21 Best Places Near Wrocław For Everyone Planning A Quick Escape From The City

A question! How well do you think you know Wrocław and its neighbouring places of interest? Well enough? 

Maybe you do, but I’d still suggest you go through this blog. Because sometimes, we tend to get all pompous and end up missing something interesting. After you have finished reading this blog, I bet you would have already located and shortlisted a few exciting places to visit near Wrocław for your upcoming weekend. Places that aren’t more than a 2-3 hours drive from Wrocław!

The spirit of Lower Silesia lies in its extraordinary rich nature spots, historical sites, architecture, and vibrant streets. There is no denying the fact that the soul of the Lower Silesian region resides in its capital city – Wrocław. But it is about time you looked around the Wrocław city centre & explore the best of Poland in this region.

There are plenty of places near Wrocław that make for top tourist attractions in Poland. Lower Silesia in southwestern Poland, located close to the Czech Republic & Germany, is a traveller’s delight.

The Silesian Lowland, Sudetes Foreland, and the Sudetes Mountains with Karkonosze Mountains comprise excellent nature getaways in Lower Silesia. Combine all this magnificence with architectural wonders around like the Church of Peace in Swidnica – the largest wooden baroque church in the world, Ksiaz, and Grodno Castle, and you’ll savour every bit of the places to visit near Wrocław.

Apart from this list, there is still plenty more you can explore, but these places comprise the top attractions in Lower Silesia that you must visit. The best part is that all of these places are about a 2-3-hour drive from Wrocław.

I present before you the 21 most exciting places to visit near Wrocław!

1. Mt. Ślęża, Ślęża Landscape Park

Mt. Ślęża hike starts from Sobotka town, until which you can reach by bus or train. A spectacular nature trail from the Sobotka town leads to the hilltop with a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Mt. Ślęża hike from Wrocław is an apt getaway for everyone looking for a nature getaway just 30-min drive from Wrocław.

Buses are the quickest option to travel to Sobotka Town from where Mt. Ślęża is a 10-12 km hike (back and forth) depending on the trail you choose. There is a beautiful church & a nice resting place at the top of the mountains.

Top recommendations: Hiking, excursion to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, excursion of Sobotka town

Distance from Wrocław: 44 km, 46-minute drive

2. Milicz Nature Reserve (Stawy Milickie), Barycz Valley

Milicz Nature Reserve is a serene nature getaway in the Barycz valley region. It is known for migratory birds & carp fish. The beautiful ponds (Stawy Milickie), separated by a photogenic bridge, lie in the vicinity of Milicz Railway Station. Milicz turns dreamy when autumn colours around flourish their best. Among others, there’s a museum, a centuries-old windmill, quiet countryside, and a gorgeous nature park adorning the surroundings aptly.

If you plan an excursion to the Barycz Valley, you can also visit Malinea – the place to try and buy the best homemade juice and jams in the region. You can buy carp fish at the Museum of Fishery in Ruda Sułowska.

Top recommendations: Excursion of Barycz Valley, visit to the Museum of Fishery in Ruda Sułowska, bird watching, visit to Malinea for fresh juice and jams, 

Distance from Wrocław: 60 km, 51-minute drive

3. Park Krajobrazowy Gór Sowich (Owl Mountains Landscape Park), Sowie Mountains

The mountains in Lower Silesia (Silesian Uplands, Sudetes, and Karkonosze) account for major tourist attractions near Wrocław. These quaint mountain towns are picturesque, obscure, basking in nature’s glory, and tempting you for a visit. Bielawa is one such town located 65 km from Wrocław.

Bielawa rests in the foothills of the oldest mountains in Europe – the Owl Mountains and Sowie Mountains Landscape Park, the primary reason for all the tourist footfall there. The town has a major tourist attraction in the lake reservoir, which you can spot immediately after getting down from the train. The alluring historical buildings in Bielawa aroused my curiosity. Be it a fancy mountain hut or a government building, they all exuded the charm of Disneyland.

