Feasibility study: „European city and culture tourism – Thuringian ...

Final report, VIA REGIA „European city- and culture tourism“
which was constructed even before World War II. With a total length of several hundreds of
kilometers, the trails‘ structure connects all routes, being situated on the Czech side. One
example for this is represented by the „Weg der Polnisch-Tschechischen Freundschaft“
(Path of the Polish-Czech Friendship).
4.2.1.2 Most important cities of the region Dolnośląski
As regards the tourism and culture, the cities Wrocław, Świdnica and Kłodzko are definitely
to be mentioned as cities with the most significance for the region.
Wrocław
Wrocław, the region’s capitol enchants with its over thousand year history. As historic centre
of Silesia, it’s not surprising that it’s considered as one of most beautiful and largest cities of
Poland. The city’s history laden situation, which is at the border point of three states, is
reflected in its sights: in the oldest part, located on the former island on the Oder and whose
diffluence, one can find Ostrów Tumski und Wyspa Piasek (Sand Island) – that is the
medieval residential part, counting to the historical monuments of Poland. The second
meaningful object of the city is the „Jahrhunderthalle“ (Century Hall), which has been
honored with the inclusion into the World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO. Further sights are
the church complex to the Saint Cross and the church to the Saint Bartholomaeus.
The city itself comes up with numerous bicycle routes which can be found on the town’s
homepage under „Rower w mieście“ (Bicycle in town) . The website includes as well helpful
links for cyclists containing news, tours, parking facilities, etc.
The network of cycling routes in Wroclaw ranks among the best-developed ones in Poland,
which is attributable to an initiative, the “Programm 100 km” being realized since 1994.
Despite this project, it was determined that there would actually be numerous routes, which,
however, don’t enable any provision of a reasonable network.
Świdnica
Worthwhile of being mentioned within this VIA REGIA corridor is Świdnica, as it is deemed
to be a good starting point for trips to the Sudetes and furthermore provides a welldeveloped
infrastructure regarding overnight accommodations.
Świdnica is known for its sights and tourist attractions. The most popular ones include the
Cathedral of Saint Stanislaw from the year 1330 and the “Friedens-Kirche”, being
considered as largest wooden church of Europe (mentioned on the UNESCO list since
2001).
Kłodzko
Kłodzko, a mecca for tourists, is an important centre of culture, administration, and trade.
The city with the thousand-year old history (first tradition from the year 981) reflects the
interaction of different cultures: Polish people, Germans, Czechs and Flamen, who settled
this town in turn, have left their marks.
The fortification complex in Klodzko belongs to the best-maintained systems of its kind from
the 17 th - 18 th century. Its area amounts more than 30 hectares. In the 70ies of the 20 th
century, there was built an underground route at this place facilitating the tourist
commercialization of this newly secured and renovated attraction. The market place from the
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