Karkonosze
is
a marvelous area, unique in terms of nature, characterized by
outstanding geological values. Therefore, the Karkonosze National
Park and its surroundings have been certified "National Geopark"
by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Such certificates have so far been awarded to only two locations in Poland, which are interesting in terms of geology: Muskau Bend and St. Anne's Mountain. Objects of particular importance for geology were previously enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This included e.g. Awers Rock in Australia, the Giant Causeway in Northern Ireland, or the Grand Canyon in the USA.
However, for the last couple of years, the European Geoparks Network is being formed. The establishment of the National Geopark in Karkonosze is a signal to all fanciers of peculiar forms of lithosphere, but also for tourists seeking natural curios, that they would find something of much interest in the Karkonosze National Park. In line with other European Geoparks, ours can also prove to be a wonderful destination for geotourists' trips.
Karkonosze
are very old mountains. Various
geological processes have been shaping them for over a billion years.
The Karkonosze National Park is known for its natural diversity,
though the geological and geomorphological values of Karkonosze are
often overlooked. Inanimate nature found here offers many unique
places of interest, which will make the geological history of
Karkonosze speak for itself.
And it has many great tales to tell. Discovering them, we would find ourselves in the world of glaciers, take a peek into boiling-hot magma chamber, experience the sweltering heat of the tropical climate, and - perhaps - get cold a bit, while visiting the arctic tundra... (read more on KPN pages). These peculiarities are not only found in the Park itself, but also in its surroundings, so far rarely visited by the tourists.
Receiving
the status of a National Geopark highlights the natural
values of KPN and its surroundings, in special reference to its
abiotic elements. The abiotic environment includes: geological
surface, terrain relief, and old as well as modern morphogenetic
processes, climate conditions, waters and soils.
These factor the development of organic world. They also decide on the value of landscape. It is worthwhile to visit the Karkonosze National Park, in order to observe the region's natural wealth with one's own eyes.
Granting
the Karkonosze National Park and its surroundings the status of
National Geopark can
give way to future including our area in the World Geoparks Network,
set up by the UNESCO.
Author: Anita Kaczmarska
Read more on the Karkonosze National Park pages.