Park Krajobrazowy Gór Sowich is nothing less than a winter wonderland during winter in Poland. For everyone planning a trip to Poland in winter, this hike is worth putting on your Poland trip itinerary. You have to spare an entire day to explore the best of this trail that starts after you disembark at Bielawa Zachodnia (Main Train Station).

Top recommendations: Hiking, skiing (cross-country), birdwatching, and camping

Distance from Wrocław: 65 km, 1 hour 30-minute drive

For complete details of the hike, read the blog – A Quick Hike To The Owl Mountains Just 1.5 Hour From Wrocław Is All You Need This Winter

4. Grodno Castle, Wałbrzych Mountains

Wałbrzych Mountains are home to some spectacular tourist attractions in Lower Silesia, and Grodno Castle is one of them. Formerly known as Kynsburg, Grodno castle is tucked in Choina Mountains. The castle rises 450 meters above the ground in the southern Wałbrzych region.

A formidable medieval fortress, Grodno has its own allure. It includes fine medieval architecture, rare ensembles, and numerous trophies in the form of exquisite animals hunted by former kings and rulers in the forest around Wałbrzych. Don’t forget to climb to the viewing deck located atop the castle. It offers magnificent views of the Bystrzyca Świdnicka valley region. You can also take a look at the instruments of medieval torture preserved in the castle basement. Grodno is a perfect half-day tour from Wrocław.

Top recommendations: Tour of the castle, catching panoramic views from the watch tower, excursion of the museums of the castle

Distance from Wrocław: 68 km, 1 hour 5-minute drive

5. “Riese” Complex, Włodarz

Riese translates to ‘giant’ in German. The name was assigned to the project for the construction of seven underground structures located in the Owl Mountains in Lower Silesia during World War II. It was German territory back then, but now it is a Lower Silesian region in Poland. Upon reaching there, you can expect to encounter some breathtaking architectural marvel concealed deep in the Włodarz Mountain.

As you take a guided tour of the facility, you will see that all of these projects are in different stages of completion, with none of them being complete. Only a small percentage of tunnels is concrete reinforced. The purpose of the project remains uncertain because of the lack of documentation. Some sources suggest that these structures were part of Hitler’s Headquarters; while others mention that it was a combination of headquarters and arms industry.

Top recommendations: Guided tour of the underground complex, hiking in the Owl Mountains

Distance from Wrocław: 75.5 km, 1 hour 15-minute drive

6. Bardo – Kłodzko hike, Kłodzko Valley

Kłodzko region, with lush nature, viewpoints, and numerous mountain trails, make a top tourist destination in summer and winter alike. Bardo-Kłodzko trail turned out to be a perfect winter hike near Wrocław in Poland.

Kłodzko is a prominent rail and road hub. The city offers direct train and bus connections to all major Polish cities. Wrocław city is approximately 80 km from the Bardo Main Railway Station, which is, 1.5 hours. Trains are the cheapest and the most efficient mode of transport, in my opinion, to travel to Bardo from Wrocław or any other Polish city.

The 22 km hiking trail took us almost 7 hours to complete. The trail (blue in our case) starts pretty easy from the Bardo Railway Station, and since it didn’t snow for a while in the mountains, the autumn colour game was still strong at the start. Some thin layers of snow followed pretty soon, but that wasn’t as much as I expected.

With the mercury dipping fast and conditions so windy, the leftover snow had already toughened into a super-slippery layer of ice, and that’s when crampons came in handy. Carry them along if you’re considering a favourable winter hike in the Polish mountains.

Sun rays falling flat on them all and scattered patches of snow and ice around made the hiking trail look so welcoming. The blue sky kept us company all the way along, and natural colours couldn’t be more striking.

While walking through the Valley, we stumbled upon some chapels on the hilltop and panoramic views of the Karkonosze mountain peaks in Lower Silesia.

Must read: Bardo – Kłodzko Trail Is The Perfect Winter Hike Near Wrocław For The Weekend

Halfway through the hike, you can spot Wieża widokowa na Borowej – a lookout tower with panoramic views of the Karkonosze mountains. The views from the top are the actual prize for the climb, and words won’t suffice to paint a picture of the beauty. Wieża widokowa na Borowej is the highest point during the hike.

