Kaczawskie Foothills

The Kaczawskie Foothills is a picturesque geographical region divided into several microregions, such as the Bóbr Valley, the Bolesławiec Foothills, and the Zbylutów Trough. The hills in this area, including the highest peak, Ostrzyca (501 meters above sea level), are primarily composed of Tertiary basalts. The region features diverse terrain, with the Kaczawa Valley separating its western and eastern parts. The eastern part, known as the Złotoryja Foothills, is characterized by the highest elevations. The Kaczawskie Foothills are rich in protected areas, such as the Chełmy Landscape Park and numerous nature reserves, which attest to the region's high natural value. Tourism in the Kaczawskie Foothills is developing thanks to a dense network of hiking trails, although accommodation infrastructure is not as developed as in other areas. Important towns include Złotoryja, Lwówek Śląski, and Wleń. Geologically, the Kaczawskie Foothills consist of two units: the Kaczawa Metamorphic Complex and the North Sudetic Basin, resulting in a diversity of rocks, ranging from metamorphic to sedimentary. Forests, meadows, and cultivated fields cover a significant part of the region, and the flora is abundant with orchid species, including rare ones. The Kaczawskie Foothills lie within the Oder River basin, with major rivers such as the Bóbr and Kaczawa. The region is not only a tourist attraction but also an area of high natural and cultural value, making it an interesting place to explore.