GIGANTEI — Karkonosze Mountain Spirit Park

A three-metre ant, a five-metre caterpillar and a butterfly that died out in the Sudetes in the 19th century — at GIGANTEI in Piechowice, insects have grown to giant size. This family theme park combines the legend of the Mountain Spirit with a lesson in the nature and geography of the Karkonosze, and its grounds offer a panorama of the whole range. It suits families who want to mix fun with getting to know the mountains.

Olo the mad chemist

The park has its own storyline. Once upon a time a mad chemist named Olo, a descendant of Karkonosze herbalists, lived in the mountains and invented a formula for enlarging living organisms. When evil people learned of it and sent agents to steal the recipe and rule the world, Olo destroyed his notes and hid in an unknown place. Following this story, visitors wander through the park, meeting the Karkonosze rangers and the giant insects they have captured.

The Karkonosze in miniature

The park's route recreates the Karkonosze trails from the eastern part — Okraj Pass, Skalny Stół and Sowia Pass — to the western end at the Kamieńczyk Waterfall. Children conquer one "mountain" after another like real explorers, learning about species typical of the region along the way. Among the giants is the Apollo butterfly, which became extinct in the Sudetes in the 19th century; in 2007 the Karkonosze National Park began reintroducing it. The whole route runs through a garden in a mountain setting.

What to look out for

• The three-metre ant — one of the most striking models.
• The five-metre caterpillar of the mullein moth.
• The giant Apollo butterfly and the story of its return to the Karkonosze.
• The Karkonosze panorama from the park grounds.

Tripto tips

The park is on Siewna Street in Piechowice (Pakoszów district) — according to the operators, about 5 minutes by car from Szklarska Poręba, 10 minutes from Jelenia Góra and 15 minutes from Karpacz. It is seasonal: in October 2026 it was open at weekends from 10:00 to 16:00, and in the summer holidays usually every day; organised groups can visit on any day by prior booking. Tickets are sold at the park's ticket office, and it is worth checking current hours on gigantei.pl before you go. Allow 1–2 hours for an unhurried walk round with children.