In the end, we merged the hike with a quick excursion of Kłodzko city centre, treated ourselves to sumptuous Polish food, and took a train back home around 7 pm.

Top recommendations (in Bardo – Kłodzko): Kłodzko city centre, Wieża widokowa na Borowej, Gothic bridge, City tunnels, The Church of Assumption, Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Franciscan monastery, the Kłodzko fortress, Townhall, Marian Column, the 15th-century stone bridge on the Nysa Kłodzka River, Basilica of the Visitation, Redemptorist Monastery, Monastery of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Różańcowa Góra (Mount Rosary) chapels, and Ruins of the medieval Piast Castle

Distance from Wrocław: 80 km, 1-hour 48-minute drive

7. Książ Castle, Wałbrzych

Zamek Książ in Walbrzych is the largest castle in Lower Silesia and a magnificent place to visit in Poland. Located in Książ Landscape Park, the Castle comes under the protected area in the Wałbrzyski foothills.

The first mention of the castle dates back to the 13th century. Książ remained the place of residence of different royal families since then. It was damaged from time to time because of foreign invasions, yet it stands tall and is a prominent tourist attraction in Lower Silesia today.

Various modifications were made to the castle over the years, and different arrangements were made for Hitler when he was scheduled to visit the Castle discreetly through an underground passage. However, Hitler never made it there. Because of its exceptional location, the Castle offer impressive views of the surroundings and marvellous architecture.

There are sensational stories of the Książ Castle & Sowie Mountains, Lower Silesia. Imprinted on the sands of time, these stories are exciting, appalling, thought-provoking, and make for an essential read. Here are some intriguing facts about the “Pearl of Lower Silesia”

1. Książ is one of the largest castles in Europe, the third-largest castle in Poland, and the largest in the Dolny Śląsk region (Lower Silesia).
2. Complete reconstruction of the castle didn’t commence until 1972. The latest period of restoration finished as late as in 2005. Mid 16th century onwards, the premises were refurbished in a rich Renaissance style.
3. The City of Wałbrzych bought back the Palm House in Wałbrzych after 70 years. Today, the Książ Castle management administers it.

4. The castle was destroyed by King Ottokar II from Bohemian forces in 1263.
5. The castle complex was desolated again in 1482 by Georg von Stein – a military commander in the service of the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus.
6. During World War II, Książ was seized by the Nazis in 1944. The Nazis tore Książ Castle of its ensembles, making it a critical part of the “Riese Project”.

7. The facility comprised an extensive plan to create an underground military-industrial complex equipped with tunnels, roads, rail links, and subterranean arms factories.
8. After the war, the castle was used as a recreation home and cultural centre by the communists. Lately, significant parts of the castle interiors have been extensively restored.

Find out more about the castle tour hours, and ticket price on their official website here!

Top recommendations: Guided castle tour, hiking in the nature areas nearby

Distance from Wrocław: 81 km, 1 hour 11 minute drive

8. Underground City Osówka (Podziemne Miasto Osówka), Wałbrzych

Osówka Underground City is another pearl from the Lower Silesian region. A popular tourist attraction in Poland, Osówka is a unique blend of history and nature, quite close to Wrocław. The underground attraction located in the vast network of Sowie Mountains is a prominent name from project Riese ( translates to “giant” in German).

The name was given to an ambitious project from the Nazis during 1943–45! It comprises underground structures (7 in total) scattered across the Owl Mountains in Central Sudetes and Książ Castle in Lower Silesia. Back then, it was German territory but is now in Poland.

The structures were never finished and can be found today in different states of completion. Owing to the lack of documentation, the purpose behind starting the project remains uncertain, but a lot of historians believe that it was Hitler’s ultimate escape plan. Osówka is an architectural marvel tucked in the vastness of the Sowie Mountains.

The position of the “underground city” speaks volume of their efficiency and preparation. As you enter the tunnel and take the guided tour here, you’ll witness the history come alive in front of your eyes. Most of which are gruesome and beyond our comprehension. The complex is so well-placed that there is no way you can even see it from a distance. Don’t miss this popular tourist attraction near Wrocław!

