Dzierżoniów is situated in Lower Silesia about 50 km southwest of Wroclaw. Its traditions date back to the Middle Ages. It has had a turbulent history. Silesia was annexed by Prussia in 1740. From 1871 it was part of a united Germany as the German town of Reichenbach until 1945 when it was transferred from Germany to Poland. Many of its German inhabitants had fled before the war's end, while most of those who had stayed were expelled. The void was filled by Poles moving in, especially from the eastern part of the country annexed by the Soviet Union. Source: Wikipedia.
Dzierżoniw is a compact industrial and agricultural county interwoven by numerous hills and bounded to the south by a mountain range. 106,000 people live in the town of Dzierżoniów, several satellite towns and in the countryside. Producing textiles was the major industrial activity in the 19th century but only one large textile company now remains. In the last 15 years German, Danish, French and American investment has brought new companies into being and the county now has a strong and diverse industrial base. However it is still actively seeking new partners.
Tourism is being strongly promoted. The region has numerous attractions. The hills, mountains and nearby natural and man-made lakes are tailor made for activity holidays. Winter brings skiing opportunities. For a more leisurely visit the towns have a rich historical heritage to explore. There are fine palaces and churches, a luxurious hydrotherapy spa and a famous arboretum-botanical garden - at its best in May when the rhododendrums are in bloom.
