Bystrzyca Kłodzka is a unique town, and in many respects. It is not only a history that meanders like the Nysa Kłodzka flowing through them and the atmosphere specific to post-German towns, but also unique architecture that attracts with its charm. It is also impossible to forget about the nature surrounding it. What is Bystrzyca Kłodzka famous for? What to see when you are in town? Explore this extraordinary place with us!
How old is Bystrzyca Kłodzka?
Due to the many ambiguities surrounding the beginnings of the city, it is difficult to clearly determine how old Bystrzyca Kłodzka is. However, it is known that settlement at the junction of Nysa Kłodzka and Bystrica was probably developing since the 11th century — first there was a Czech settlement there, later again, after the granting of these lands to the knight Havel of Lemberk (12th century), a German settlement. From his time it was also called Habelschwerdt and in 1319 it was mentioned as a royal town for the first time. However, this did not prevent the town from being mentioned in the Czech language as Bystrice in documents from 1369. The word means a rushing mountain stream.
By contrast, the current name, Bystrzyca Kłodzka, is quite young. It was approved in 1946 when, after the post-war roszades, the town of Habelschwerdt came within the borders of Poland.
What is Bystrzyca Kłodzka famous for?
Bystrzyca Kłodzka attracts with many exceptions. Some of them are undoubtedly the location and, in a certain way, the forced type of development. The oldest part of the city is located on a steep hill at the junction of two rivers — Nysa Kłodzka and Bystrzyca. In order to make optimal use of the space, the buildings were laid out terraced, which resulted in a unique urban panorama.
Due to where Bystrzyca Kłodzka lies and how it was built, the city presents one of the most interesting urbarial systems in Silesia from medieval times. Despite numerous war damage, fires and natural disasters, the city retained many of its original building elements. You can still admire, among others, defensive walls with towers, the remains of a fortified tower, or the church of St Michael the Archangel, which has been an ornament of Bystrzyca Kłodzka since the 14th century. However, the town's attractions are also later, because 16th century, residential tenements, the town hall dating from the 19th century and sculptures imagining saints.
What other interesting places can you see in the Kłodzko Valley? Explore the Kłodzko Basin. Trivia.
What to see in Bystrzyca Kłodzka?
When it comes to attractions, Bystrzyca Kłodzka and the surrounding area really have something to boast about. It is not only architectural monuments, but also museums, green areas and nearby mountains with a dense network of hiking trails. What is worth seeing?
Old Town and Market Square with Town Hall
The Old Town and its market square are one of the most famous and recognizable places in the town of Bystrzyca Kłodzka. Attractions waiting there perfectly reflect its atmosphere, allowing you to traverse tight, atmospheric streets leading directly to the banks of rivers. On the other hand, on the market square itself there is still a town hall with original beauty, referring to the Florentine Renaissance in style. In the corner stands again the Baroque Column of the Holy Trinity.
Defensive walls with gates
The defensive walls are another attraction that Bystrzyca Kłodzka has to offer. What to see in the case of these buildings? Here, above all, the well-preserved Water Gate dating from the 14th century is notable. You can still admire the Knight's Tower, which was converted into a church bell tower in the 19th century, and the Kłodzko Tower, formerly the gate tower of the Kłodzko Gate.
Underground Tourist Route
This attraction perfectly shows how Bystrzyca Kłodzka is developing in terms of tourism. The route was arranged in the premises of the former brewery and the city jail. It gives an opportunity to plunge into the rather difficult history of the city. Visitors can see there, among other things, a bread oven, a stroller for prisoners, or cells where there are still drawings created by those serving sentences. The facility is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
Philumenistic Museum
This is another place that makes Bystrzyca Kłodzka and its attractions unique. The Philumenistic Museum located at the Small Market Square is the only one in Poland that collects and makes available for visitors objects related to the history of fire failure and the history of the region. There you can admire various types of lighters, tinder, as well as packaging and labels from match packages coming not only from Poland, but also other countries of the world.
Park Mountain
Located opposite to the Old Town, Góra Parkowa is a frequent place for meetings and recreation. It is eagerly visited not only by locals, but also tourists who want to see how Bystrzyca Kłodzka looks in its full glory. Attractions in the area, although equally charming, do not wash into it - the views stretching from the Park Mountain are truly spectacular.
Hiking trails in the area
The mountains surrounding the city of Bystrzyca Kłodzka provide ample opportunities for leisure time in nature. Thanks to the proximity of the Bystrzyckie Mountains, you can plan many interesting excursions, including to Jagodna (977 m above sea level) or Sasanka (985 m above sea level). In the area there is also the Śnieżnik Massif with the highest peak of Śnieżnik (1426 m above sea level).
Read also: Accommodation in Kłodzko Valley. What place to choose for accommodation?
Do you want to see a large piece of the Kłodzko Basin and at the same time be enchanted by what Bystrzyca Kłodzka has to offer? Accommodation in Vital & SPA Resort Szarotka will be an ideal option! The rooms and apartments offered by us in Zieleniec provide convenient access to many places in the region, and at the same time allow you to use many amenities that are located on site in the facility. Find out what we have prepared for you now and plan your holiday with us!
Photo: Jacek Halicki CC BY-SA 3.0 en
