# Kłodzko

Kłodzko is a city of 27,000 in 2019 in Lower Silesia, in Poland. For its historical monuments it is sometimes referred to as "Little Prague". It was established as a settlement in the 10th century, and is one of the oldest towns in Poland, having been granted city rights in 1233. Culturally and traditionally a part of Bohemia, administratively it has been a part of Silesia since 1763.

## Understand
### History

Settlements in Kłodzko area existed back in the days of Amber Road. From 9th to 11th century Kłodzko was contested between Czech, Polish and independent local rulers, finally becoming part of Bohemia in 1114. Since then town developed dynamically, being granted city rights in 12th century and successfully repelling Mongol invasion. City prospered until Hussite wars began in 15th century. Religious conflict, natural disasters and Habsburg rule brought a lot of upheaval in the region leaving it depopulated and improverished. During Thirty-Year War city swayed to Protestant side which resulted in destruction of castle after capture by catholic Austrians in 1622.
In 17th century realizing its strategic location, Austrians squashed local self-rule and turned city into a military garrison town with new fortress on the ruins of the castle. After just over 100 years in 1742 Prussians received Kłodzko (Glatz) in a peace treaty and continued to expand its defenses for another 100 years creating one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Despite these investments, fortress fell twice: in 1760 to the Austrians and in 1807 to the French. Due to this military focus city growth was stunted and it only restarted after 1877 when German authorities allowed civilian development. In late 19th century Kłodzko Land received a lot of interest from tourists with many spa towns catering to them.

## Get in
### By train

If travelling by train, the 50.4361716.6582021 Kłodzko Miasto Train Station is the most convenient train station in Kłodzko. It is close to the centre. The station building is on plac Jedności. There are direct connections to Kłodzko from a few cities in Lower Silesia:
* From Wrocław the train brings you to Kłodzko in approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, with a ticket that costs about 20 zł.
* From Wałbrzych in 1 hour 25 minutes for 13.50 zł.
* From Ząbkowice Śląskie in a bit more than one hour for 10 zł.
* From Bystrzyca Kłodzka in 15-20 minutes for 6.50 zł.
You can check the schedule on the website of PKP.

### By car

City is easily accessible by quite crowded road from Wrocław in the north, and Prague in the west. If you plan to stay longer it is good to ask your hotel for parking spots as these are often paid and may be hard to come by in Kłodzko.

## Get around
### By foot

Most important sights are located in close distance to each other and are easily manageable by foot.

### By bus

There is local bus service served by A-Vista. You can view timetables on their website. Ticket costs 4.50 zł (1 zł baggage) per ride and is bought from driver or online by mPay app.

## See

* 50.44053416.6525081NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Kłodzko Fortress (Twierdza Kłodzko), Grodzisko 1, ☏ +48 74 867 34 68. 09:00-19:00 Apr-Sep, 09:00-17:00 Oct, 09:00-16:00 Nov-Mar (last full entry 2.5 hour before close). Austro-Prussian fortress overlooking the city with multiple layered bastions, one of the largest in Silesia. Miner tunnels, army barracks and a view point at the top. Ordering a gun salute from 18th century cannon replica is possible for 100 zł. 38 zł (30 zł reduced). (updated Feb 2025)
* 50.43833316.6527782NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Underground tunnels (Podziemna Trasa Turystyczna) (entrance at ul. Czeska, exit ul. Zawiszy Czarnego), trasa@podziemia.klodzko.pl. Tunnels were built by citizens through centuries for shelter and storage. Now 700 metre long route is open for tourists to visit. 21 zł (17 zł reduced). (updated Feb 2025)
* 50.437516.6527783NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Church of Assumption, pl. Kościelny 9. Gothic church built 14th century and expanded since with rich Baroque interiors (updated Feb 2025)
* 50.43804216.6554564NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Gothic Bridge. Gothic bridge with Baroque statues over Młynówka river, comparable (though much smaller) to Charles Bridge in Prague.
* 50.43861116.6541675NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Town Hall with Renaissance Tower (Main square).
* 50.43811416.6513156NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Kłodzko Land Museum, ul. Łukasiewicza 4, ☏ +48 74 867 35 70. Closed M. 8/6 zł.

## Do

* 50.43725916.6459611 Swim, ul. Jana Pawła II 4, ☏ +48 74 866 53 04. M-Sa 06:15—22:00, Su 07:00—21:00. Indoor swimming pool with water slide and sauna close to the centre. 9-12 zł for one hour depending on time of the day. The mornings are the cheapest.
* 50.441416.65292 Battle for Fortress (Bitwa o Twierdzę), Grodzisko 1 (in and near the fortress). early August. Staged battle event based on Kłodzko fortress siege from 1807 when Napoleonic forces fought against Prussian garrison. Entrance along with ticket to the fortress. The event usually lasts two days. Expect lots of gunpowder, brightly coloured uniforms, smoke and rumble. (updated Jan 2025)

## Buy

* 50.451716.63941 Galeria Twierdza, Noworudzka 2, ☏ +48 74 660 44 11. M-Sa 09:00-21:00, Su 10:00-20:00. The main modern mall of Kłodzko. (updated Jun 2017)

## Eat

* 50.43874816.6542391 W Ratuszu Restaurant, plac Bolesława Chrobrego 3, ☏ +48 74 865 81 45. Daily 10:00—21:00.

## Drink

* AK Pub, Ul. Armii Krajowej 2.

## Sleep

* 50.43718116.6573311 Casa d'Oro, Grottgera 7.
* 50.44059516.6474772 Hotel Korona, Noworudzka 1, ☏ +48 74 867 37 37.
* 50.43555416.653813 Hotel Marhaba, Daszyńskiego 16, ☏ +48 74 865 99 44.

## Go next

* Nowa Ruda
* Duszniki Zdrój
* Radków
* Kudowa-Zdrój
* Międzylesie
* Lądek-Zdrój
* Międzygórze