The Kłodzko Basin - Lower Silesia in a nutshell. Top things to do
The Kłodzko Basin lies in the Sudetes, in the eastern part of Lower Silesia, at the border with the Czech Republic, at an altitude of about 350-450 m above sea level. The basin is surrounded by the Upper Nysa Ditch and the Bardzkie Mountains from the north, the Stołowe Mountains and the Bystrzyckie Mountains from the south and the Złote Mountains and the Śnieżnik Massif from the east.
In the heart of the Basin lies the main city - Kłodzko, through which flows the Nysa Kłodzka, dividing the Basin on the north-south axis. The Kłodzka Valley can be reached by road No. 8 from Wrocław, road No. 46 from Nysa or road No. 381 from Nowa Ruda. It is a great place for rest and active recreation, also for families with children, because the country abounds in various tourist attractions.
Kłodzko Basin - a paradise for tourists
The Kłodzko Basin is the largest Sudetenland basin, and at the same time a tourist paradise - a wonderful and very popular tourist region, offering many diverse attractions, both for adults and children, thirsty for adrenaline, as well as those looking for peace, available in summer and winter. Mountain peaks, towers and viewing platforms, rocks, museums and monuments rise around the basin.
Also, spa seekers will be fully satisfied with their stay in the picturesque Kłodzko Valley, which offers medical services in many spa towns, at a high level, with mineral waters famous throughout Poland.
Attractions in the Kłodzko Basin and the Kłodzko Land
The Kłodzko Basin is famous throughout Poland thanks to several tourist hits, without which no expedition to these areas could do. There are also many other interesting places, less popular, but also definitely worth visiting. We have visited the Basin several times and each time it fascinated us. We also got to know the biggest curiosities. So read this guide and get to know the best attractions of the Kłodzko Valley!
1. Bear Cave in Kletno
Bear Cave is the most beautiful Polish cave (next to Paradise Cave) with wonderfully preserved infiltrations. Visiting the cave requires prior reservation, and the cave itself must be reached on foot from the Earth Museum in Kletno. The Bear is a definite hit of the Kłodzko Valley
2. Szczeliniec Wielki
Szczeliniec Wielki is the highest peak of the Stołowe Mountains, with a height of 919 m above sea level. Climbing the historic stairs allows you to admire the unusual rock formations of the Stołowe Mountains, under the hostel there is a beautiful panorama from the viewing platform, but it is also worth entering the paid area behind the hostel, in the Table Mountains National Park, here you will meet, among others, the famous Małpoluda and Piekiełko
3. Wrong Rocks
Błędne Skały is a popular and beautiful rock labyrinth in the Stołowe Mountains, located between Kudowa Zdrój and Karlov, in the Stołowe Mountains National Park, at an altitude of over 850 m above sea level. It is a hit of the Kłodzko Valley, with narrow passages and wonderful views, the entrance to the paid parking lot is shuttle, the entrance to the labyrinth is also paid
4. Gold Mine and Mining Settlement in Złoty Stok
Both the Gold Mine and the Mining Settlement (the former medieval Technical Park) are great attractions, the sightseeing of which is very friendly and with a lot of humor, it is also a must be of the Kłodzko Valley, ideal for families with children. The standard sightseeing route in the Gold Mine includes the Gertruda Adit, the Death Walkway, the Black Adit with the only underground waterfall in Poland, 10 meters high, and an orange cable car ride underground. Osada Górnicza, on the other hand, are old medieval tools and devices that you activate here with the power of your own hands and feet😉
5. KłodzkoFortress and Underground Tourist Route in Kłodzko
The famous Fortress and the underground tourist route available for several years are very interesting, historical attractions in Kłodzko, which are worth targeting while being in the Kłodzko Valley, the fortress has a standard sightseeing route and underground mazes, inaccessible to children under 4 years of age
6. Śnieżnik
The highest peak of the Śnieżnik Massif and the Eastern Sudetes. It belongs to the Crown of the Polish Mountains and has an altitude of 1423 m above sea level (the springs also show an altitude of 1425 m above sea level). I recommend the red Main Sudeten Trail to Śnieżnik from Międzygórze, but under the shelter you should enter the green trail. The whole route to the summit is according to signs about 3 hours, it took us 2 hours. At the top there is a free observation tower. The panorama is breathtaking, especially at sunrise, if the weather permits. There is usually a strong wind blowing here.
