Ruszów: History, Memorial Sites and Jagodowe Lato

Ruszów’s Early Settlement History

The earliest references to the settlement of Rauscha (Ruszów) date from 1438. The settlement initially belonged to the von Penzig family of Pieńsk; it was later acquired by the city council of Zgorzelec. Until 1708, it had a glassworks, a brewery, a distillery and a manor farm. The succession of owners shows who the settlement belonged to; the four establishments draw attention to economic activities of the past. The glassworks, brewery and distillery represent different forms of production, while the manor farm adds another historical enterprise to the list.

The Broad Stone and Memorial Plaques

The Broad Stone commemorates Prince Wilhelm II’s successful capercaillie hunt. Its inscription states that he shot his first capercaillie there on 23 April 1879. The exact date and specific event give the memorial a clearly defined historical context. Memorial plaques were erected by the ruins of the church in the cemetery in Ruszów. This brings two distinct historical themes into focus: a hunt commemorated in connection with a specific person, and the erection of memorial plaques beside church ruins. Historical interest can thus turn to the development of the settlement or focus on a single memorial.

Jagodowe Lato: Date and Festival Offerings

Jagodowe Lato is a recurring open-air festival in Ruszów. The 2024 edition took place in Ruszów town park; 12 July was announced as the date for the 2025 edition. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the date of the relevant edition.

Jagodowe Lato offerings included homemade blueberry pierogi, fries made from locally grown potatoes, cakes, grilled pork neck and sausages, vegetable salads, bread, and fresh blueberry jams from Edyta and Gosia. Blueberries feature in two different items: they are used in the pierogi and served as jam; grilled dishes and sausages provide a savory contrast. The festival’s specific offerings therefore range from sweet or fruity to savory dishes.

Local History or a Festival Visit?

These differences matter when planning a trip: Jagodowe Lato can provide an occasion tied to a specific edition date, while the settlement’s history offers a different focus through its succession of owners, former businesses and memorial sites. If you are planning with several people, first agree on whether your travel dates should depend on a particular festival edition or whether historical connections should be the deciding factor. Historical interest can focus on the development of the settlement or on a single memorial. You can then align your search for a holiday apartment in Ruszów with the travel dates you have chosen together.

Discover More Destinations

Bogatynia, Jędrzychowice, Bierna, Dłużyna Dolna, Sławnikowice, Trójca, Zgorzelec, Pieńsk

For the main travel overview: Zgorzelecki.