Jelenia Góra
Jelenia Góra ([jɛˈlɛɲa ˈɡura] ⓘ; German: Hirschberg; lit. 'deer mountain') is a historic city in southwestern Poland, within the historical region of Lower Silesia. Jelenia Góra is situated in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, close to the Karkonosze mountain range running along the Polish-Czech border – ski resorts such as Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba are situated 10 to 15 kilometres (6 to 9 miles) from the city. Jelenia Góra constitutes a separate urban gmina as well as being the seat of surrounding Karkonosze County (formerly Jelenia Góra County). In 2021 the population of Jelenia Góra was 77,366. The area, including the oldest spa district of Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój, is one of the most valued recreational and leisure spots in Poland.
Jelenia Góra | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
Jelenia Góra Jelenia Góra | |
| Coordinates: 50°54′12″N 15°44′4″E | |
| Country | Poland |
| Voivodeship | Lower Silesian |
| Established | 10th century |
| City rights | 1288 |
| Government | |
| • City mayor | Jerzy Łużniak |
| Area | |
| • Total | 109.2 km2 (42.2 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 352.74 m (1,157.28 ft) |
| Population (31 December 2021) | |
| • Total | 77,366 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 58–500 to 58–588 |
| Area code | +48 075 |
| Car plates | DJ |
| Website | http://www.jeleniagora.pl/ |
The city's history dates back to as early as the 10th century, but the settlement was granted town rights under Polish rule in 1288. Jelenia Góra was founded on important trade routes linking the Holy Roman Empire and Bohemia with Eastern Europe. The region flourished as a result of trade privileges that became the basis for the establishment of weaving and mining industries during the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance periods. Jelenia Góra witnessed many historical conflicts such as the Thirty Years' War and the decisive Silesian Wars. During World War II, the city was miraculously saved from destruction.
The central suburb of Jelenia Góra possesses many historical and architectural structures of great significance, including the 17th-century town hall, baroque churches and a restored central marketplace as well as parks and gardens. The nearby Karkonosze National Park, visited by over 1.5 million tourists annually, has its headquarters in the southwestern neighbourhood of Sobieszów.