Find out more about museum hours, and ticket price for Osówka on their official website

Top recommendations: Guided tour of the underground complex, hiking in the Owl Mountains

Distance from Wrocław: 81 km, 1 hour 36-minute drive

9. Wielka Sowa, Sowie Mountains

At an altitude of 3,329 feet, Wielka Sowa stands as the highest peak of the Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie), a range of the Central Sudetes encompassing the best of south-western Poland. The mountain lies in Dzierżoniów County in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.

Sowie Mountains, made of metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian rises above the village of Walim near Dzierżoniów, is a top tourist attraction in Poland. The surroundings associated with the Owl Mountains Landscape Park offer endless views of whitewashed landscapes. During the peak of winter in Poland, the forest lies snuggled under heaps of snow.

The hike to Wielka Sowa starts from the foothills of the Sowie Mountains from Kamionki. Kamionki Dolne, with a length of about 3.5 km, is a picture-perfect location ready to greet all the nature enthusiasts in its warm embrace. The imperial views, some livestock grazing around, and hushed outdoors will greet you from the moment you step into this part of Sowie Mountains Landscape Park in the Sudetes.

Top recommendations: Hiking, skiing (cross-country), birdwatching, camping, and grabbing a cup of mulled wine at the shelter

Distance from Wrocław: 82.3 km, 1 hour 50-minute drive

Find the complete details of the hike here: 1.5 Hours From Wrocław, Wielka Sowa In Owl Mountains Is A Perfect Winter Hike

10. Adršpach, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

Exciting sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, gorges, and stunning viewpoints carpeted in the thick forest canopy make Adršpach an allure for every outdoor lover. Serpentine trails and the turquoise lake at the entrance are the major park highlights. Certainly a great option among places to visit near Wrocław!

Adršpach is a great day trip from Wrocław that you can plan on a weekend. Don’t forget to check for the group ticket or weekend ticket offers from Koleje Dolnośląskie. It turns out to be a super-saver option, especially for students.

Top recommendations: Hiking, boating, and nature excursion

Distance from Wrocław: 103 km, 1 hour 43-minute drive

11. Krzeszów Monastery & Church, Zadrna Valley, Central Sudetes

Krzeszów Monastery and church are classic examples of baroque architecture, not just in Poland but in entire Europe. The church is massive and is a dominating feature in the landscape in the Krzeszów village region in Lower Silesia. Several pilgrims and tourists travel here year-round, which is a mere 1.5-hour drive from Wrocław city.

If you are an art buff, you must visit Krzeszów for some immaculate art and craftwork exhibition.

Top recommendations: Guided tour of church and monastery 

Distance from Wrocław: 103 km, 1 hour 33-minute drive

12. Polanica-Zdrój, Kłodzko

The beautiful spa town of Polanica-Zdrój is an ideal escape from Wrocław. Polanica-Zdrój lies en route Stołowe Mountains when you’re travelling from Wrocław. The trip to Polanica-Zdrój can be combined with a trip to the table mountains making an ideal day trip from Wrocław.

The spa town is popular among tourists for its thermal geysers spurting from underneath the ground. Pijalnia Zdrojowa is the most recognised spot to taste the geyser water which comprises minerals with healing properties.

The water, awful in taste, has medicinal properties and has healing properties for the stomach. People around Polanica-Zdrój visit the place to carry water from the permanently flowing water source. The town has scenic water streams crisscrossing the city centre region. Colourful birds guarding the calm waters make it a visual delight for tourists. Local eateries are worth a try.

Top recommendations: Tasting the water from thermal geysers, exploring the town centre

Distance from Wrocław: 105.4 km, 1 hour 30-minute drive

13. Rudawy Janowickie, Sokolik

Fancy a lush nature area to go hiking near Wrocław? Head to Sokoliki in Rudawy Mountains, where a scenic nature trail awaits you amidst lush nature. Sokoliki is also popular among rock climbers from Lower Silesia and beyond. The most amazing part is that Rudawy Mountains are merely a 2-hour drive away from Wrocław.

The stunning landscape from the viewing point located atop the rocks makes it worthwhile.

