A beautiful town on the map of the Giant Mountains
Welcome to the charming town of Kowary – a picturesque pearl on the map of the Karkonosze Mountains! If you are looking for a place where history meets nature and culture intertwines with active recreation, then Kowary is the perfect destination! Kowary is a town with a rich history and mining heritage that can be felt at every turn. Come explore the mysterious underground worlds of the mines, where you will travel back in time and understand the hard work of miners centuries ago. Not only history, but also nature delights in Kowary. Surrounded by the Karkonosze Mountains, which are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Poland, spectacular views, scenic hiking trails and bike paths await you to actively explore the area. Also waiting here is the discovery of fascinating attractions for lovers of architecture and culture. The historic church of St. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dating back to the 18th century, will delight you with its architecture, while numerous museums and galleries will provide an interesting artistic experience. Kowary is also a great place for foodies. Regional flavors and traditional dishes will please every palate, and cafes and restaurants will charm with their cozy interiors and unique atmosphere. When you choose Kowary as your destination, you have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings, immerse yourself in fascinating history, get active on mountain trails, and savor culture and art.
Kowary is worth a visit because of the many attractions and unique features of this charming town located in the Polish Karkonosze Mountains.
First, Kowary is famous for its historical connection to mining and mineral extraction. Visiting the Gold Mine, you can travel back in time and learn the secrets of mining and try your hand at finding “golden treasure.”
Architecture lovers will be delighted with the preserved monuments in Kowary. In the center of the city is the picturesque Market Square, surrounded by buildings with distinctive ornaments and townhouses from different eras.
Kowary is also an ideal place for lovers of nature and active recreation. There are numerous hiking trails in the vicinity of the city that lead through beautiful mountain scenery, allowing close contact with nature.
One of the main tourist spots is the Miniature Park “Kowary Miniature Park”, where you can admire models of famous buildings from various regions of Poland and the world.
Kowary is also an excellent base for exploring other attractions in the Karkonosze, such as Szklarska Poreba and Karpacz.
Kowary’s culture and traditions are still alive, and by visiting the town you can learn about local customs, cuisine and festivals that take place throughout the year.
In the 15th century, Kowary was granted city rights, which contributed to further development of the town. Mining became a major source of income and with the development of mining technology, Kowary became one of the most important mining centers in Lower Silesia.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Kowary underwent a period of intense cultural and architectural development. Representative townhouses and palaces were built, giving the city a distinctive look.
In the 18th century, the city experienced a period of stagnation, mainly due to the depletion of mineral resources. However, in the second half of the 18th century, other fields such as glassmaking and metallurgy began to develop, contributing to the economic boom.
In the 19th century, Kowary became an important center for the machinery and metal industries. Growing industry has resulted in an influx of new settlers and an increase in the city’s population.
During World War II, Kowary came under German occupation, and its residents were forced to work in German factories.
After the war, in 1945, Kowary became part of Poland and the town was settled by Polish settlers. With the issuance of a decree on the displacement of the German population, the city was largely settled by Poles, which changed the social and cultural structure.
After the war, Kowary continued to develop as an important center of the machinery and metal industry in Poland. In the 1990s. i 2000. However, many industrial plants have closed, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of jobs.
Today, Kowary is primarily an attractive tourist destination due to its historical heritage, the beautiful landscapes of the Karkonosze Mountains and rich recreational opportunities. Tourism and the tourist industry have become major sources of income for the city, attracting tourists from Poland and abroad who come to discover the beauty of this picturesque place.
Gold Mine: Kowary is associated with a rich mining history, and one of the unique sites is the Gold Mine. It is one of the few mines where visitors have the chance to learn gold mining techniques and try to find gold themselves.
Bear Cave: Near Kowary is the Bear Cave, which is one of the longest caves in the Giant Mountains. Discovered in 1966, it contains rich rock formations and is a fascinating object to explore.
Kowary Miniature Park: This is a place where you can admire models of Poland’s most important monuments in 1:25 scale. The park showcases more than 60 different models, including Wawel Castle, Krakow’s Main Market Square and Książ Castle.
St. Joseph’s Church: This neo-Gothic church from the 19th century is a distinctive feature of Kowary’s landscape. It’s worth a visit both for its architecture and for the beautiful views of the surrounding area that can be enjoyed from the church’s tower.
Former Metallurgical Plants: Kowary is home to former metallurgical plants that used to be important to the city. Although many of them have closed, there are still remnants of them that are part of the region’s industrial heritage.
Festivals and events: Kowary regularly hosts a variety of festivals and events, including an arts and crafts festival, a dumpling festival and other cultural events. This is a great opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions.
Glass Tunnel: Kowary is also famous for its so-called “Glass Tunnel. The Glass Tunnel, which is located on the site of a former mine and is 235 meters long. It’s a unique experience where you can walk inside the mountain, admiring the fossils and various rock formations up close.
Local cuisine: Kowary offers a rich culinary experience, and one of the region’s signature dishes is “Karkonoska kartacza” – a type of noodle filled with meat, cheese, fruit or potatoes. This is a great opportunity to enjoy an authentic taste of local cuisine.
Welcome to the Giant Mountains – a mountainous region with extraordinary tourist advantages! This picturesque area offers an unforgettable experience for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
