Unspoilt Natural habitats supporting Wildlife of all types
We are located in the foothils surrounding the Karkonosze range of mountains. This gives excellent access to both the foothills themselves the lower forest zone (up to 1000m) and for those who wish to venture further the upper zones including the alpine zone.
The northern part of the Karkonosze, the highest part of the Sudeten massif, is under protection as the Karkonoski National Park, with an area of 5,579 ha. It was set up on January 16, 1959 to protect the unique environment, including interesting geomorphological forms and rich fauna and flora. The Park protects many rare species facing extinction, among them endemic and relic species. There are 30 animal, 18 vascular plant, 14 moss and 27 lichen species included in the Polish Red Book.
It is impossible to cover the wealth of species and there different appeals within this Website and therefore we have listed just a few examples to help wet your appetite.
The Finest Selection
Capercaille (Tetrao Urogallus) - A beautiful huge woodland grouse, the large black males are unmistakable. They spend a lot of time feeding on the ground, but may also be found in trees, feeding on shoots. localised breeding species, found in native pinewood, a rare and vulnerable habitat. Thecapercaillie population has declined so rapidly that it is at very real risk of extinction (for the second time) and is a 'Red List' species.
Mouflon - The mouflon is a mammal belonging to the bovid family, and is presumably one of the ancestors of the domestic sheep and the only wild sheep species native to Europe. Once endemic to Corsica and Sardinia, today it occurs all across Europe as chase game. Mouflons were introduced in the Sudetans in 1902. They live in small herds, chiefly in mountain forests, feeding on grass, herbs, leaves, tree bark and fruit. They're not very big, with a height of up to 75 cm at the shoulder and a weight of about 45 kg. Males have distinctive, large, curved horns that may be even 70-80 cm long. When frightened, a mouflon can run at a speed of 50-60 km/h.
Wild Boar - This area is well populated with Wild Boar which thrive in the acres and acres of unspoilt forest. The boars are extremely difficult to spot in the daytime choosing to stay in the deeper cover of the forests.They do however become much braver during night time and wander close to the smaller villages.We run regular Boar watches during the night with the aid of a qualified forest ranger.
Swallowtail - Although extremely rare within the UK this beautiful butterfly can often be spotted on a bright summers day flittering across the lower meadows. I was amazed to even spot a couple in my back garden during last summer.
Organised accompanied forest guide
To help you get the best possible chance of viewing the wildlife you want we recommend the service of one of our experienced local guides. We are very pleased and proud that Fireside Holidays have secured a local forester and hunter to act as our senior guide. With over 20 years experience working in the forests of this area he is higly equipped to either point you in the right direction or accompany you in finding the wildlife you particularly seek. There is even the potential to take a night time escorted trip on a "mock hunt" of wild stags and Boar visiting pre-bated areas.