Wrocław Cycling Tour

Arrive in Wroclaw. In the evening you will meet the guides and the other riders. It’s recommended to stay within a few minutes walk to Ostrow Tumski (the city’s ecclesiastical heart) and the Rynek (old town square). Following the introductions you are free to explore the numerous bars for a quiet or noisy drink. Of course we can provide recommendations!

Cycling sedately through golden fields and rolling terrain we observe the transition from bustling metropolitan centre to relaxed countryside heart. Our first stop of the day for coffe and cake is at Wojnowice Castle, a beautiful example of a 15th century late Gothic – Renaissance style architecture. After relaxing in the forested grounds of Wojnowice, the last stretch of today’s ride enters the coolness of the rolling paths through fields, meadows, and forests as we soft pedal to Wolow: initially inhabited by Lechite Slavic tribes, granted city rights in the 12th century by the Silesian Piast Dukes, and the childhood home of Mirosław Hermaszewski (Poland’s first Cosmonaut) and his MiG-17PF aircraft!

Leaving Wolow after lunch, we hop back on our bikes and trace our way along serene country lanes towards the peaceful village of Krzydlina Mała which houses our rooms for the night in the simplicity, tranquility, and spiritual ambiance of the Claretian monastery (The Congregation of the Missionaries of the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Our hosts will have prepared our rooms and a hearty Polish dinner for us to enjoy on arrival.

Ride Details:
Distance Cycled: 55km (34mi)
Elevation Gained: 250m (820ft)
Activity Hours: 2.5~3.0
Meals Included: Dinner

The morning ride begins and it’s a short scenic ride to the relaxed village atmosphere of Lubiaz and it is here that we visit another impressive attraction. The village of Lubiaz rests in the shadow of a massive UNESCO listed Cisterian Abbey which ranks as the largest and most impressive monastic complex in central Europe. Since its establishment in the 12th Century, the enormous Baroque buildings have served as an abbey, a mental institution, a stud farm, a Nazi labour camp, a Red Army barracks, and a book warehouse. The Abbey is a must-see European gem which maintains a unique yet delicate balance of preservation (cruciform Gothic form of the Church of the Assumption) and restoration (Baroque Prince’s Hall and Summer Refectory). Despite its rich cultural, historical, and architectural significance, this hidden treasure remains somewhat undiscovered which makes visiting Lubiąż Abbey an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

We continue our journey through the cool shade of beautiful Polish forests as we enter the gently undulating terrain of the lower Sudety foothills. We follow the soothing wanderings of quiet rural roads that trace the course of rivers and streams that were chilled with last Winter’s snow during the Spring. We arrive in the serene town of Jawor which is situated next to one of the UNESCO listed Churches of Peace, which ranks historically and most certainly artistically, among the most exceptional monuments in Lower Silesia. The church in Jawor is over 43,5 m long, 14 m wide and 15,7 m high and not one nail was used in its construction. It seats 5,500 and was constructed by Breslau (Wroclaw) architect Albrecht von Saebisch (1610–1688) in 1655. The 200 wonderful paintings inside were painted by Georg Flegel in 1671–1681 the Altar was built by Martin Schneiderin 1672, and the original organ is from 1664.

Two UNESCO listed buildings in one day that you’ll really have to see to believe!

Ride Details:
Distance Cycled: 60km (38mi)
Elevation Gained: 330m (1082ft)
Activity Hours: 3.0~3.5
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

In the picturesque town of Jawor we spend the morning exploring the Peace Church and its long and distinguished history. We will have an easy ride on quiet country lanes out of the town and head towards a counterpoint to the ideals of the Peace Church: the historically poignant site of the Gross-Rosen Concentration Camp. Initially created to provide forced labour for the nearby granite quarries, it later became a concentration camp where prisoners, primarily Jews Poland, were subjected to brutal conditions, forced labor, and systematic persecution. The camp played a dark role in the Holocaust, and its history is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during that period. As we take a reflective pause at a site that bears witness to the resilience of the human spirit, we remember that we are on more than just a ride today; it’s a heartfelt voyage through time and terrain.

We gently roll through the deciduous forests filled with Oak-Hornbeam and Chequer trees, cross the rippling Młynówka stream teeming with Fire Salamanders, and steer towards the Kaczawskie Foothills in the Chełmy Landscape Park. The Nysa Mała valley continues to unfold before us as we make our way to our family run guesthouse (which has been in the family for over 130 years) in Dobków where Ewelina & Krzysztof will provide us with two superb nights in atmospheric and comfortable rooms and prepare homely regional dishes from locally sourced ingredients.

Ride Details:

Distance Cycled: 60km (38mi)
Elevation Gained: 546m (1791ft)
Activity Hours: 3.5-4.0
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Waking up to birdsong, you’ll have a choice of whether to spend the day relaxing at the Villa, exploring the activities in the village, or cycling more of the Lower Silesia region via an out and back loop to the spa town of Jelenia Gora.