7. Coniferous
One of the most popular peaks of the Śnieżnik Massif. It is 845 m above sea level and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, including Śnieżnik. Under the peak there is a tourist hostel and the sanctuary of Maria Śnieżna. There are many trails leading here, mainly from Międzygórze, including the red Main Sudeten Route. From below the sanctuary, the Way of the Cross leads to the very top.
8. Rafting in Barda in the Kłodzko Valley
For several years, pontoon and kayaking rafting has become popular in the Kłodzko Valley, rafting through the Bardzki Gorge on the Kłodzko Nysa River is very picturesque, the harbour at Skalna Street in Barda is already iconic, where you can end the rafting, and start, for example, at the Ławica Palace. The marina additionally offers gastronomy, e.g. delicious fish and chips and tasty local beer
9. Pałac Ławica and Folwark Szyfrów
The Ławica Palace, although it is a monument, is a fairly young attraction in the Kłodzko Valley, because it has only been a few years since the renovation of a beautiful monument and farm buildings. In the palace you can spend the night in unusual circumstances, while in historic farm buildings a unique attraction has been created - the Cipher Farm, you need to see it with your own eyes, it is enough to say that you will have fun here and you also need to think
10. Stone bridge in Barda
The bridge in Barda is a gothic building, beautiful and impressive, underneath it flows pontoon rafting, which usually ends in the marina in Barda, just behind the bridge
11. Enduro routes in the Kłodzko Land
Enduro cycling routes in the Kłodzko Valley and the surrounding area are 220 km of singletrack routes, nowhere else in Europe will you find such a large accumulation of enduro routes in one region. Enduro routes here are well prepared and, most importantly, well maintained. The base is located inSrebrna Góra, where you can not only rent a bike, but also eat, drink coffee and even warm up by the fire if you need to.
12. Palace of Marianna Orańska in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki
The palace is locateda little to the north of the Basin, but it is so wonderful that it is worth a little deviation from the route and look here, for over a dozen years the palace has been intensively renovated and regains its former splendor, it is available for sightseeing, be sure to plan it while in these parts
13. Silver Mountain Fortress
Srebrna Góra is also a bit north of the heart of the Kłodzko Valley, but the Srebrna Góra Fortress is a great attraction to add to your list of travel plans. It is the largest mountain fortress in Europe, and visiting it is a real pleasure, with a lot of humor and with guides in period costumes. With a bit of luck for the weather, the fortress offers great views of the surrounding area
14. Sanctuary in Wambierzyce
The sanctuary in Wambierzyce is called Lower Silesian Jerusalem. It is a magnificent and beautiful temple, to which high stairs lead. It is worth coming here, there is a mobile nativity scene near the church
15. Wilczki Waterfall in Międzygórze
Wilczki Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall hidden among trees, in an interesting town with historic wooden buildings, there are not many tourists, so you can relax here from the hustle and bustle of the city and famous resorts
16. Gothic Bridge in Kłodzko
The Gothic bridge in Kłodzko is the oldest bridge of this type in Poland, spectacular, with sculptures, which makes it somewhat similar to that in Prague. A place worth seeing, the bridge is just behind the Kłodzko market
17. Kamieniec Palace
For me, the Kamieniec Palace is a gem of the Kłodzko Valley, located in its heart, between Kłodzko and Polanica Zdrój. The beautifully renovated historic palace impresses with its Gustavian style. Currently, it is a Hotel, but everyone can enter and admire the decor, because here you can find a delicious restaurant, which was included in the Yellow Guide of Gault&Millau Poland
18. Sarny Castle in Ścinawka Górna
The Sarny Castle in Ścinawka Górna gives the lie to the statement "Silesia, the land of dying palaces". It is an amazing complex, picturesquely located in the central Sudetes. It is true that it still requires a lot of work, but it also has great potential. We were captivated by this place! We visited the interiors of the ruined building, tasted delicacies in the cafe and stayed overnight in the already renovated buildings of the farmhouse.
The palace complex has medieval roots, when a knight's tower was built. His larger career began in the 16th century, more precisely in 1590. At that time, there was a Renaissance manor house with fortifications. True prosperity is associated with the Götzen family. It expanded the building into a beautiful palace, which is the ancestral seat. At that time, it was one of the most impressive residences in the Kłodzko Land. It was called Scharfeneck. It was not until the times of the Polish People's Republic that this place was called the Sarny Castle. At that time, it was pgr, which is one of many state farms in Poland.
