultural events throughout the year. The International Film Festival "Zoom Zbliżenia" and the International Street Theatre Festival bring artists and performers to the city. Music enthusiasts can attend the "Silesia Sonans" European Organ Music Festival, held annually in autumn. To learn about local history and nature, visit the Karkonosze Museum or the Natural History Museum in Cieplice, which has Poland's largest exhibition of birds.
Chojnik Castle
A short trip from Jelenia Góra takes you to Chojnik Castle, on top of Chojnik mountain in the Karkonosze range. This medieval castle ruin overlooks the surrounding landscape and provides insight into the region's history. You can reach the castle by hiking trails from the Sobieszów district of Jelenia Góra.