Sokoliki is also referred to as Falcon Mountains by some. Depending on the trail of your choice, you can choose the nearest train station to deboard. You can reach Rudawy Janowickie on a Koleje Dolnośląskie train from Wrocław to Trzcińsko. You have to park your vehicle at Karpnicka Pass if you decide to drive there. The hike from the base takes almost 1-2 hour to complete.

Enroute to the top of the Falcon Mountains…

Don’t forget to visit Szwajcarka Chalet near the parking area. The hike is easy & doable for people of any age group.

Top recommendations: Hiking, rock climbing, skiing (during winter), getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography

Distance from Wrocław: 110 km, 1 hour 45-minute drive

14. Stołowe Mountains, Stołowe Mountains National Park

More popular as the Table Mountains, the Stołowe Mountains are a popular attraction in the Sudetes. If you’re looking for a perfect nature escape near Wrocław, where you can experience excellent hiking, Stołowe mountain is the place to be. Positioned in the heart of Sudetes – one of the oldest mountains in Europe, the Stołowe Mountains National Park is a part of the 42-kilometre-long mountain range that spreads from Poland up to the Czech Republic.

The hike from the base to the top of the Table Mountains takes around 1.5 hours. Even if you choose to go super simple, it shouldn’t take more than 2 hours to complete this hike.

Top recommendations: Hiking, skiing (during winter), snowshoeing, grabbing a mulled wine at the mountain shelter, exploring Polanica-Zdrój, getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography

Distance from Wrocław: 122.3 km, 1 hour 48-minute drive

15. Jelenia Góra & Karpacz

Karpacz is a charming mountain town tucked in the Karkonosze in Lower Silesia and one of my favourites in Poland. Jelenia Gora is just a 20-minute drive away. If you plan to visit Karkonosze National Park by train, you must disembark at Jelenia Gora and take a bus to Karpacz.

Karpacz is a premier ski resort in the Karkonosze region and an ideal option for summer or winter hikes near Wrocław. Some wonderful nature escapes in the mountains, sprawling streams, the 12th-century Wang Church perched above Karpacz, and the observatory at the Sniezka top are the highlights of this trip.

Sniezka, at 1603 m, is one of the highest points in Lower Silesia and the highest point in the entire Czech Republic. The peak is enclosed by Czechia on one side while Poland on the other.

Cable cars ply from Karpacz to Sniezka, but I’d recommend a hike in the park to experience this place at its best. It will be worth your while! You have to buy an entrance ticket to the Karkonosze National Park. Good news for students, they have a special discount for you! 😉

Top recommendations: Hiking, skiing (during winter), grabbing a mulled wine at the PTTK shelter, getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography

Distance from Wrocław: 125 km, 1 hour 53-minute drive

16. Boszkowo & Wieleń, Leszno

Speaking of a quiet and charming city break destination, Leszno is a nice city break option from Wrocław. The historic city located in western Poland, Greater Poland Voivodeship, was my latest find. Moreover, this trip to Leszno introduced me to some quiet and soothing summer getaways in Starkowo, Wieleń (Wolsztyn poviat), and Boszkowo.

Located in the proximity of Leszno, Starkowo, Wieleń, and Boszkowo exude the typical countryside vibe, with endless views of wild lavenders and red poppies adorning paddy fields. These cute Polish villages are thinly populated, full of life and nature, and are simple yet exotic.Endless farmland views, fields oozing the scent of fresh harvest, lakes with blue waters, hundreds of forest trails, and the fragrance of seasonal wildflowers permeating the air wherever you go are more than enough for a relaxing weekend from the bustling city life.Looking for an alternative for a quick city break from Wrocław, we decided to explore Starkowo, Wieleń, and Boszkowo. While Starkowo is more about farms, barns, agricultural lands, fields, forests, and some quaint lakes, Wieleń and Boszkowo are more uptown with plenty of tourist spots around.

Some delightful restaurants, companies renting all sorts of water-sports essentials, and scenic hotels ably complement the exotic nature preserve of Wieleń.

