Tour around the Gryfów Śląski municipality

Town Hall and Tenement Houses in Gryfów Śląski

The first town hall in Gryfów Śląski was built in 1276 as a wooden commercial building. The construction of a brick town hall began in 1524. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly damaged and rebuilt. To this day, preserved elements include vaulted ceilings, a mansard roof, and a stone plaque from 1624 commemorating the construction of the tower by Mayor Steudner.

In 1929, the town hall tower burned down – the new one was built using reinforced concrete technology, one of the first of its kind in Lower Silesia. On the north wall, there is also a plaque from 1982 dedicated to Polish soldiers who died during World War II. The burgher tenement houses in Gryfów are stone masonry buildings extended deep into their plots. Their present appearance is the result of an 18th-century Baroque reconstruction, which removed arcades and introduced wrought-iron grilles and decorative portals.

An architectural curiosity is the Baroque corner bay window at the intersection of Bankowa and Felczerska streets. In the tenement at Rynek 33, once owned by the Kluge family, Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke stayed with his staff in 1875. Today, the building houses the Tourist Information Centre.

The Bend of the Kwisa River

The bend of the Kwisa River is a very picturesque part of Gryfów Śląski. The most prominent architectural feature is the bridge over the Kwisa, officially opened on May 15, 1855. The symbolic opening was performed by two newlywed couples, who were the first to cross the new span. Construction began with the intention of creating a new road to Frýdlant and Zittau, and due to the poor condition of the old bridge. The contractor was Tomas Hasler, and granite from Młyńsko was used. The investment required a partial reconstruction of the town – including the realignment of Sanatoryjna Street and the demolition of several houses on both sides of the river.

In 1945, the bridge was blown up by retreating German troops. Rebuilt and used for decades, it underwent a major renovation in 2009–2010. The works included strengthening the structure, replacing the surface, railings, and pavements. The modernization cost 3 million PLN, funded from the provincial budget. During the renovation, thanks to the involvement of local authorities and the army, a temporary bridge with a load capacity of up to 20 tons was built.

Today, the renovated bridge is not only an important transport link but also one of the town’s landmarks, eagerly photographed by residents and visitors alike.

Park

Park on Partyzantów Street, colloquially called “Patelnia” by locals, and historically known as “Prentzel’s Park.” This charming spot is close to Gryfów Śląski’s market square and is set to undergo comprehensive modernization. Planned works include: redevelopment of the main park avenue with entrance gates, new recreational paths, a viewing terrace with seating and stage, restoration of historic elements such as the bridge, wall, and fence, stylized lighting inspired by 19th-century lanterns, revitalization of greenery, refurbishment of the dry watercourse, new benches, bins, and drinking fountains, and installation of necessary utilities. Completion is expected in May 2026.

The Winkler Villa

The Winkler Villa, built in 1888, is a historic building that was once the residence of the Winkler family, owners of the Greiff-Werze Clothing Works. The brick, two-storey villa with a square plan features three-storey risalits, turrets, and a distinctive roof in the style of Dutch Neo-Mannerism and French Neo-Baroque, celebrated for its architectural merit and historical significance.

Inside, the walls are adorned with murals by Joseph Langer, a renowned conservator of wall decorations in the Church of Peace in Świdnica and the Leopoldine Hall in Wrocław. The villa served both as a residence and as the administrative headquarters of the clothing factory, which was taken over by the Soviet army after the war and later by the Polish Liquidation Commission. Following the war, a company-run preschool (“Przedszkole pracownicze”) was established in the building, managed by the Gryfex Clothing Works, with owners permitted to export furnishings before the war.

After the collapse of Gryfex, ownership passed to the town, and since 1994 it has housed a Public Preschool in Gryfów Śląski. The interiors feature rich ornaments, columns, and decorative ceilings. The preschool comprises eight groups, including one nursery group and two kindergarten groups, with spacious rooms equipped with educational aids, toys, audiovisual equipment, and aesthetically arranged interiors co-designed by teachers and children. The structure is surrounded by greenery and a garden; the playground includes various facilities ensuring safe play and movement. Located near the park, the building stands as a unique example of historical architecture and an important element of local identity.

Pumptrack at Młyńska Street in Gryfów Śląski

Located behind the Municipal and Community Cultural Centre, the pumptrack was designed for enthusiasts of bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters. This modern and dynamic facility is very popular among young people in our town. The pumptrack’s layout was designed to provide optimal riding conditions and help develop technical skills, both for beginners and more advanced users.

The facility consists of winding turns, rises, and dips, allowing smooth cornering without the need for pedalling, making the ride more fluid and the training more effective. It is made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and safety during use. Located near a park and surrounded by greenery, it offers comfort and safety for its users.

