Lower Silesia
Slow Cycling in Lower Silesia
"A bucolic fairytale land... a place positively creaking with culture — yet it’s been forgotten"
James Stewart, The Times

Poland's Lower Silesia, bordering both Germany and Czechia, combines captivating landscapes, spectacular churches and a fascinating blend of cultures that reflect its rich history. There are secrets and stories to be discovered in these forests and mountains. It's one not to rush.
Located right in the centre of Europe, Lower Silesia brings together the traditions, history and culinary tastes of its various occupiers over centuries, from Czechs to Austrians, Prussians to Germans. The area has an abundance of churches, palaces and beautiful old towns peppered through its lush landscapes.

Journey Highlights
- Pedal along tracks, meadows and quiet country roads in this picturesque and peaceful corner of Poland
- Discover castles, palaces, monasteries and churches in an eclectic array of architectural styles
- Sample fine Polish dishes made with local ingredients. Think hearty soups, dumplings and freshly baked sourdough.
- Meet local guides and artisans who are passionate and knowledgeable about the place they call home
- Enjoy sweeping views over Poland's little-known Land of Extinct Volcanoes


Itinerary
We will pick you up from Prague Airport and drive you to a beautifully renovated farm house in Mała Kamienica, a village nestled in the foothills of the Jizera Mountains. This is our home for the next two nights. There will be time to relax in the orchard or take a gentle afternoon walk or cycle before a delicious home cooked dinner, full of healthy local produce, prepared by the wonderful Kamila or Maryla. This may be the first opportunity to sample the homemade fruit liquor nalewka.
This morning, we will cycle along quiet roads and tracks through rural villages and their surrounding meadows. We’ll first pass through Lubomierz and visit its imposing Baroque church and monastery which was home to Benedictine nuns for centuries. Gorgeous landscapes and views unfold along our ride, and in spring the fields and verges are ablaze with flowers, after which we’ll have a table picnic lunch in a barn prepared by a local couple. On our way back to Mala Kamienica, we will meander off road passing the picturesque Pilchowice Dam. This evening, we'll have another delicious supper, accompanied by locally produced honey mead.
We will begin today by cycling on quiet, well maintained rural roads towards the Dolina Bobru protected area, incorporating the lovely Bobr river valley. We will pedal off road along the river towards Siedlęcin, where we find the imposing 14th century Prince's Tower, with its celebrated Gothic frescoes depicting the legend of Lancelot. After a leisurely lunch, prepared by a friendly family, we will cast our bikes aside and walk for a couple of hours. We'll cross rolling hills to the tiny hamlet of Tarczyn, our serene home for the next two nights. Tonight we dine al fresco in Urian’s beautiful garden, with fresh organic ingredients prepared by a local chef.
After breakfast, we'll visit the ruins of the 12th century Lenno Castle and climb its tower to enjoy panoramic views of the Jizera, Kaczawskie and Karkonosze Mountains. We will then ride into a region known as the Land of Extinct Volcanoes and learn about the fascinating history and geography of this undiscovered region. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch and visit a small family-run vineyard that produces just a few thousand bottles a year. We'll then wind our way back to our guest house, passing several palaces and churches typical of the region. For our last evening there will be more delicios food and regional wine in a setting that we always hate saying goodbye to!
There may be time in the morning to go for a short walk or cycle, or time to relax in the guesthouse garden. After saying our goodbyes, you'll be transferred back to the airport for an afternoon flight home or maybe a weekend extension in Wrocław.


Dates & Availability
What's Included?
It’s rare in small group travel, but at The Slow Cyclist we include everything from the moment you land in the Lower Silesia. We are often told by our guests how great it is to forget about their wallet and focus on the experience.
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Electric Bikes
A premium electric mountain bike, best suited to the terrain.
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Guides & Hosts
A dedicated Slow Cyclist host to look after you along the way and two local guides with passions and interests that bring the region to life.
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Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure, and you never need to carry any bags as your luggage is transported ahead each day.
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Accommodation, Food & Drinks
Characterful Polish guest houses, delicious locally sourced and home-cooked food and all drinks and snacks.
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Activities
All cultural visits and activities, from a castle visit to exploring a local vineyard. And as ever with The Slow Cyclist, plenty of surprises too.
