Chałupki

Chałupki, formerly known as Annaberg, is a village in the Silesian Voivodeship, situated on the Oder River near the border with the Czech Republic. The history of the settlement dates back to the 14th century when it was part of a ducal estate. The expansion of the settlement was linked to its strategic location on the Amber Route. In the 17th century, the local castle came into the hands of the Henckel von Donnersmarck family and later the Rothschilds. The village underwent significant architectural transformations in the 17th and 19th centuries, adopting a Baroque style. Chałupki became an important point on the region's communication map with the development of the railway network in the 19th century, which contributed to its growth as a transport hub. After World War II, demographic changes occurred when most of the German-origin residents left the village, replaced by incoming settlers. Chałupki, currently inhabited by around 1,700 people, has a well-developed transport infrastructure, including National Road 78 and a railway station. The village also features a historic monument—a 17th-century palace that now serves as a restaurant and hotel. Chałupki lies within the NATURA 2000 protected area, and the international EuroVelo 4 cycling route passes through the village, making it attractive to tourists. Additionally, in 2017, an observation tower was built, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Chałupki also preserves buildings from the interwar period, reflecting its historical heritage.