Explore Karkonosze National Park: Poland’s Mountain Wonderland

Located in southwestern Poland along the Czech border, Karkonosze National Park (Polish: Karkonoski Park Narodowy) is a majestic protected area in the Sudetes mountain range. With its dramatic peaks, misty forests, glacial lakes, and scenic trails, Karkonosze is a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is also part of the Krkonoše/Karkonosze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO.
 

Whether you're exploring the summit of Śnieżka, Poland’s highest peak outside the Tatras, or wandering through mossy valleys and thundering waterfalls, Karkonosze offers an unforgettable adventure in every season.

🗺️ Where Is Karkonosze National Park?

📍 Location: Lower Silesian Voivodeship, southwestern Poland

Nearest cities: Jelenia Góra, Szklarska Poręba, Karpacz

Borders the Czech Republic and connects with Krkonošský národní park

🚗 How to Get to Karkonosze National Park

🚆 By Train:

Take a train to Jelenia Góra, then a bus or taxi to Karpacz or Szklarska Poręba.

🚌 By Bus:

Direct buses from Wrocław, Kraków, or Katowice to Jelenia Góra, Karpacz, and Szklarska Poręba.

🚗 By Car:

From Wrocław: ~2.5 hours

From Prague (Czech Republic): ~3 hours

Several paid parking areas near major trailheads

🌿 Key Highlights of Karkonosze National Park

1. Śnieżka Mountain (1603 m)

The highest peak in the park and the entire Sudetes range

Famous for its lunar landscape and round meteorological observatory

Hike from Karpacz via the Śląska Droga (Polish–Czech Friendship Trail)

2. Wielki and Mały Staw Lakes

Glacial cirques nestled in the mountains

Easily accessed via trails from Samotnia and Strzecha Akademicka huts

Stunning reflections and peaceful settings

3. Kamieńczyk Waterfall (Wodospad Kamieńczyka)

Poland’s highest waterfall at 27 meters

Accessible from Szklarska Poręba

Featured in “The Chronicles of Narnia” movie

4. Szrenica Peak (1362 m)

Offers panoramic views and ski lifts

Reachable via chairlift from Szklarska Poręba

Nearby: Hala Szrenicka and Twarz Śląska rock formation

5. Śnieżne Kotły (Snowy Pits)

Glacial cirques with steep walls and rare alpine flora

Lookout points provide dramatic vistas

Accessible via red trail from Szklarska Poręba

🥾 Best Hiking Trails in Karkonosze National Park

📝 Tip: Trail markers are color-coded; red indicates main routes, while others mark difficulty and connectivity.

🏡 Where to Stay

🏔️ Mountain Huts (Schroniska)

Samotnia – Picturesque lakeside hut, ideal for hikers

Strzecha Akademicka – Near Śnieżka, with dorms and meals

Szrenica Hut – Near the summit of Szrenica

🏨 Hotels & Guesthouses

Karpacz – Best for Śnieżka hikes; family-friendly resorts and spas

Szklarska Poręba – Excellent for winter sports and scenic walks

Jelenia Góra – Historic town with more urban amenities

❄️ Visiting Karkonosze in Different Seasons

🌸 Spring (April–June)

Melting snow, blooming flowers

Peaceful trails, moderate weather

☀️ Summer (July–August)

Peak hiking season

Wildflowers, clear skies, crowded trails

🍂 Autumn (September–October)

Golden forests, cooler air

Fewer tourists, ideal for photography

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Skiing and snowshoeing

Fairy-tale scenery with frozen waterfalls

🎿 Winter Sports in Karkonosze

Ski Resorts: Szklarska Poręba & Karpacz

Cross-country skiing: Trails around Jakuszyce

Snowshoeing tours available with guides

Ice climbing near frozen waterfalls (advanced only)

🐾 Wildlife and Nature

Karkonosze is home to unique flora and fauna:

Chamois – Rare mountain goats often seen on rocky peaks

Mouflons – Wild sheep introduced to the region

Black storks, woodpeckers, and eagles

Alpine meadows, peat bogs, and spruce forests

🛡️ Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.

🧭 Nearby Attractions

Chojnik Castle – Ruins atop a volcanic hill near Jelenia Góra

Cieplice Spa – Poland’s oldest thermal spa town

Norwegian-style Wang Church – A wooden church relocated from Norway to Karpacz

Glassworks Museums in Szklarska Poręba – Learn about regional craftsmanship

Julia Crystal Factory – Watch artisans blow glass in Piechowice

🍽️ Where to Eat

Traditional Mountain Cuisine:

Pierogarnia Karkonoska (Karpacz) – Dumplings and hearty Polish meals

Restauracja U Petiego (Szklarska Poręba) – Regional dishes with mountain views

Chata Karkonoska – Grilled meats, stews, and mulled wine

Cozy Cafés:

Cukiernia Vanilla – Sweet treats and coffee

Tea Time – Herbal teas and mountain views

Sudecka Café – Cakes and Polish desserts

🛍️ Souvenirs from Karkonosze

Hand-blown glass from regional factories

Carved wooden ornaments

Local honey and herbal teas

Maps and hiking memorabilia

Wool and linen clothing from Lower Silesia

📸 Best Photo Spots

Summit of Śnieżka at sunrise

Reflections at Mały Staw Lake

Viewpoints near Śnieżne Kotły

Forest trails in autumn foliage

Kamieńczyk Waterfall in winter freeze

📅 Events and Cultural Experiences

Festival of Mountain Culture (Szklarska Poręba) – Music, films, hiking talks

Wang Church concerts – Classical and folk performances

Mountain Rescue Demonstrations – Learn how Poland’s mountain rangers work

Art in the Mountains – Galleries and open-air installations

🧳 Travel Tips

Dress in layers – Weather changes fast

Use trekking poles – Especially in rocky or steep areas

Stay on trails – To protect rare flora and avoid fines

Buy entry tickets online or at entrances (small fee)

Respect wildlife – No feeding or approaching animals

🧭 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Karpacz to Śnieżka:

Morning: Hike from Karpacz to Śnieżka via Samotnia

Lunch: Strzecha Akademicka hut

Afternoon: Descend via black or red trail

Evening: Dinner in Karpacz

Day 2 – Szklarska Poręba & Waterfalls:

Morning: Visit Kamieńczyk Waterfall

Midday: Hike to Szrenica and nearby viewpoints

Afternoon: Return via chairlift or alternate trail

Evening: Explore town center and cafés

🏁 Conclusion

Karkonosze National Park is a paradise for hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and winter sports fans. Its towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, alpine lakes, and cultural richness make it one of Poland’s most treasured natural areas. Whether you're climbing to Śnieżka or relaxing in a forest hut, the park invites you to reconnect with the wild beauty of the mountains.