High in the Jizera Mountains, there is the ORLE Tourist Shelter, a remnant of the old glass smelting settlement.
It is here that the Carlsthal glassworks - one of the most famous in this part of Europe, founded by the Preussler family in 1754 - had operated. The only historic building remaining from the heyday of the settlement currently holds the hostel's buffet and the fireplace room. The building of hewn stone (today's Orle tourist base, - the so-called "Forester's Hut"), was built around 1860 years probably as an administration site of the smelter.
For 10 years now, the Jizera Mountains Association has been operating here, gathering lovers of these gentle yet exciting mountains. Their mission is to promote the idea of ecology and "...to popularize historical knowledge on the Jizera Mountains region, particularly including the tradition of glassmaking in compliance with the local background and history..."
The Association organizes many interesting meetings and events. E.g. the Jizera Retro Race. The participants of this event have a great time, crossing the picturesque landscapes on the trails of the Jizera, on aged cross-country skis and in stylish costumes.
An incredible attraction for tourists and lovers of the night starry sky is being created in the Orle Tourist Station. As part of the Jizera Dark-Sky Park, an "Astro-trail" is being built - a model of the solar system.
The Orle is also the place of the only in Poland - and one of the few in the world - exhibition of glass paperweights and millefiori glass pieces. It can be admired in the Glass Works - a historical building of the former Carlsthal glassworks grindery, renovated a year ago. You can see hundreds of exhibits there, mostly paperweights made with laminated glass technique, filigree glass technique and the noblest of glass techniques - millefiori.
The Orle Tourist Station will give you the peace of a mountain village coupled with respect for its history. You will learn more about the Universe, while communing with nature, where some specimens are found almost exclusively in the Jizera. More...
Tekst by Anita Kaczmarska
How to get to Orle: from the base of the "Piast Race" in Jakuszyce - asphalt road, about 5 miles to the shelter. A little shorter route leads through the red touristic trail leading from Jakuszycka Glade, through the "Airplane" lookout point, straight to the hostel.
Orle Tourist Station website
