History of Karpacz

The first records of Karpacz come from the 15th century. There were several independent settlements in the place of the modern city, the emergence of which is associated with the mining of gold, semi-precious stones and iron ore. For the needs of mining and metallurgy, forests were cut down, charcoal was produced. The grazing of animals began in the clearings. People flocked to the Łomnica valley, establishing settlements and developing the foothills of the Karkonosze Mountains.

The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), which swept through these areas, influenced the development of settlement in the higher situated areas. The Czechs fleeing persecution lived in less accessible places, but safer areas in the mountains. Thus, e.g.. villages: Cutting, Upper Karpacz, Jagniątków, Budniki. The newcomers were involved in herbalism and soon Karpacz became a well-known laboratory center – as they were called. Herbalism was booming in the 18th century – in Karpacz there was a guild of lab technicians at that time, uniting dozens of masters and many students. The development of official medicine contributed to the decline of herbal medicine – The last lab technician from Karkonosze died in Karpacz in 1884 r.

One year is an important date in the history of Karpacz 1681 r "when the chapel of St.. Lawrence. Saint cult, martyr and patron of treasure hunters, miners, steelworkers and the protector of the poor, attracted crowds of believers. Over time, this pilgrimage tourism contributed to the development of the village and the creation of new infrastructure for visitors. Walking and tobogganing routes were created, old shepherd's huts were turned into shelters, new ones were also built, several guesthouses were launched. Karpacz had a telegraph connection and a post office. Many people found employment as mountain guides and litter porters. The most intensive development of tourism took place at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries., when the railway line from Jelenia Góra was brought in. Even before World War I, Karpacz used to come to Karpacz every year 20 thousand people. The interwar period brought further development of the village, which has become a popular winter sports station.

From the end of World War II in the People's Republic of Poland, Karpacz was granted the status of a health resort, city ​​law (1959 r.) and it is still the favorite vacation spot of our countrymen, who flock here in summer and winter.