Railway Station

The railway station in Gryfów Śląski is a historic building that has long played an important role in local transport. Originally built in the 19th century, it was a key transport hub for residents and travellers. The station has been renovated, and the number of train connections increased. Currently, the line operates regular local and regional services, mainly to Jelenia Góra and Wrocław.

The greatest attraction is the reactivation of the railway connection to Świeradów-Zdrój, allowing residents and tourists to once again travel this route by train. This renewed connection enables convenient and eco-friendly travel, opening up new opportunities for regional development and encouraging spa tourism. The Gryfów Śląski station now serves as a modern gateway to the Izerskie Foothills and beyond.

The Municipal Centre for Culture and Education (M-GOK)

The Municipal Centre for Culture and Education (M-GOK) in Gryfów Śląski is a cultural institution operating since 2000, which underwent a major renovation in March 2025. In the past, the building served both industrial and cultural functions, being an important space for local residents. It was part of the textile industry complex and historically also housed a library.

Thanks to revitalisation, it now offers functional, accessible and modern interiors that once again pulse with cultural life. The centre is located at 33A Kolejowa Street – hosting exhibitions, concerts, workshops, theatre performances, and supporting the development of children and youth through clubs and interdisciplinary projects.

A pumptrack is located behind the building. M-GOK is listed in the Municipal Register of Monuments.

Adam Mickiewicz Park

A place to relax in the city centre. The area features a picturesque pond often visited by ducks. Recently, a vending machine was installed that, for a small fee, dispenses proper food for birds – great fun for the youngest! Adam Mickiewicz Park was established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Gryfów Śląski receiving its town rights (1242).

There used to be a soldier’s monument in the park, and its pedestal remains to this day.
The German inscriptions engraved :

Estates vanish or disappear
Clans and families die out
But surely remains
The glory of the deeds of the dead

Today, the park is a place of rest and relaxation for both residents and tourists, offering contact with nature.

Public Library

Located near the center of Gryfów Śląski, the Public Library offers not only a rich book collection but also organizes art exhibitions in the ECKI Gallery, meetings with artists, and numerous events for children. The building also houses a small museum room run by the Society of Friends of Gryfów. It is worth visiting during opening hours to see the exhibits showcasing the town’s history.

Church of St. Hedwig in Gryfów Śląski

When visiting the charming town of Gryfów Śląski, don’t miss the impressive Church of St. Hedwig. Its towering silhouette dominates the town’s skyline and serves as a beautiful example of Gothic architecture enriched with later Baroque additions. The church’s interior surprises with ornate altars, historical paintings, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Located in the heart of the town, it invites both spiritual reflection and admiration of cultural heritage. Whether you’re a lover of history or simply enjoy discovering unique places, this church will leave a lasting impression.

Lake Złotnickie

An artificial reservoir on the Kwisa River, created just below Gryfów Śląski in 1924. The reservoir can hold up to 12.4 million cubic metres of water. Its purpose – still valid today – was water retention and electricity generation. The area around Lake Złotnickie features several tourist attractions.

From Gryfów Śląski, one possible destination is a footbridge connecting both riverbanks – between the villages of Wieża and Karłowice. Starting from the town square and heading along Partyzantów Street, the bridge can be reached in about 40 minutes, after walking just over 2 km. It’s a perfect idea for a short outing through forest and near water. The route is marked as a yellow hiking trail and was renovated in 2022 to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

Church of St. John of Nepomuk

Situated in the secluded village of Wolbromów – the smallest in Lwówek County – the Church of St. John of Nepomuk is a small, charming temple with a simple single-nave structure and a wooden roof topped with a ridge turret. Its modest interior holds a 16th-century stone baptismal font and a Baroque altar.

In the wall surrounding the church, one can see the tombstones of the von Redern family, and in the church wall – Baroque sandstone epitaphs. In the past, the site was surrounded by an Evangelical cemetery; today, it remains a peaceful landmark on the map of the region’s sacred heritage.

Parish in Rząsiny

The Parish of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn in Rząsiny is an example of intimate and peaceful sacred architecture that does not overwhelm with grandeur but instead blends history with a spiritual atmosphere. It is an excellent stop for those wishing to experience the character of local places of worship and discover the modest forms of religious architecture in the region. The church has preserved fragments of its original 18th-century structure, making it an interesting example of how sacred architecture was adapted to meet the needs of the 19th-century local community.

Ruins of Podskale Castle

Podskale Castle (German: Talkenstein) is a mysterious ruin of a medieval stronghold in Rząsiny, situated on a rocky ridge 25 m above the surrounding area, near the road between Gryfów Śląski and Lwówek Śląski.

