In the depths of the Sudetes in Lower Silesian nature, there are some unique therapeutic spaces. From spa to healing stones, to alpacas, the region invites you to slow down and treat yourself to nature therapy. My recent journey to Zagroda Alpakoterapii, an alpaca farm near Wrocław, is a unique find in the Lower Silesian countryside.
The hidden corners of Lower Silesia are a treat for those into genuine slow travel in Poland. For this one, you have to head toward the Izera Mountains, roughly 2.5 hours to the west of Wrocław. While the usual lists of best places near Wrocław include castles and colourful old towns, there is a quieter magic found in the foothills near Świeradów-Zdrój.
On the edge of the Polish-Czech border near Świeradów‑Zdrój, a small family farm offers something unique. Different from busy tourist routes, here are quiet mountain landscapes, gentle animals, and a glimpse into alpaca therapy. At Zagroda Alpakoterapii, slow travel is experienced with a small herd of alpacas, locally popular as animal therapists.
Meeting the animals, staying at the cosy farm stay apartments, and walking the surrounding trails offer a memorable way to experience an ideal day trip from Wrocław.
Must read: 21 Best Places Near Wrocław For Everyone Planning A Quick Escape From The City
Discovering Alpaca Therapy in Lower Silesia
Lower Silesia has long been associated with healing traditions. Spa towns such as Świeradów-Zdrój built their reputation on mineral waters, mountain air, and slow restorative travel in the Sudetes. The Alpaca therapy farm blends seamlessly into this tradition.
Originally developed in South America and later introduced across Europe, alpaca therapy uses the calm of alpacas to create profound interactions between humans and animals. Their quiet nature, curious personalities, and soft touch make them ideal companions for therapeutic walks and farm visits.
The forests and valleys of the Izera Mountains make a perfect setting to promote this culture of slow travel in Dolny Śląsk. Instead of typical crowded sightseeing routes, visitors spend time outdoors, walking along leafy forest trails while leading alpacas through forest paths and open meadows.
At Zagroda Alpakoterapii, guests feed the animals and learn about their behaviour. Occasionally, you also discover that alpacas have strong opinions about whether they want to cooperate or not.
Zagroda Alpakoterapii: A Family-Owned Alpaca Farm Near Wrocław
In the small village of Orłowice near Świeradów-Zdrój, Zagroda Alpakoterapii offers the feel of a proper countryside home. The farm is owned by Jan and Dorota, who proudly present their herd of alpacas along with four goats and a friendly farm dog.
The alpaca farm sits on the edge of walking trails leading into forests and cliffs around the Izera Valley. These forest paths are where visitors take alpacas for short walks. The atmosphere at Zagroda Alpakoterapii remains personal and intimate, shaped by a small family farm far away from commercial attractions.
People often ask where to walk with alpacas in Poland without an overwhelming crowd around. Walking Micky or Elvis through the Orłowice forest is one of those mindful travel experiences that Dolny Śląsk does best.
Meet the Alpaca Therapists of Orłowice
Their team of animal therapists include six alpacas and four curious goats, who seem equally interested in greeting visitors. Micky, Elvis, Ricky, Teddy, Suri, and Freddy make the team alpaca. Each of them has its own personality. Originating from the Andes in South America, Alpacas belong to the camelid family, closely related to llamas. They are smaller in size and generally calmer, but still watchful.
During the farm visit, the guests meet the animals inside the barn before heading out for short walks into the nearby forest. Feeding the alpacas is usually part of the ritual. Alongside the alpacas live four goats, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Nella, and Baron.
These animal encounters form the core experience of the farm visit and are the main reason travellers find it ideal among the best places near Wrocław. While the alpacas provide the calm, the goats take care of the comedy part. For example, I saw Madonna head-butting a football early in the morning.
It’s a brilliant setup for families and one of the most engaging educational animal farms for kids that Lower Silesia has to offer. Here, the animals are a part of the family.
Walking with Alpacas in the Izera Mountains
One of the most memorable experiences at Zagroda Alpakoterapii is walking with the alpacas along forest trails near Orłowice. The paths begin just behind the farm and quickly disappear into the woods. Cliffs, woodland paths, and open clearings create an ideal setting for a slow walk with the animals. Walking an alpaca is fun once they bond over the food.
They are naturally cautious animals and prefer observing their surroundings before deciding whether to cooperate. I remember Dorota mentioned on the farm: nie ma jedzenia, do widzenia. They live by this principle.
Food helps build trust. With a small handful of feed, visitors usually gain the alpacas’ attention and curiosity. Without it, the animals may just stand still and look at you or walk away.
How to Reach the Farm: A Day Trip from Wrocław by Train or Car
Zagroda Alpakoterapii is located in Orłowice, about 150 km from Wrocław. By car, the journey takes roughly 2.5 hours through the Sudetes foothills. If you prefer the train, Koleje Dolnośląskie runs from Wrocław with one change. From Orłowice train station, the farm is a 10-minute walk. The full rail journey takes around 3.5 hours, depending on your connection.
If you aren’t driving, this is a classic among Koleje Dolnośląskie scenic routes. It’s highly recommended for those hunting for alternative day trips from Wrocław.
