Jelenia Góra County

Karkonosze County, established in 1999 and previously known as Jelenia Góra County, is located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, with its seat in Jelenia Góra. The county is dominated by tourist attractions related to the Karkonosze Mountains, which draw visitors with their beautiful mountain landscapes, numerous trails, and unique rock formations, making the region a popular destination for hiking and winter sports. In July 2007, the county established a partnership with Bamberg County, highlighting its commitment to international integration. The county includes the towns of Karpacz, Kowary, Piechowice, and Szklarska Poręba, as well as rural municipalities such as Janowice Wielkie and Jeżów Sudecki. Before January 1, 1999, all municipalities in the county belonged to the Jelenia Góra Voivodeship. Karkonosze County borders the counties of Jawor, Kamienna Góra, Lwówek Śląski, and Złotoryja, as well as the Czech regions of Liberec and Hradec Králové. The region's economy, despite past developments, faces challenges, as the unemployment rate in 2019 was 8.1%. In 2012, local government officials from Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba initiated the idea of changing the county's name to Karkonosze, justified by the need for regional identification and promotion. The Council of Ministers approved this change, which took effect on January 1, 2021. Over the years, the county has been managed by three starosts, with the current position held by Krzysztof Wiśniewski. According to 2019 data, the county's population was 63,591, indicating demographic stability. Karkonosze County is an attractive destination not only due to its picturesque views but also because of its rich history, socio-cultural development, and numerous initiatives promoting both tourism and collaborative projects among local municipalities.