NIEMOJÓW

Niemojów (German: Marienthall) is located in the Bystrzyckie Mountains in the valley of the Wild Orlica River, right next to the Czech border. Surrounded mainly by meadows and pastures, it is an ideal place to escape the city and relax amidst lush, wild nature. Instead of city lights, you’ll find a clear, starry sky here and the murmur of the Wild Orlica. On top of that birdsongs drown out the rarely heard sound of cars. Its location makes it a perfect base for trips to both the Czech Republic and attractions on the Polish side. The Śródsudecka Road, a green hiking trail, and the Liczyrzepa Euroregional Cycling Route all pass through here.

The village was founded in 1570 by imperial forest manager Leonhardt von Veldhammer. Shortly thereafter, a Renaissance manor of the village head (German: Freirichterei) was built—its ruins still remain and are an integral part of the village’s history. During the rule of the Austrian aristocratic Althann family, Niemojów was one of the largest and most active villages in the Bystrzyckie Mountains with a manor farm, watermill, and bleaching facility. In 1840, Princess Marianne of Orange became the new owner and the village had 112 households. The 19th century marked a significant period of tourism development in Niemojów. In 1909, the Kłodzko Ski Association was established and many ski slopes, cross-country trails, and tourist paths were created in the area. The village, then known as Sommerfrische Marienthal, had over 400 inhabitants.

Until 1939 there was a border crossing to Czechoslovakia, which greatly contributed to the area’s rising popularity with tourists. After World War II Niemojówwas repopulated by repatriates and gradually began to depopulate.

Today, Niemojów has fewer than 30 residents. The village still retains a filial church dedicated to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 1597 with a stone portal, ruins of the Renaissance village head’s manor, and a watermill. Additionally, there are many ruins of old farms, each hiding the stories and secrets of former residents.