Farm Stay: Overnight Accommodation in Świeradów-Zdrój
Zagroda Alpakoterapii also offers accommodation for a cosy overnight stay on the farm. The property includes guest rooms and a small apartment located within the farm area in Orłowice near Świeradów-Zdrój. Rooms overlook the surrounding countryside of the Izera Mountains. Guests have access to a shared garden, outdoor seating areas, indoor games, board games, basic kitchen facilities, and a fireplace. Parking is available on the property.
Staying overnight gives visitors more time on the farm beyond the scheduled alpaca walks. Guests can watch daily routines in the barn, feed the alpacas, and spend time exploring the nearby forest trail.
Because the farm sits directly beside hiking routes in the Izera Mountains, visitors can combine a farm stay with hikes and day trips around Świeradów-Zdrój. Accommodation reservations are arranged directly through the farm.
Find more information on the website of Zagroda Alpakoterapii.
Other Things to Do Near Świeradów-Zdrój
Świeradów-Zdrój itself is a historic spa that is particularly popular for hiking, cycling, and the dark sky reserve in Poland. One of the region’s most visible attractions is the Sky Walk Świeradów-Zdrój, a tall viewing structure that rises above the forest canopy and offers wide views across the Izera Mountains.
The surrounding forests are also known for old mining traditions. Parts of the Izera region were historically explored for quartz and semi-precious stones, and traces of these small mining sites can still be found in the landscape. For travellers interested in slow travel in Lower Silesia, this one offers a combination: mountains, quiet villages, and small local experiences.
Crafting Your Lower Silesia Escape
While the Izera Mountains are the primary draw, Świeradów-Zdrój offers the true magic of Lower Silesia slow travel, hidden in these workshops and heritage sites. For those planning day trips from Wrocław, the Izera region offers perfect nature therapy from the city’s hustle, located just a two-hour drive away. By combining a morning hike with a bread-baking session at Czarci Młyn or a stargazing workshop at Izerska Łąka, you can transform a standard sightseeing trip into a deeply personal connection with the land and its traditions.
Whether you are scouting places to visit near Wrocław for a quiet solo retreat or organising a curated group experience, these local “Izera Key” partners provide the perfect toolkit for a bespoke itinerary. It’s an invitation to stop rushing between viewpoints and instead mindfully spend an afternoon at a potter’s wheel or exploring the cool, quiet tunnels of an old mine.
Why This Alpaca Farm Makes a Perfect Day Trip from Wrocław
Lower Silesia is a popular destination for castles, spas, and historic towns, but the region also offers quiet experiences that attract slow travel in Poland. An alpaca farm in the Izera Mountains is a perfect attraction that families with kids on a weekend trip in Dolny Śląsk could be looking for. Among the best places near Wrocław, this one leads through forests and small mountain villages before arriving in Orłowice.
Walking with alpacas, feeding them in the barn, and listening to stories from the owners creates a personal countryside experience. For travellers interested in slow travel across Lower Silesia, Zagroda Alpakoterapii offers a memorable escape from the city.
Visiting Zagroda Alpakoterapii
If you are planning a day trip from Wrocław, Zagroda Alpakoterapii is one of the more exciting places to explore.
Visitors can book several experiences on the farm, including:
• meeting and feeding the alpacas
• walking with alpacas through nearby forest trails
• private visits for groups or special occasions
Booking is recommended, especially on weekends and during the summer season.
Address: Orłowice 24, near Świeradów-Zdrój | Contact: +48 695 545 330
If the city is feeling a bit too much, remember that Orłowice is only a train ride away. Whether you’re after alpaca therapy in Lower Silesia or just a quiet walk in the woods, the herd is ready when you are. Want to embark on this unique adventure with me? Join my private tours in Lower Silesia. Fill the form or just drop me an email!
Editorial Note: This article is based on a personal visit to Zagroda Alpakoterapii in Orłowice, Lower Silesia. Information about activities and accommodation reflects the situation at the time of writing. Visitors should contact the farm directly for current details and availability.
FAQs
1. What exactly is alpaca therapy, Lower Silesia style?
It is a form of nature-based therapy that Lower Silesia is becoming known for. Unlike a spa, the ‘treatment’ here is simply the lowering of your heart rate as you adapt to the quiet nature of the herd.
2. How far is Zagroda Alpakoterapii from Wrocław?
It’s about 150 km west of Wrocław. By car, roughly 2.5 hours. By train, take Koleje Dolnośląskie from Wrocław to Orłowice with one change, then a ten-minute walk to the farm.
3. Can I stay overnight at Zagroda Alpakoterapii?
Yes. The farm offers countryside accommodation designed for short stays. Visitors can stay in the guest rooms or apartments on the property, combining an immersive alpaca experience with overnight rest in the Izery.
4. What other activities are nearby Zagroda Alpakoterapii?
Besides alpaca walks, the Izera Mountains offer hiking trails, forest exploration, crystal mining sites, and small village sightseeing. Świeradów-Zdrój and the surroundings are perfect for slow travel, combining nature, wellness, and local experiences in a day trip from Wrocław.
