Mysterious Lower Silesia
Lower Silesia is still one of the least discovered regions of Poland. The area hides a lot of secrets from the Second World War, but not only, because the turbulent history of the region pushed the Sudeten area into the hands of Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. Due to the mountainous, inaccessible and heavily forested area of the southern outskirts of the Lower Silesia Province, the Nazis wanted to move factories and laboratories of secret weapons of mass destruction here, which were to turn the tide of the war and ensure victory and eternal control over the world. Today, these times are remembered by ruins, unfinished structures and legends of the local people. You can reach all these tourist attractions in a modern and safe car from PANEK Rent a Car.
Wałbrzych and the Castle od princes
Do you know the secret of the “Golden Train”? This armored train, full of valuables stolen by the Nazis in Poland and the Soviet Union, was to move from Wrocław towards Wałbrzych in November 1944. Legend has it that the train, instead of reaching its destination, disappeared somewhere in the Owl Mountains and remains there to this day, and access to it is guarded by secret guards selected for this role by the Nazis.
One of the elements of this story is the Książ Castle. The building was erected in the years 1288–1292 at the behest of the prince of Świdnica and Jawor – Bolek I of the Raw, extended and rebuilt in later years, it also hides many secrets. Visiting the beautifully maintained Renaissance and Baroque rooms is a lot of fun for the whole family, because both older and younger in over 400 rooms and rooms located on 4 floors will find something for themselves here. The most interesting part of the Książ Castle is its underground. The castle was to serve as the headquarters of Adolf Hitler, and the tunnels cut under the castle were probably to be connected with the “Riese” complex built in the Owl Mountains.
Wałbrzych was an industrial city for years, and mining was the main branch. There were 3 hard coal mines in the city, but the last one was shut down in the 90s of the last century. One of the mines has been transformed into the Science and Art Center – “Old Mine”, and the city is developing towards tourism, although international industrial plants still operate here. Within the city there are 7 landscape parks, and one of the most interesting attractions is the Palm House in Lubiechów.
Right next to Wałbrzych, there is Szczawno-Zdrój, a health resort, immersed in the greenery of a beautiful park. The silence, the smell of nature and wonderful views of the Table Mountains contribute to tranquility, and the perfectly interpenetrating flavors served in local restaurants complete the idyllic image of this place.
Zagórze Śląskie
Moving from Wałbrzych to the southeast, we reach Zagórze Śląskie. Its biggest attraction is the largest stone dam on the Bystrzyca River, built in 1917, 230 meters wide and 44 meters high, which make the greatest impression only when it stands at its base. The dam remembers the times when Lower Silesia was part of the German state. Right above it, at the very top of a forested hill, rises the Grodno Castle. The stronghold was probably erected by order of prince Bolek I, but it flourished in the years 1545-1587, when the owner was Maciej von Logau.
Riese complex and Sztolnie Walimskie
People who want to know the answer to the question of what the Nazis did in the Owl Mountains should definitely visit the most mysterious part of this area – the Riese complex. The underground city built on the orders of Adolf Hitler hides a lot of unknowns, the greatest of which is the purpose of this imposing structure. To this day, it is not known what the rooms and corridors carved out of solid rock by prisoners of war and inmates in the Gross Rosen concentration camp were supposed to serve, but the scale of the undertaking suggests that the Wunderwaffe factory and shelters for the most important Nazis, including Adolf Hitler himself, could have been built here. . There is also a hypothesis that due to the proximity of uranium deposits, a secret laboratory producing nuclear weapons could be established here. What was the actual purpose of the Riese complex, we will probably find out when the plans and documents for this place are declassified. Therefore, you must visit the Włodarz Complex and Sztolnie “Rzeczka” near Walim, the underground city of Osówka, the Soboń Complex and Jugowice Górne.
Walimskie Pans, Sudecka Highway and The Road of Hundred Curves
A real treat awaits all rally enthusiasts right next to Walim. The so-called “Walimskie Patelnie”, which are part of the route of the Świdnicki Rally, i.e. the cobbled section of road 383, are able to wake up Krzysztof Hołowczyc in every driver. It is worth driving the section from Walim to Pieszyce and then returning through Sokolec to Walim, if only to feel the atmosphere of the Lower Silesian rally.
Going towards Kłodzko we will get to Zieleniec, which acts as a winter ski resort in Duszników-Zdrój. In summer and autumn, this place shows its different, lazy and idyllic face. This is where the famous “Sudecka Autostrada” begins. The amazing 42 km long road leading to Bystrzyca Kłodzka is the world championship in the picturesque category. On the one hand, a mysterious and ominously rustling forest, on the other, endless spaces limited only by peaks outlined on the horizon and a complete lack of other cars. However, this is not all, because the “Droga Hundred Curves” leads not only from Kudowa-Zdrój towards Radków, which can be a challenge for drivers not only in winter. Picturesque nature and fascinating nature delighted the creators of the film “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”, who placed the plan of a well-known trilogy in “Errant Rocks”.
Lower Silesia still hides many secrets that would surely suffice for many such texts. We cordially invite you to explore this fascinating region on your own. We also recommend our excellent cars from PANEK Rent a Car, which you can use to safely reach every region of Poland.