11. Tag: von Jelenia Gora nach Walbrzych

An addendum to yesterday: when preparing for the trip, the "Bober National Park" in front of Jelenia Gora, including its cycle path, was highly praised and the Komoot map also shows many highlights there. So it was just right for our route with our loaded 28" bikes - I thought. Unfortunately, I had not taken into account 7267 tree roots, narrow passages, abysses to the left to the water, climbs and descents. And you couldn't get away, you had to go through them. As a mechanical engineer, my sympathy goes out to the rims of the bike - and to the fellow travelers. But they thought it was great and were enthusiastic about nature. I think I'm getting old...

Today we first went through the beautiful landscape to Kresczow Monastery (Grüssau Monastery), a Cistercian monastery which was rebuilt in the most magnificent Baroque style in the 17th/18th century after a number of disasters. The church is huge and can be seen from a long way away. We arrived almost in time for the start of the holy mass.

After a refreshment (waffles with joint lubricant (cream) and fresh fruit) we continued through the eastern Giant Mountains to Walbrzych (Waldenburg), where we had a bite to eat and settled in. And after several attempts we also understood how to open Polish door locks using a code.

Silesia has been part of Poland under international law since 1992. It is understandable that many Poles who had been resettled there were worried about German claims until then or even longer. The Oder floods in 2002 (unforgettable: Gerhard Schröder in yellow rubber boots on the dyke; perhaps that would also be an idea for Olaf the Forgetful?) also contributed a lot to understanding thanks to joint actions on both sides of the border. Nevertheless, many railway buildings and bridges are still reminiscent of Germany or Prussia in terms of style.

Some farms and buildings look as if time has stood still or are falling into disrepair; in many places, modern and beautiful buildings and houses have been built. A lot of construction is going on in general. Even single-family homes. According to my count so far, there is already at least one with an air heat pump!