A Polish Family Summer

Despite half of our family having roots in Poland, it's been a very long time since my husband returned - and Oli and I have never been! So we took the opportunity of a week off to visit family in the beautiful town of Jelenia Góra.

The town's name translates as Deer Mountain, and there has been a settlement on the site since the 10th Century. The town flourished as a result of being along important trade routes of the medieval period, though much of the pretty architecture dates to around the 17th century.

Things to do as a family, in and around Jelenia Góra

Wander through the pretty town centre and make a wish in Neptune's Fountain

Neptune's Fountain has stood in the town hall square of Jelenia Góra since the 19th Century, on the site of the former municipal well. Commissioned in the early 1700's, the statue shows the god of the sea, and commemorates the trade relationships with overseas merchants, which brought prosperity to the town. Oli enjoyed making a wish in the water - though her request for an elephant may not be actually granted!

The pretty town square is surrounded by cafes, covered walkways, and interesting shops to browse art, crafts, and sweets. The architecture is beautiful, pastel-coloured rooflines, and warm tones, dotted about with sculptures and statues, and buildings hidden through the side streets speak to the area's turbulant history.

In the summer, run through the water mist

We visited during one of the hottest weeks of the year, so we were grateful for the water mist archways that popped up along the main street, as there was very little shade and few of the shops or restaurants had good air conditioning! Oli loved running through the rainbows created by the water droplets, and splashing in the little puddles.

In the main square there was also a pop-up activity centre, with a small soft-play and trampolines. While Oli wasn't big enough for the trampolines, she did enjoy jumping about in the ball-pool, and we had a bit of a tantrum when it came to leaving!

Take a short drive to Termy Cieplice and bathe in the hot springs

Poland is one of the best countries in Europe for thermal springs, and the nearby Termy Cieplice has created a waterpark in the large spa complex, which claims to be the oldest spa in Poland. The outdoor pools are supplied by the underground springs so the mineralised waters are beautifully warm, and along with jacuzzi pools, water beds and wave cones, there are plenty of slides and water features to keep the whole family entertained. It was definitely one of Oli's favourite days out!

Enjoy a day out exploring Książ Castle and the Palmerium

In a country filled with castles, this beautiful, 13th Century castle is the largest in Lower Silesia, and the third-largest in Poland itself! So many periods of history are reflected in the castle, as it was expanded, rebuilt, and renovated over the centuries, and this is displayed through the architecture, decoration, landscape, and the many exhibitions throughout the sightseeing route. Oli's favourite part was the Stone of Fortune, said to grant a wish or bring love to the questioner depending on which hand was placed on the wall (coloured lights and sound effects enhanced the 'magic'!)

The Terrace Gardens of Książ Castle are just as beautiful as the inside, and on a very hot day the woodlands provided us with some much-needed shade! Entry to the Terraces is included in the price of the ticket, and we spent plenty of time exploring each section of the gardens. Książ also has an underground tour, and a stables section, however we had to give those a miss as Oli was under the age limit. Though it's an excuse to make a return visit at some point in the future!

Nearby Palmiarnia is an early 20th Century glasshouse set within ornate gardens in the grounds of Książ Castle (though it is still about a twenty minute walk from the castle complex!) Filled with exotic plants and flowers, and dotted about with animals including an albino peacock, terrapins, and even fearless ringtailed lemurs, Oli loved exploring the pathways and tunnels. Entry is included in the cost of a ticket to Książ Castle. Otherwise there is a separate cost for entrance.

Visit nearby Szklarska Poręba and hike to the Szklarki Waterfall

The Szklarki Waterfall is one of the highest in the Karkonosze Mountains, and surrounded by beautiful National Park. We parked in the village of Szklarska Poręba and, after a little detour for a coffee in this pretty, alpine-esque town, we set off through the forest. There looked to be plenty to do for families in annd around the village, and next time we visit we'd love to spend a little more time here.

We had expected that Oli, after about fifteen minutes, would have started asking to be carried, or for a shoulder ride, but no! Even though the paths were pretty rocky and tangled, she was loving it - we explored through the trees, climbed boulders, and sang songs for the whole walk.

This was an easy walk through the mountains, though there are signposted trails for easier and harder routes depending on your level of fitness, and how long you want to take to get there. Entry to the waterfall part of the park is 8zloty (just over £1.50) for adults, and there's a little cafe, shops, and toilet bit at this entrance too.

---

Lower Silesia is such a beautiful, historic part of Poland, though it's often overlooked in favour of the famous cities and sites. We're lucky to have family in the area so we have an excuse to go back and continue exploring!