19. Chapel of Skulls in Kudowa Czermna
The Chapel of Skulls in Kudowa is a very unusual tomb, which does not exist outside Kudowa in all of Poland. It's an interesting experience, although the attraction is widely visited and it caused it to lose its charm for me. First a long wait in line, then a closed door with a large number of tourists inside discouraged me a little. In some, it may cause claustrophobia, I recommend visiting on a less popular date
20. Radochowska Cave in Radochów
Radochowska Cave is a wild and mysterious cave open to guided tours, not illuminated by electric light, for the duration of the tour every tourist receives a helmet and a headlamp. it is located near Lądek Zdrój, nearby it is also worth visiting the Radochowska Winery
21. Lagoon in Stara Morava
The lagoon in Stara Morava is an artificially created guarded swimming pool, with numerous attractions, beautifully located against the backdrop of the mountains, you can relax here after the hardships of visiting the Bear Cave
22. Spa Park in Kudowa
The Spa Park is an attractive and large park attracting numerous tourists, with palm trees and nice buildings, it is a great walking place. Nearby, it is also worth visiting the Fairy Tale Toy Museum, which will take everyone into the world of childhood, and will certainly evoke sentimental memories for adults
23. Museum of Papermaking in Duszniki Zdrój
The Museum of Papermaking is located in a beautiful, historic paper mill
24. Market Square in Lądek Zdrój
The market square in Lądek Zdrój is a very nice, historic square with beautifully decorated tenement houses, also arcaded. In the middle, you can admire the neo-Renaissance Town Hall from the 16th century, and next to it a sculpture of the Holy Trinity, on the other hand, a historic pillory. The market in Lądek is very secluded
25. Water Gate in Bystrzyca Kłodzka
The Water Gate at Podmiejska Street in Bystrzyca is a historical building, which is a remnant of the former city fortifications, the building has stood here since the fourteenth century and was once of great importance, because it introduced newcomers and merchants to the city from the river side, almost to the market square itself. Today it is a symbol of Bystrzyca Kłodzka
26. Kłodzko Tower in Bystrzyca Kłodzka
The Kłodzko Tower is also a former element of the city fortifications, open to the public. It is a good vantage point. The tower dates back to the 14th century and once stood at the Kłodzko Gate, which no longer exists today, it was the main entrance to the city
27. The castle in Międzylesie
The castle in Międzylesie is a large and old building, itis almost on the market square, its renovation is currently underway, but you can spend the night in the interiors
Cities in the Kłodzko Basin
The central, most important town of the Kłodzko Valley is, of course, Kłodzko with its famous fortress and Gothic bridge. It is also close to the towns of Bardo Śląskie and Złoty Stokwith the famous Gold Mine in Poland. It is also worth visiting the nicely revitalized Lądek Zdrój - one of the Kłodzko spas with the beautiful Wojciech Zdrój.
But the most popular tourist destinations were located south of Kłodzko. Kudowa Zdrój - a wonderful city that attracts many tourists and patients due to its many attractions, among which the wonderful spa park and the Chapel of Skulls come to the fore. Polanica Zdrój with its charming promenade and Mineral Water Pump Room is also beautiful.
It is also necessary to go to Stronie Śląskie to visit the Bear Cave in Kletno and to Karłowo - an ideal base for Szczeliniec Wielki and Błędne Skały. Wonderful Wambierzyce got lost nearby. I also recommend visiting Duszniki Zdrój and a ride along the Sudeten Highway to Międzylesie, where a restored castle awaits. In the nearby Międzygórze, it is worth visiting the Wilczki Waterfall. The royal town here is called Bystrzyca Kłodzka, near which the secluded Długopole Zdrój hid.
Skiing in the Kłodzko Valley
In winter, the Kłodzko Basin does not cease to be attractive, on the contrary, it attracts lovers of white madness from all over Poland. The most modern ski resort here is Czarna Góra in the Śnieżnik Massif, constantly developing, but Zieleniec with cable cars or Kamienica and Lądek also have a very good offer. The mountains are also fantastic in winter.
Films with the Kłodzko Basin
Have you seen our films about this beautiful region?
