In the Hirschberg Valley, Silesia

Around Hirschberg many small towns bear witness of the centuries of rich cultural history of the Riesengebirge (Giant Mountains).  

Bad Warmbrunn (Cieplice) has its name from two thermal springs. Its origins go back to the 13th century, when a monastery was founded here. From the 16th century, people started travelling to these springs and Bad Warmbrunn became a "spa" town. The springs belonged to the Cistercian Abbey, whose monks took over the task of caring for patients and guests. 

Close by in Krummhübel (Karpacz) is the castle ruin Burg Kynast from the 13th century.

a huge tree ivy (Hedera helix) on the walls of the castle courtyard

 view from the castle keep

the way down

enroute

beer?

Another tourist attraction is Kirche Wang, a short walk uphill through the forests from Karpacz.

A short walk through forest leads to Church Wang, of Norwegian origin and built in Norway around 1200. The whole wooden building was dismantled in its Norwegian place, sold and transferred and reerected here in 1832. It has served as a parish church until the expulsion of the German population in 1947.  A small protestant Polish community nowadays celebrate their services here. 

 

This hotel in Krummhübel (Karpacz) has kept its German name. 

Schloss Lomnitz, now a hotel and cultural centre . 

A tourist attraction of a more recent date: the "up-side-down" house  from a building contractor  - complete with lawn mower and ingrown roots ...