Szwajcaria Lwówecka (Lwówek Switzerland)

Szwajcaria Lwówecka (Lwówek Switzerland) is a cluster of sandstone rock formations south-east of the centre of Lwówek Śląski, at an elevation of 250-260 metres above sea level. The area lies within the Bóbr Valley Landscape Park and is also sometimes called the Lwówek Rocks.

How the rocks formed

The rock formations, with crevices and cliffs up to 30 metres high, were shaped by intensive frost weathering of red Triassic sandstones and grey Cretaceous sandstones. The effect resembles the formations known from the Table Mountains.

The highest such formation outside the Table Mountains

Szwajcaria Lwówecka is the highest natural sandstone rock formation in the Sudetes outside the Table Mountains. Because of the geological, geomorphological and floristic value of the rocks, there are plans to establish a nature reserve here.

Origin of the name

The name refers to similar rocks in Saxon Switzerland in Germany. According to another version, the name was given by tourists visiting the area before the Second World War, who compared the Lwówek rocks to the Swiss massifs.

Lwówek stone in Berlin

Sandstone quarried near Lwówek Śląski was used, among other things, in the construction of the Reichstag building and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Practical information

• Location: south-east of the centre of Lwówek Śląski, within the Bóbr Valley Landscape Park.
• Access: on foot from the town centre, close to the Market Square in Lwówek Śląski.
• In the same area also stands the Town Hall in Lwówek Śląski.
• What to expect: a rocky labyrinth of formations and cliffs, an area without developed tourist infrastructure; it is worth checking the exact trail markings before setting out.
• On the way it is also worth stopping at the Museum of Lower Silesian Brewing.