Via Sacra

Via Sacra means Sacred Road. It was the main street of ancient Rome connecting Velia Hill with Capitoline Hill. In Karpacz it is a cultural tourist trail which links all sacral structures in the town. 

The trip starts from the Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (kościół pw. Najświętszego Serca Pana Jezusa) at Konstytucji 3 Maja Street, slightly beneath Bachus Restaurant. The temple was originally built by the followers of Evangelical-Augsburg Church. It was consecrated on 13 September 1908 r. by a General Superintendent (a leader of the Church in a given country) D. Haupt. The Roman Catholic Church became an owner of the church after the Second World War. At present it is an assisting church of the Roman-Catholic Parish of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Karpacz. Visit the inside of the church to see the picture of Saint Anthony with the Giant Mountains and Karpacz painted in the background and  the pulpit from Cieplice, sculpted at the woodcarving school and decorated with relief showing scenes from the Gospel. Coffers decorating the ceiling with floral motifs will draw your attention.

From the churchyard walk up  Konstytucji 3 Maja street, turn left at the roundabout into Obrońców Pokoju Street. In 100 metres turn right into a steep Kopernik Street. It leads to one of the most fascinating structures of Karpacz, the Museum of Sports and Tourism. You should start sightseeing Karpacz from this place to learn more about the town and be informed when visiting other attractions. There is an interactive playground where children can recharge their batteries before the further continuing the trip.

The trail takes you further towards the promenade passing Bachus Restaurant mentioned above. A  little bit higher there is the second sacral building of Karpacz – the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was built in 1910. The characteristic shape of the church with an onion dome of the tower refer to the Tyrolean baroque architecture which used to develop in this area. Inside the church there is a late baroque altar with the painting of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and two side figures of St. Peter and St. Anthony, and an interesting polychrome on the wooden ceiling which date back to the date of construction.  

During restoration of the church tower in 2007,  three handwritten parchment documents bearing dated October 28, 1909, were found in the sphere crowning the tower. The documents describe efforts to build the church, its construction and give names of people involved in this undertaking. The documents were put in the sphere again together with contemporary materials including the description of parish and Karpacz and town map.  

Go through the promenade toward the upper part of the town. The last point of the trail is situated in Upper Karpacz (Karpacz Górny) and it is the highest elevated place in the town so be prepared for a long walk. Walk along the promenade until you reach the park next to Mieszko Guest House. Sit here for a while and take a rest. Mysteries of the Giant Mountains (Karkonoskie Tajemnice) that is an interactive kingdom of the Mountain Ghost is next to the park.  The basement of this modest building conceals vast interiors arranged by the world-famous artists. Owing to the achievements of contemporary technology you will have an opportunity to experience magic and power which lie in the Giant Mountains with all your senses. You will hear legends and stories stemming from the area of the Giant Mountains. A huge sculpture standing in front of the museum shows one of the oldest images of the Mountain Ghost. 

Then, the trail proceeds along Mickiewicza Street. You reach Konstytucja 3 Maja Street and follow the track upwards. A small park continues along the road on your right side.  You can see there animal metal sculptures presenting animal species which  inhabited or still live in  the Giant Mountains. Wooden richly decorated gates are also very interesting. Take a path through the park and got to the Dam on Łomnica River (Zapora na Łomnicy). Its crest is 150 metres long. The Dam formed a small dam reservoir and water excess cascades down creating a picturesque view. It is a spot for a short rest. Karpatka Hill situated next to the Dam should not be forgotten. Another walking trail, which you may include in your hiking plan for next days, goes there.  The Via Sacra trail does not cross the crest of the Dam but if you wish you may walk the lake around and on the side, just behind the bridge you will emerge to our trail again. 

The route runs toward the roundabout White Ravine (Biały Jar), a main hiking node in Karpacz. Follow the trail upwards through steep Linowa and Pusta Streets. Karkonoska Street is the main traffic axis of Upper Karpacz (Karpacz Górny) but you move along side street.  When leaving Pusta Street and entering Karkonoska, you need to go down to get to Sucha Street which takes us to Saneczkowa Street. There is a square with benches and a playground especially appreciated by younger hikers.

After a short break follow the trail upwards. Wang Church is short distance away.  Go back to Karkonoska Street and go up along the sidewalk until your reach the street to Śnieżka paved with cobblestones. Turn into this road. It is a transport road leading to the peak of the highest mountain of the Sudetes. It also the most popular in Karpacz blue tourist trail.  We are not going that far today.  In 500 metres you come to the most precious sacral monument in Karpacz, Wang Church. It is a unique monument of Scandinavian sacral building and dates back to 12th century. You can find more information in the descriptions of tourist attractions.   

You have reached the end of the trail. You can come back to the centre of Karpacz taking the same way or by bus. The bust stop is at Karkonoska Street above the turn to Church Wang.