LOCATION, CLIMATE, CURATIVE FACTORS Karpacz (about 7.000 inhabitants) is located at the bottom of Mount Sniezka, the highest peak of the Karkonosze mountains (1.600m) and of the Sudetes. The region which for the most part consists of granite rock is known for its rough and unsettled climate. Being popular for its hiking trails it was an inspiration for the German romantics, among them the painter Caspar David Friedrich. In many places people still speak German. On the peak of Mount Sniezka there is a futuristic looking building with a restaurant and a weather station as well as the Laurentius chapel which was built at the end of the 17th century. There are several slopes for downhill skiing, some of them having snow guns. A bobsleigh run of 1000m length operates also during the summer. With its 130 kilometres of sign posted trails the region provides great opportunities for hiking. The most beautiful trails lead through the National Park which protects large parts of the Karkonosze mountains already since 1959. The visit of Karpacz is worthwhile at every time of the year. There is a well developed tourism infrastructure.