Boszkowo is a bigger and better party place located some 20-minute drive from Starkowo. Well-equipped with beach bars, hotels, and throbbing clubs, Boszkowo is apparently a popular summer destination in Poland that attracts tourists from nearby towns and even major Polish cities. On a bright summer afternoon, the beaches in Boszkowo are super-crowded, with hundreds of tourists lazing around, enjoying water activities, and cooling themselves down with a pint of beer.

Leszno, being the major city in the region, maintains its fervent charm. Some colourful city streets, a scenic centre region, and a few lively cafes and restaurants uphold the essence of Leszno. If colourful street views, quaint cafes, and slow-paced life tempt you, Leszno is a good bargain worth an eventful day trip.

Must read: Review of Zielona Antresola Restaurant in Leszno in Greater Poland Voivodeship

With plenty of natural areas, beach delights like Wieleń, and Boszkowo, beautiful lakes for water activities and chilling, and some great city trails around the centre, Leszno, along with Wieleń and Boszkowo, is a perfect fit for a super-quick stopover on a Poland trip.

Top recommendations: Hiking, biking, water activities in Wieleń and Boszkowo, exploring the town centre of Leszno, dining at Domowa & Zielona Antresola Restaurant

Distance from Wrocław: 127 km, 1 hour 25-minute drive

17. Międzylesie, Kłodzko Valley

Located about 33 kilometres south of Kłodzko, Międzylesie is a picture-postcard mountain town located in the foothills of the Sudetes. As you’ll be walking one of those lush trails in the Kłodzko Valley, you can spot some exotic chirpy friends from the woods. Hopping from one branch to the other on the trees perfectly enveloped in fresh moss, these extraordinary birds in the region are such a pleasant sight to behold.

The fact that Kłodzko Valley is a quick escape from Wrocław makes it a perfect allure for every outdoor enthusiast living in the Wrocław metropolitan region. Some of the most popular being hiking and water activities. So, if you are someone who – enjoys travelling off-the-grid, fancies the sound of the wild, likes the raw essence of the forest, savours the soothing sound of the stream, and finds the cracking of bonfire utterly satisfying, this experience is definitely for you.

Some of the most popular activities to plan in the Kłodzko Valley

Once you’re in the Kłodzko Valley, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to try and explore. Some of my top picks are water activities (canoeing and rafting) in the Kamieńczyk river, bird watching, hiking, fishing in the river, hammocking

Top recommendations: Canoeing and rafting in the Kamieńczyk river, bird watching, hiking, fishing, and hammocking

Distance from Wrocław: 128 km, 1 hour 46-minute drive

Read more about the cabin experience here: Cabin Experience In Międzylesie, Kłodzko Valley (Kotlina Kłodzka) About 2.5 Hours From Wrocław

18. Kaplica Czaszek, Kudowa Zdrój

Kudowa Zdrój – another charming mountain town in Poland located in the foothills of the Table Mountains, and pretty much a spooky place I have come across so far. Kudowa-Zdrój is a spa city in southwest Poland known for sprouting mineral waters.

But I’ll remember it for its unique Skull Chapel, the chapel made from skulls and bones of war victims and those who perished during massive disease outbreaks. The Chapel also puts Kudowa Zdrój in the list locations to go for dark tourism in Poland. Poland already has some world famous dark tourism locations in The State Museum of Majdanek in Lublin, Auschwitz, and Belzec.  Among others, there is a Toy Museum in Kudowa Zdrój that includes dolls, puppets and spooky toys.

And this is how the exteriors of Kaplica Czaszek or Skull Chapel look like! Photography is prohibited inside the Chapel.

Top recommendations: Visiting the spa and drinking the water from the spring, exploring the town centre region, visiting the Skull Chapel

Distance from Wrocław: 129 km, 1 hour 50-minute drive

19. Śnieżne Kotły, Karkonosze National Park

Szklarska Poręba in Jelenia Gora county rests in the foothills of the splendid Karkonosze National Park. Karkonosze is well placed between the Czech Republic and Poland and is a soothing haven for all nature enthusiasts, hikers, outdoors lovers, skiers, campers, and photography enthusiasts.

