Bunzlau: Ceramics, History and Leisure

Discover and Create Ceramics

The Muzeum Ceramiki in Bolesławiec has around 6,000 exhibits. Among the oldest pieces is a vessel from the 13th century. The collection also includes typical bronze products, stamped ceramics, products from the former ceramics vocational school in Bolesławiec and contemporary ceramic production. The range therefore extends from a single early vessel to various forms and production contexts. If you are particularly interested in local ceramic craftsmanship, the museum offers several starting points for exploration.

The Centrum Dawnych Technik Garncarskich at the Muzeum Ceramiki offers ceramics workshops in Mini, Midi and Maxi formats. Participants learn and create a work of their own. What happens to it afterwards varies by format: in the Mini format, the work is not taken home; in the Midi format, it can be taken home unfired. In the Maxi format, it is glazed and fired, then collected later. These differences may be important when planning if you want to create ceramics yourself rather than just view them.

Architectural History at the Viaduct and Town Hall

The Bolesławiec railway viaduct was built between 1844 and 1846. It is 26 metres high, 490 metres long and 8 metres wide. These three measurements give the structure a clear profile: its height, exceptional length and width can each be perceived as distinct features when you look at the viaduct. Its construction period also makes it a prominent part of Bunzlau’s architectural history.

The town hall is also worth examining for its specific details. The oldest surviving part today is the north wing with its tower, which dates to the late 15th century and is associated with a Saxon-Lusatian thatched-roof tradition. On the south façade, the portal forms the entrance to the Wedding Palace. Its extensive sculptural decoration includes floral ornaments, arabesques, masks, herms, mascarons, rustication and warriors’ heads. The portal also features the coat of arms of its benefactor, Mayor Paul Hanewald.

The town walls were largely destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1841, it was decided to turn the former fortification grounds into a promenade—a picturesque walking avenue with several representative buildings. The history of the fortifications and the subsequent plans for redevelopment offer another perspective on how the townscape changed.

Leisure Activities with Different Focuses

The Leśny Potok leisure complex on Jeleniogórska Street was built around a restored retention reservoir. It includes a swimming area and beach volleyball courts. The water in the swimming area is filtered without chemical agents by a plant-based biosystem. This means the complex offers swimming and beach volleyball as distinct leisure activities.

The Wiadukt Plaza skatepark also offers a variety of features: a pro area with jump elements and a so-called “Satelitka”, a fast outer track, an asphalt bowl and an Easy area for less advanced skaters. Those interested in skateboarding can explore these areas as different parts of the park. Together with ceramics and architectural history, they contribute to a more varied picture of Bunzlau than a stay focused on just one topic.

Information for Your Stay

The tourist information office provides information about sights and tourist attractions in Bunzlau and the surrounding area, accommodation and dining options, and cultural and sporting events in the town. It also sells maps, information materials, guidebooks, historical publications, Bunzlau souvenirs and ceramics from Bolesławiec. This can be useful for a range of questions about your stay—from finding your way around and choosing publications to discovering local ceramic products. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can consider which of the interests described are particularly important for your trip.

You can also explore these places: Kraśnik Dolny, Zebrzydowa, Raciborowice Górne, Naumburg Am Queis, Kruszyn, Kliczków and Osiecznica.

For the overview of the wider region: Bolesławiecki.