ACTIVITIES IN LOWER SILESIA
There is certainly no shortage of things to do and see in Lower Silesia.
From medieval castles, picturesque old towns, lakes, rivers and an abundance of wildlife to ’al fresco’ dining in restaurants and bars.
Whether you choose to visit in the winter or the summer you will find the activities extensive: hiking, skiing, walking, fishing, boating, cycling and horse riding to name just a few.
We think you will be spoilt for choice.
EATING OUT
Boleslawiec is relaxed and hospitable with a picturesque town centre dotted with small bars and restaurants.
The cuisine ranges from traditional Polish to the more contemporary modern European and pizzerias.
Worth a mention is ‘WILLIS’S’ in the centre of town which specialises in pizzas and Italian cuisine; and the ‘OPALKOWA CHATA’ just outside the centre, which is made in the style of a mountain log cabin and is very popular locally. They serve traditional old-style Polish dishes.
LAKES AND RIVERS
There are several lakes scattered around the town and each has its own unique character, lending itself to either swimming, fishing or boating.
The lakes suited to swimming have sandy coves for sunbathers, others for fishing are very secluded and quiet, with reed beds, ducks and swans.
As well as boating on the lakes a lot of people kayak on the river Bobr which runs through the centre of the town, and the nearby river Kwisa.
Both of these rivers are also suited to fishing.
MOUNTAINS
Get the full mountain experience in the Sudetan Mountains less than an hour’s drive from the town. Snow and winter sports take place from Christmas until spring. Summer hiking is available along the mountains which form the border with the Czech Republic. For the more adventurous, try trekking on horseback or mountain biking on dedicated tracks and courses.
Karpacz and Szklarska Poreba are small mountain towns which are ideal for skiing beginners and intermediates. They are a lot cheaper than the better-known European destinations, this makes them ideal for the first-time family skiing holiday, and the friendly English speaking instructors are available at reasonable rates.
CASTLES
There are some amazing castles in the area, several of which take you back to medieval times, and are often used as sets for feature films.
Grodziec is the nearest castle to the Blue Beetroot, about 20 minutes’ drive from us. It is on a hilltop which is part of a chain of old volcanic outcrops. Very atmospheric with amazing views of the surrounding countryside, it’s a great place to take children because they can wander all over it and explore without having to go with a guide.
Kliczkow on the river Kwisa is also not far from us and it is well worth a visit. In the spring and summertime they have regular medieval fairs and jousting competitions.
You can go on horse-drawn rides through the ancient woodlands surrounding the castle on carriages in summer and sleigh rides in the winter when the snow is on the ground.
POTTERIES
Boleslawiec is famous for its hand-made and decorated stoneware pottery, a craft which dates back to the 12th century.
There are many potteries in and around the town, each has its own shop where you can buy a souvenir or two. At one or two of the potteries you can take an active role, making and decorating your own stoneware pot to take home, ask us for details.
At Andy’s pottery – which is very popular – guests of the Blue Beetroot get a 10% discount
The town has a pottery fair every August around the town square, with stalls, demonstrations, music and attractions.
GLASS BLOWING
Studio Borowski run by an internationally renowned glass-blowing artist is just a fifteen-minute drive away. The building alone is worth a visit with its beautifully restored farmhouse skilfully knitted to the modern workshop at the rear.
He welcomes visitors to come and see the glass blowers in action which is a fascinating experience. There is also a shop where you can buy a selection of the glassware items they make in their workshop.
They also offer a 10% discount to guests of the Blue Beetroot
CYCLING
One of the popular local pastimes is cycling. Boleslawiec has woods and forests all around it and you can cycle for miles along woodland tracks or down the lanes around the town.
There is a track from the Blue Beetroot that goes down a lane, through a wood and into the town.
If you are up to a longer ride there is a cycle track that goes along an old railway line from the nearby town of Lwowek, all the way to Jelenia Gora (a large town near the mountains)
WALKING
Around the old town walls, through the woods, around the lakes and further out into the hills, if you want a long hike or just a leisurely stroll it’s here for you.
In the Polish countryside there are virtually no restrictions on where you can walk, there’s a feeling of real freedom, space and solitude. For those who’d like something a bit more mapped out there are hiking routes to help you navigate the countryside.
WILDLIFE
Intensive farming techniques have not yet caught up with Poland, there is an abundance of wildlife in the fields and woods; deer, wild boar, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, butterflies, and birds are plentiful.
Storks nest on the top of lampposts and tall chimneys in summer and swifts dart around catching insects. After dark the bats take over, flitting around the sky.
Around the bird table in winter you can see a wide variety of small birds – chaffinches, bullfinches, greenfinches, nut hatches, hawfinches and robins to name a few.