Located in the foothills of the majestic Karkonosze, Szklarska Poręba is a picturesque mountain town that draws a large number of tourists round the year. Its proximity to the major Lower Silesian city Wrocław makes it a hot destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts in Poland and those from faraway places.

Winter in Poland is incredibly beautiful, hence places like Szklarska Poręba attract plenty of tourists from other counties in Poland. Besides hiking and skiing, Szklarska Poręba is also preferred for outdoor activities like sleigh riding, rink, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and winter camping. Śnieżne Kotły is two glacial cirques that sit atop a cliff in Karkonosze National Park in the Sudetes Mountains.

The top of the mountains offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the mountains, frozen alpine, the fells from the Czech Republic side, and the uninterrupted views of Szklarska Poręba town. The strategic location of Śnieżne Kotły in the Karkonosze National Park with numerous trails from the Czech Republic and Poland make it an exciting prospect for all nature enthusiasts.

As I have mentioned in my previous blogs, Koleje Dolnośląskie (KD) – Lower Silesia’s local train network is exceptional, and it’s the best means of transport one can take to reach anywhere in the region. The KD trains are super fast, clean (I love their toilets ;)), comfortable, cheap, and cover the most scenic routes of the Dolny Slask region.

Top recommendations: Hiking, skiing (during winter), getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography

Distance from Wrocław: 131 km, 2-hour drive

Must read: Śnieżne Kotły In Karkonosze National Park Is A Perfect Winter Hike Near Wrocław

20. Szrenica, Karkonosze National Park

Szklarska Poręba Jakuszyce is popular among outdoor enthusiasts as a top location for winter activities in Poland, with the most popular being cross-country skiing, hiking, and cycling. Even a train ride in this region isn’t a mere train ride. With such beautiful landscapes around, it is nothing less than a winter activity. The weather here remains pleasant year-round, even during the peak of summer, but winter here gets quite extreme.

Szklarska Poręba Jakuszyce to Szrenica to Szklarska Poręba Górna was an 18-km hike in total and took us almost 5 hours 30 minutes to complete. Soon after commencing the hike nice and slow, the lush green of the mountains, the sound of the fresh stream, and gradual slopes in the first 7-8 km patch greeted us warmly. Schronisko Szrenica was our first pitstop. With a little bit of rain and a cool mountain breeze, we propelled towards the viewpoint of Szrenica.

Even with all the unpredictable weather, scattered rain, surroundings turning cold from time to time, it was fun to hike up to Szrenica and complete the whole trail in 6 hours (approximately). And yes, I finally managed to get a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK at the mountain shelters (Schronisko) en route.

Top recommendations: Hiking, skiing (during winter), getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography

Distance from Wrocław: 139 km, 3-hour drive

Must read: Planning Summer Hikes In Polish Mountains? Szklarska Poręba Jakuszyce to Szrenica Is A Must-Do

21. Zgorzelec & Gorlitz, Poland-Germany

Magnificent, rustic, and an abundance of old charm! Gorlitz is one of those glorious places to visit near Wrocław that must be explored! This town in Southeastern Germany is written along with its twin sister Zgorzelec, the Southwestern Polish town. They are separated by the Lusatian Neisse river.

Go there if you are looking for a quiet city break. Relaxed people sipping a beer and others tiptoeing around the city centre area is a common sight on a beautiful day.

Movies buffs would certainly draw a lot of inspiration from the fact that the likes of The Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglorious Bastards, and The Reader were shot here! Need I say more?

Top recommendations: Visiting the historical spots in the town centre including the hotel where The Grand Budapest Hotel was shot, crossing the border to enter Germany from the Polish side and vice-versa, exploring the 1 EUR shop

Distance from Wrocław: 167 km, 2 hours 1-minute drive

The Silesian land is dotted with interesting places to visit near Wrocław. All of these places are uniquely endowed with magnificent nature and architectural spectacles. Plan your weekends and explore the surroundings as much as you can. The charm of Poland will surely satiate the wanderlust in you!

Have you too found some interesting places near Wrocław that you would like to recommned? Let me know in the comments below! Thank you for reading.