Initially founded on critical trade routes which linked the Holy Roman Empire and Bohemia with Eastern Europe, Jelenia Góra – with its Baroque town square, townhouses, and arcades – has absolutely flourished. Surrounded by the Jizera, Kaczawskie, Rudawy Janowickie, and Karkonosze Mountains settles into a natural basin that provides spectacular views. It’s a great spot for lunch and you’ll find yourself becoming deeply immersed in the city’s historical charm and vibrant atmosphere by enjoying a afternoon in one of the local cafes. Exploring the medieval streets, you’ll see the remnants of the 14th century defensive fortifications, look up at the largely intact Wojanowska Gate and Tower, climb the old castle bastion for a view (if you like!), and admire the 18th-century town hall with its “Seven Houses”.

As the sun starts to descend, we start the return leg of the Dobków to Jelenia Góra Circuit by gently cruising into the Bóbr Valley Landscape Park, traversing along the Bóbr River Valley, and spinning through the bends between the hills. It’s a fitting finale to the day as the mountain vistas recede behind us and the seamless blend of rural tranquility of this diverse region give way to the homely comforts of the Villa.

Ride Details:
Distance Cycled: 60km (38mi)
Elevation Gained: 800m (2624ft)
Activity Hours: 3.5-4.0
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner 

Following breakfast, we settle on to our bikes and cycle along softly undulating paths between the pristine Sudetan Beech forest of the Buki Sudeckie, and the Maple-Linden forest of Lipa Gorge, nature reserves towards another immense Polish monument: Castle Książ. On the way, the 7,600m form of the Gothic Bolkow Castle emerges in our sight as we crest the hill in the hamlet of Gorzanowice before rapidly descending into the 13th century cobbled town named after the Piast Prince: Bolko I the Strict. After crossing the drawbridge, exploring the out-buildings, and climbing the 25m tower of this upland castle (built from red slate and sandstone), we’re rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the landscapes we’ve cycled through.

We take a break here and refuel before winding our way to Ksiaz Castle: one of the best preserved castles in Lower Silesia and famed as the largest hilltop fortress in Poland. The gently undulating terrain unfolds on each bend and we have an option of visting the evocative ruins of the Cisy Castle. A short spin follows and we arrive at the outskirts of Świebodzice, the gateway to a serpentine bike path that leads up to the escarpment where the Castle imposingly sits. When we arrive in the afternoon we are lucky enough to spend a few hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the massive and majestic complex. The guided ascent to the top of the main tower in the morning is fascinating and once at the top the view of the surrounding landscape is breathtaking and absorbing as the guide points out the location from which V2 rockets were fired on England sixty years ago. During WWII Książ housed a bomb-proof bunker for Hitler, but now it’s known for its beautiful gardens and its famous horse stud farm. After a right royal dinner we settle down for the night in an unusual and impressive hotel setting in one of the enchanting castle outbuildings.

Ride Details:
Distance Cycled: 53km (31mi)
Elevation Gained: 720m (2362ft)
Activity Hours: 3.0-3.5
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Royally rested we once again venture into the foothills of Sudety mountains. After leaving the mountains we arrive in the fortress town of Swidnica where the other surviving UNESCO Church of Peace is located. In addition to its UNESCO heritage, Swidnica is an interesting destination as from the 14th century it had over 300 breweries! We wander around it’s old town and experience the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque ambience.

After lunch we head towards one of the more mysterious destinations in Poland: Sleza mountain. Leaving our bikes in our hotel we make our way to the base of the mountain. Sleza rises impressively from the surrounding flatness and is one of the most perplexing sites in Poland. The mountain was used for pagan worship in Celtic times and was later settled by an unknown Slav tribe (who named the mountain and Silesia itself). Situated on its slopes are several mysterious ancient sculptures and carvings whose origins and symbolism is not known. We stay the night in the shade of Sleza mountain at Szczepanów and make our way back to Wroclaw the following morning.

Ride Details:
Distance Cycled: 48km (30mi)
Elevation Gained: 309m (1014ft)
Activity Hours: 3.0-3.5
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Your week in the beautiful expanse of Lower Silesia is almost over. You have seen the very best natural and monumental attractions that the region has to offer. But if time allows, take another look around Wroclaw. Of course, we can provide hotel recommendations and let you know of the must see attractions Wroclaw is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and has been likened to Prague due to its 100+ bridges, churches, parks, architecture, and its river location. It is a city that will stay in your heart and live in your memory.

Ride Details:
Distance Cycled: 50km (32mi)
Elevation Gained: 190m (624ft)
Activity Hours: 2.5-3.0
Meals Included: Breakfast