Nature and Education Center | Sobieszów Palace

Nature and Education Centre of the Karkonosze National Park Sobieszów Palace.

The Sobieszów Palace dates back to the early 18th century. Once, the palace was home to the Schaffgotsch family, who managed the estates in the Karkonosze region for several centuries, introducing the first forms of nature conservation and supporting cultural development. In the Nature and Education Centre of the Karkonosze National Park, there are two interactive exhibitions: “Climatic Karkonosze” and “Sobieszów Palace.” Additionally, the facility features a souvenir shop, conference rooms, and an area for fairs and recreation. The exhibitions are available in four languages: Polish, English, Czech, and German.

The exhibition “Climatic Karkonosze” covers almost 1600 m² of space. It includes six large thematic rooms.

In this very impressive and original way, one can learn about, among other things, the geological history of the formation of the Karkonosze Mountains and see the rocks and minerals that make up this mountain range. The rooms are arranged in a mysterious and slightly futuristic atmosphere. A huge advantage of the entire exhibition “Climatic Karkonosze” is that everything can be touched and experienced directly, making the visit to the facility engaging and educational.

The exhibition “Sobieszów Palace” occupies about 550 m² and includes 8 thematic rooms.

The exhibition located on the ground floor of the palace building invites visitors on a journey through time. Its goal is to present the history and genealogy of the Silesian family Schaffgotsch. In the manager's office, visitors can familiarize themselves with copies of the original estate documents. The Schaffgotsch family managed the forestry in their estates and also undertook attempts to protect the Karkonosze nature. In the forestry room, visitors can experience how hard the Karkonosze lumberjacks worked in times past. In the next room, through viewports in a specially built photo plasticine, guests have the opportunity to observe representatives of the local wildlife - in old graphics and contemporary nature films. The last exhibition room tells the story of the Karkonosze National Park, which - managing the lands of the former count's estate - has become, in a way, an heir to the Schaffgotsch family.

Practical Information:

Both exhibitions are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).