Kłodzko, Poland is located in the southwest corner of Poland close to the border of the Czech Republic. This area of Poland is very picturesque and can be likened to the rolling hills and open fields that you will find in the Napa Valley of California.
This area boasts many fun and interesting activities such as historic fortresses, national parks, and unique sights and monuments. If you have a few days to spend around the Kłodzko area of Poland, we recommend visiting some of the places listed below. We have compiled what we think are some of the best things to do around Kłodko, Poland!
Two Day Itinerary Around Kłodzko, Poland
Day One
Muchołapka
Muchołapka is worth making a quick visit to on your travels. This massive concrete structure was left behind by Nazis after WWII. It is most likely the unfinished base of a water cooling tower but there are many conspiracy theories that surround this structure. Some believe it is a landing base for UFOs or for a machine that can travel through space and time. The structure is situated on top of the Project Riese, a secret series of tunnels dug by concentration camp prisoners under the Polish countryside.
Fort Srebna Góra (Twierdza Srebna Góra)
The fortress of Srebna Góra was built in 1764 by the King of Prussia. The fort is located on top of a mountain in the Sudety Range. During its time of use, the fort could shelter up to 4000 soldiers and had supplies to withstand a year-long siege. In 1807, the fort successfully resisted an attack by Napoleonic forces, which was also the only time the fort was part of an active battle. During World War II, the fortress was used as a Prisoner of War camp for Polish officers imprisoned by the Germans.
*Note - there is a 20 minute gentle uphill walk to reach the fort from the parking lot. When visiting the fort, if you would like to have a tour in English, make sure to call and book ahead.
Local Tip - After visiting the fort, stop in the charming town of Srebna Góra for a beautiful view and photo opportunity.
The Town of Ząbkowice Śląskie
This town was first established during the 13th century under the original name of Frankenstein. There is some speculation that the story of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was inspired by the historic and horrifying events that took place in this town in the 17th century. The town also has a famous leaning tower (Krzywa Wieża) that is a popular place to visit in the region.
In this town we recommend stopping for an ice cream and taking a picture with the leaning tower which is just off of the main square.
Kłodzko Fortress (Twierdza Kłodzko)
This enormous fortress of Twierdza Kłodzko is perched atop a hill in the center of the town of Kłodzko. The structure is first mentioned in written texts from the 11th century. The fortress has undergone a number of attacks over the centuries including a long siege during the Thirty Years’ War where it was eventually seized by the Austrian Army. The fortress is open for visitors and looks much the same today as it did 200 years ago.
Local Tip - Since there are two fortresses in this area that you can visit, we recommend taking a tour at only one of them.
Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast at Pałac Kamieniec
Nestled among the rolling hills in the outskirts of the town of Kłodzko, you will find the magical Pałac Kamieniec. This renovated historic palace is like something out of a fairytale with enchanting buildings, colorful gardens, and endless peaceful views. They offer overnight accommodation fir for a king and a restaurant with a modern and fresh twist on Polish cuisine using local ingredients from their garden.
Park Narodowy Gór Stołowych (Table Mountains National Park)
Table Mountains National Park, located in southwest Poland, is known for its extremely unique rock formations. The landscape in this region began 70 million years ago. Today there are rock formations created from erosion that have left behind dizzying labyrinths. There are hiking trails such as Szczeliniec Wielki that will take you up the mountain to an old mountain hut (known in Polish as a schronisko).
The hut has hostel style accommodation, a restaurant, and beautiful views. Past the schronisko you will enter a rock labyrinth that will take you up, down, and around through enormous rocks. You will climb narrow rock staircases that squeeze between boulders and observe aptly named rock formations such as “Ape” and “Elephant.”
Local Tip - If you are interested in walking through the rock labyrinth (which is the highlight of this hike!) you will need to cross through a pay area. As of September 2021 the cost is 12 zloty. Keep in mind this area has some very narrow spaces you will need to pass through.
Kaplica Czaszek
Kaplica Czaszek, known in English as the Skull Chapel, is a historic chapel in the region. In the town of Kudowa Zdrój, you will find a chapel where the interior is covered with over 3,000 human skulls. If that isn’t enough, you will also find tens of thousands of human bones in the underground of the building.
The chapel is a tomb for the victims of the Thirty Years War from the 17th century and the Silesian Wars from the 18th century as well as for victims of cholera. A local priest collected the bones from many graves found around the area for almost 20 years, which were then cleaned and preserved. Today the chapel is open to visitors but there is a strict no photo policy.
Map of the best things to do around Kłodzko, Poland
We hope this two day itinerary of the Kłodzko area of Poland is useful. If you have any questions about visiting or would like to learn more about booking a private tour, please contact us!
We are Damian and Elizabeth, a Polish-American couple, and we are excited to share Poland with you! We have traveled around the world and seen many places but find ourselves most inspired by our home countries.