The Karkonosze Museum (Muzeum Karkonoskie) in Jelenia Góra is a real treasure trove of knowledge about the Karkonosze Mountains, the Izera Mountains and the Jelenia Góra Valley — a perfect stop before or after a day of hiking. This is no dusty, dull institution — it's a journey through the region's history, crafts and nature.

The museum is housed in an elegant Art Nouveau, two-storey building from 1914, designed by architect Carl Grosser — the building itself is worth seeing. Inside you'll find archaeological, ethnographic and historical collections, plus art exhibits, with the highlight being the unique glass art gallery named after Mieczysław Buczyński, largely based on pieces from the nearby Julia Glassworks in Piechowice. In summer, combine your visit with a stroll around Jelenia Góra's old town square, while in winter the museum makes a great rainy-day alternative when the mountains disappear into fog.

How to get there

• Jelenia Góra city centre — 28 Jana Matejki Street, walk from the main square, approx. 10-15 minutes, easy route
• By car or city bus — parking available near the centre

Practical information

• Main address: 28 Jana Matejki Street, Jelenia Góra
• Branches: Carl and Gerhart Hauptmann House in Szklarska Poręba, Bolków Castle Museum, Museum of History and Militaria in Jelenia Góra
• Awarded the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture Gloria Artis in 2014

The museum traces its roots to the German Riesengebirgsverein (Karkonosze Society), founded in 1889 — its original collections formed the basis of today's exhibits, which survived the war and shifting borders to keep telling the story of this remarkable region.