What to See in Karpacz? Guide to Tourist Attractions

Located at the foot of the Karkonosze Mountains, Karpacz is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in Poland. Its popularity as a starting point for conquering the famous Śnieżka mountain is well-deserved, given the multitude of trails of varying difficulty levels that continuously attract mountain enthusiasts.

However, picturesque Karpacz has much more to offer! It is also loved by avid winter sports enthusiasts. The town itself hides many interesting places worth visiting to bring back fond memories. Join me on a journey through the key points on the map of Karpacz!

Śnieżka Mountain

Let’s start with the already mentioned Śnieżka mountain. Known as the queen of the Karkonosze, it is a unique symbol of Karpacz. This border mountain is located on the Polish-Czech border and is simultaneously the highest peak in the Czech Republic.

Its height is 1602 meters above sea level. There are four trails leading to the summit, so everyone can find a suitable one – you can also use a lift or a cable car if you prefer. The view from the top of Śnieżka is breathtaking, especially when combined with the observation of the sunrise or sunset – a truly spectacular sight!

“Samotnia” Shelter

“Samotnia” is one of the oldest shelters in Poland. It is located in the Karkonosze National Park, specifically in the Kocioł Małego Stawu, at an altitude of 1195 meters above sea level – roughly halfway from the town to Śnieżka.

The shelter is built of wood in the style of a mountain hut. “Samotnia” gained fame thanks to Waldemar Siemaszko, who became its manager in 1966. He modernized the building while introducing a unique atmosphere that was loved by regulars and guests. He organized various events and competitions in “Samotnia.” Currently, the shelter is run by his immediate family.

“Samotnia” is surrounded by mountain vegetation and stands right above the lake. It has a lot of charm. Here, you can not only comfortably spend the night but also have a meal or enjoy a hot drink. The buffet is open from 8 am to 8 pm. “Samotnia” also houses a tourist information point.

Karkonosze National Park

 Are you nature lovers or do you love strolling through majestic landscapes? You must visit the Karkonosze National Park! Covering almost 6,000 hectares, it primarily includes the Main Ridge of the Karkonosze.

For additional protection, it is surrounded by a forest area called the buffer zone. It was created to protect the natural values and unique flora and fauna of the Karkonosze. It’s known that most people are drawn to Śnieżka within its borders, but there’s much more to admire!

The hiking trails in the Karkonosze National Park cover a total of 112 kilometers. The majority consists of forests, but you can also observe lush vegetation and impressively large, glacial rocks in various shapes. Animals in the park include mouflon, wild boars hiding in the bushes, and even rare species of colorful butterflies! A must-see is the Szklarka Waterfall, known as the park’s showcase.

Dam on Łomnica, or the Wild Waterfall

The dam on Łomnica was built in the 20th century, specifically between 1910 and 1915. It was erected as part of a flood protection program to prevent the treacherous and dangerous Łomnica River from causing more problems for the residents of Karpacz. As a result of these efforts, an eye-catching artificial waterfall and a small reservoir were created.

Combined with the surrounding greenery, the dam creates a perfect setting for peaceful walks or spending pleasant moments with loved ones in a beautiful, quiet environment. A picnic here would be a good idea, and the waterfall serves as a perfect backdrop for souvenir photos.

Wooden Wang Temple

 Wang Church, known to almost everyone, was built in the 12th century in the Norwegian town of Vang. In 1842, thanks to the charismatic and favor-seeking Countess Fryderyka von Reden, it was moved to Karpacz. Since then, it has become a permanent point of excursions. It’s worth noting that it was built without the use of nails, only with wooden carpentry joints! The atmosphere inside is absolutely unique.

From April 15 to October 31, the church is open for visits from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and from November 1 to April 14, hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Sundays and holidays at 10:00 am, you can attend an evangelical service.

Karkonosze Secrets

The underground multimedia exhibition “Karkonosze Secrets” located in the city center was awarded in the National Geographic competition “Seven New Wonders of Poland”! Just for that reason, it’s worth a visit: the exhibition combines the preservation of traditions with interactive modernity.

