There are many ways to explore Świeradów-Zdrój. You can stroll around the spa town, hit the mountain trail, or take a gondola ride up Stóg Izerski. However, there's another way that families with children may particularly enjoy: city games in Świeradów-Zdrój and Czerniawa-Zdrój.
Instead of a regular walk, you'll solve puzzles, search for hidden details, read QR codes, and discover the history of places you could easily miss without paying attention. This is a great idea for a quieter afternoon or to add variety to a family trip to the Jizera Mountains. Currently, you can choose from four different outdoor games, each offering a slightly different perspective on the area. The games are available in Polish.
1. Salamander Spa Adventures - a family trip around Czerniawa-Zdrój
If you're looking for a game that will also appeal to younger explorers, it's worth starting with Salamander Spa Adventures. The route leads through the spa towns of Czerniawa-Zdrój, but ordinary sightseeing becomes a game. At each stop, participants meet salamanders with different interests, read prepared rhymes, and solve puzzles.
To participate, you'll need a game card with a map and something to write with. You can obtain a card at the Culture Center at 1 Dworcowa Street in Świeradów-Zdrój. This is especially worth considering if you're wondering what to do with children in Świeradów-Zdrój and the surrounding area and want to spend some time outdoors.
2. Świeradów-Zdrój Told in Details - Take a Closer Look at the City
How often during a tour do we look at an entire building, ignoring its smallest details? The game "Świeradów-Zdrój Told in Details" reverses this perspective. This time, it's the architectural details that become the most important.
Participants receive a map marked with points leading to eight hidden details throughout the city. After finding each one, they must scan the QR code, check if the selected element is correct, write down the letter needed to solve the final clue, and take a photo of the object.
After finding all the points, they can return to the Culture Station, show the photos, and provide the solution. The game requires the following:
- a phone with a camera and the ability to read QR codes,
- a map of the route, which can be picked up at the Culture Station or downloaded online,
- a bit of observation skills.
This is a good excuse to slow down during a walk and notice architectural features of Świeradów-Zdrój that you might pass by completely unawares during a traditional tour.
3. Gersdorf's Machine - A Time Journey Through Czerniawa-Zdrój
The next challenge takes the game back to Czerniawa-Zdrój, but this time, its main theme is history. "Czerniawa-Zdrój Told in Details - Gersdorf's Vehicle" guides participants through eight architectural structures. Each subsequent stop reveals a fragment of the story of the former spa town.
The mechanics are similar to the game "Świeradów-Zdrój Told in Details." Follow the map, locate the indicated buildings, scan QR codes, collect the letters that form the password, and photograph the subsequent objects.
The card can be picked up at the Culture Station at Dworcowa Street 1, found in the mailbox at the House under the Mandragora at Nadrzeczna Street 15, or downloaded online. After completing the route, you can return to the Culture Station with the solved password. This gives children a specific task, while adults can learn more about the history of Czerniawa-Zdrój.
4. Following the Jizera Mountains' Secrets - Become an Explorer of the Jizera Mountains
The most extensive option is "Following the Jizera Mountains' Secrets." The route features 22 pictogram points, leading through Świeradów-Zdrój and its surroundings. Participants must find at least 15 of them and trace the symbols. The points include both locations in the spa town center and attractions located further afield, such as the gondola lift, Stóg Izerski, the Spa House, the Spa Park, and the Kwisa River Waterfall.
One change is worth noting compared to previous editions. The previous "Explorer's Packages" have been sold out, so you must now bring your own notebook or paper and a pencil or crayons. A map and rules are available at the Culture Station.
After collecting the required number of pictograms, you can return to the Culture Station and earn an Explorer's Certificate. Importantly, this isn't just for children. The route itself was created with the idea of learning about the history of the spa, its architecture, important events, and figures associated with the city in mind.
Why choose a city game for a family trip?
Sightseeing with children isn't always easy. What might seem like an interesting monument to an adult can, after a few minutes, become just another building for a toddler. City games turn a walk into a task. There's something to find, scan, trace, solve, or photograph. This makes exploring Świeradów-Zdrój with children more engaging, while the whole family can spend time actively.
Each of the four options also has a slightly different feel. Salamander Spa Adventures focuses on puzzles and fun, the "Told in Details" games develop observation skills and allow for architectural exploration, while "In the Footsteps of the Jizera Secrets" can turn into a larger expedition around the area.
Where to start a city game in Świeradów-Zdrój?
The best starting point is the Culture Station at 1 Dworcowa Street. This is where you'll find the materials needed for each game, and after completing selected routes, you can return with a solved puzzle or completed tasks. Before starting the game, it's worth checking the latest information about your chosen game, especially if you want to collect materials or a reward at the Culture Station.
City Games - Another Idea for a Children's Attraction in Świeradów-Zdrój
The Jizera Mountains are primarily associated with trails, bikes, and beautiful views, but a family trip doesn't have to be limited to classic mountain hikes. If you're staying at Forest Park Resort & SPA, you can consider a city game as part of your day's activities. After exploring Świeradów-Zdrój, you can return to the Resort and swap your city walk for water attractions in the Aquapark, relaxation in the Wellness area, or other attractions prepared for children.
Perhaps you'll be able to complete more than one game during a single stay? One thing is certain - after such a walk, Świeradów-Zdrój may no longer look like an ordinary spa town, but like one big board full of puzzles, stories and places waiting to be discovered.
Author of the post
Julia Pągowska
Marketing and Social Media Specialist
Responsible for the communication and content marketing of Forest Park Resort & SPA. She creates social media content, records video materials, takes photos, and designs graphics and promotional materials for the hotel. She also prepares blog content related to relaxation, travel, and regional attractions.
In her materials, she focuses above all on the guest experience, showing places not only aesthetically but also practically, authentically, and from the perspective of people planning their stay. Privately, she is a lover of mountains, travel, dog walks, and places she wants to return to more than once.