Its construction likely began at the end of the 14th or the beginning of the 15th century, attributed to the knightly von Talkenberg family—though there is speculation that a ducal fortress from the time of Henry the Bearded might have stood here earlier. The first confirmed record dates to 1368, when the castle came into the hands of the Talkenberg family.

Attempts at reconstruction were made (including by Christopher Talkenberg in the 16th century), but the castle was ultimately abandoned around 1530 and gradually dismantled—its stones were used, among other things, for road construction in the 19th century.

Podskale Castle is a perfect destination for history lovers and hiking enthusiasts who want to experience the setting of a medieval fortress without crowds or admission fees. The raw landscape of the ruins, their dramatic past, and the panoramic views of the area make this a unique stop on the map of Lower Silesia.

Rząsiny Palace

In the heart of the village of Rząsiny stands a Renaissance-Neoclassical residence – Rząsiny Palace, originally built between 1494 and 1499 for the von Talkenberg family, and later expanded in the Renaissance style around 1550. In the 18th century, its newly added neoclassical features gave it a more representative character.

In the first half of the 19th century, the estate belonged to Field Marshal Hans von Diebitsch-Sabalcansky (Ivan Dybicz), which added military significance to its history.

The most unusual chapter in the palace’s history came during World War II, when its interiors were turned into a secret Luftwaffe research institute, relocated here from Berlin – studies included, among others, the effects of radiation and visual adaptation.

After the war, the building fell into disrepair until 2007, when it passed into private hands. Since 2019, a consistent restoration has been underway – parts of the palace are now open to visitors, with overnight stays available.

Lavender in Ubocze

Lavender in Ubocze is a small lavender plantation near Gryfów Śląski, combining the beauty of rural landscapes, aromatherapy, and local charm. It is an ideal place for relaxation or as a backdrop for spectacular portrait photography. Visitors can enjoy coffee on site and benefit from natural lavender products. The small shop offers essential oils, linen fragrance sachets, wreaths, relaxation pillows, seedlings, as well as lavender jams and preserves made from edible varieties.

Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ubocze

This small yet history-filled church is a perfect stop for travellers seeking authentic sacred monuments, intimate interiors, and rustic architecture. Surrounded by walls with historic cemetery elements, it offers unique tranquillity and atmosphere — a rare gem of Lower Silesia. Renovation work carried out between 2004 and 2013 revealed the raw stone façade, replaced the gallery and ceiling, and gave the interior a new marble floor.

Interestingly, the church cemetery served as a filming location for the hit Netflix series Wzgórze Psów.
In summer, the scent, views, and rustic atmosphere create a unique destination for a trip.

Alpaki z Proszówki

Alpaki z Proszówki is a place run by passionate hosts and an attractive spot for tourists. Walking with charming alpacas through mountain meadows, photo sessions in a fairy-tale setting, and the opportunity to purchase natural products made from their exceptional wool are among the highlights of this location at the foot of St. Anne’s Hill. Perfect for families, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking peaceful moments with beautiful animals. In the immediate vicinity, you can also find a picturesque chapel and Zamek Gryf.

The chapel on St. Anne’s Hill

The chapel on St. Anne’s Hill in Proszówka is a small Baroque building combining a scenic viewpoint, a trace of a papal pilgrimage, and historical legends. A perfect place for a walk, photos, and a moment of reflection in the heart of the Izerskie Foothills.
The chapel was founded around 1657 by Count Krzysztof Leopold von Schaffgotsch and consecrated by the Bishop of Wrocław in 1666. The original wooden chapel burned down in 1779, and the current masonry structure was rebuilt in 1780. During the Seven Years’ War, it served as a guard post, using the hill’s elevation as an observation point.

In 1956, it was visited by Karol Wojtyła – the future Pope – which initiated the creation of the “Papal Trail”. To this day, a stone near the chapel bears the inscription: “Pilnujcie mi tych szlaków” (“Take care of these trails for me”).

Gryf Castle

Gryf Castle is a fascinating destination for lovers of medieval ruins, archaeological mysteries, and raw romanticism.
For about three years, comprehensive works have been underway – including archaeological research, structural reinforcement, and partial reconstruction. The plan includes, among other things, glazing sections of the ruins to serve as a viewpoint over the western part of Lower Silesia.

Although currently inaccessible (as reconstruction is in progress), it may become a unique attraction in the future.

One of the most surprising discoveries during the archaeological works was the castle’s deep well – long thought to be shallow, it turned out to reach over 20 meters. Numerous artefacts from various eras were also found within the castle grounds, including weapons, jewellery, coins, ceramics, and architectural fragments of the interior décor.