Immerse yourself in a fairytale atmosphere and explore 12 interesting legends about this mountainous region. Many artists contributed to the meticulously designed project. Just take the tablet serving as a multimedia guide in your hand, and you can explore! Don’t be scared of the largest, seven-meter sculpture depicting the Spirit of the Mountains!

The exhibition is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Reduced tickets cost PLN 26, regular tickets – PLN 32. Children under 4 years old enter the exhibition for free. Tickets can be purchased online, which is a convenient option! Although the visiting time is not limited, it is estimated to take about an hour – keep that in mind when planning your day.

The Conquerors’ Square 

This is a place commemorating Polish mountaineers, conquerors of the highest peaks, such as: Jerzy Kukuczka, Wanda Rutkiewicz. It is located on the main street of the town, next to the town hall. On the square you can see cast in bronze reflected shoes of famous mountaineers, as well as their autographs. This place attracts tourists who want to learn about the history and tradition of Polish mountaineering.

Toy Museum

 The City Toy Museum was established in 1995 from the collections of Henryk Tomaszewski – a dancer, mime, and theater lover. It’s a great place to visit, not only with children! Here, you can completely lose yourself in the intricate world of dolls presented in miniature. The collections include toys from the 17th century to the 20th century! The exhibits are displayed in showcases designed and painted by Kazimierz Wiśniak, a famous Krakow scenographer.

The museum also organizes artistic temporary exhibitions on various topics and issues, as well as interesting workshops. An additional attraction is the Room of Railway Traditions filled with exhibits. The regular ticket costs PLN 20, and the discounted one is half the price. Children up to 6 years old can enter the museum for free.

Children’s Paradise: Fairy Tale Park

The Fairy Tale Park is a project designed to introduce children to iconic fairy tales and provide them with a place to have fun! Walking along the paths, you encounter various cottages presenting Brothers Grimm fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Pinocchio, or The Snow Queen. Each cottage offers the opportunity to listen to a story recorded by a narrator. In addition, the Fairy Tale Park has a huge, well-equipped playground with water games and a trampoline.

The visiting time should fit within two hours. There is a guesthouse with a bar and a toilet near the Fairy Tale Park, so you have a place to have lunch or sit and relax. If you decide to stay overnight in the guesthouse, the entrance to the park is free for the duration of your stay!

Private LEGO Museum

The LEGO Museum in Karpacz is not an ordinary exhibition! The museum has ten rooms, each covering a different pop-cultural theme, such as Star Wars or the magical world of Harry Potter. Among them are also interactive elements that give visitors a lot of joy.

Everything in the rooms is designed with true imagination. The building also houses a Video Game Museum where you can play retro games. This is a place that every geek should visit at least once in their life!

Ski jump Orlinek

The Orlinek ski jump is a popular attraction that is not only often used for ski jumping competitions, but also attracts both winter sports enthusiasts who want to see the jump live.

Non-Telephonic Booth

The mysterious Non-Telephonic Booth is located in the square next to the roundabout in Karpacz (ul. Konstytucji 3 Maja/ul. Obrońców Pokoju). It is the only artistic installation of its kind in Poland! Although there is a phone in it, you cannot make a call. However, you can pick up the receiver and… thanks to the magical properties of the Booth, connect with the Spirit of the Mountains living in the past! It reveals incredible stories firsthand about news and legends that you won’t find even on the internet.

Accommodation in Karpacz: A Wide Range of Options!

Finding the perfect accommodation in Karpacz is a breeze! Whether you dream of a room with a mountain view, a cozy mountain hut with a highlander atmosphere, or a modern apartment in the city center, Karpacz has it all. The choice is yours! Discover your ideal lodging and savor the charms of Karpacz.

As you can see, Karpacz is rich in real gems! You can detach yourself from mountain adventures and summit conquering – although nothing tastes as good as hot tea in a shelter after a long hike! You can also explore a few intriguing places that offer excellent entertainment. If you prefer peace and relaxation, you will also be pleased with a visit to this picturesque town. Are you planning to visit Karpacz, or perhaps you already have such a trip behind you? Be sure to share your experiences!