Karkonosze-for-Active: 6 Exciting Hiking Trails

Karkonosze-for-Active: 6 Exciting Hiking Trails

June 11, 2025

The Giant Mountains, the highest range of the Sudetes, are a true paradise for lovers of mountain hiking and active recreation in nature. Located on the border of Poland and the Czech Republic, these picturesque mountains offer countless opportunities for families seeking adventure and unforgettable views. In this article, we will present 6 exciting hiking trails that will allow you to discover the beauty of the Giant Mountains and enjoy the outdoors together. Each of the described trails has its own unique character and offers something special - from easy walks to more challenging hikes, from quiet forest paths to breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting out on your mountain hiking adventure, you'll find a trail perfect for you in the Giant Mountains. Get ready for unforgettable moments among majestic peaks, roaring waterfalls and mysterious rock formations. Discover with us the charms of Karkonosze and create family memories that will stay with you forever!

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Hiking trail yellow from Słonecznik to Pielgrzymy - a family adventure with a view

Start our Karkonosze adventure with one of the most scenic and family-friendly trails - the yellow trail from Sunflower to Pielgrzymy. This route, starting in Karpacz, is an excellent choice for families with children, offering not only beautiful views, but also a relatively gentle approach.

How to get there: The trail starts in Karpacz, near the bottom station of the Kopa ski lift. The easiest way to get here is by car or bus from the center of Karpacz. Parking is available on Hunting Street.

Route description: we start our hike on the yellow trail, which leads us through a picturesque forest. The route is well marked and mostly paved with stones, making it easy to navigate even with small children. Along the way we will pass characteristic rock formations called Pilgrims, which are sure to interest the youngest tourists.

Attractions on the trail:

  • Pielgrzymy - a group of rocks with interesting shapes, an ideal place for a short rest and souvenir photos.
  • Glade under the Sunflower - a vast meadow offering beautiful views of Karkonosze.
  • Sunflower - a characteristic rock at an altitude of 1420 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Walking time: About 2-3 hours one way, depending on the pace and frequency of stops.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. The route is suitable for families with children over 6 years old.

Tips for families:

  • Bring comfortable trekking shoes, even for the youngest.
  • Remember to bring enough water and snacks.
  • It's a good idea to bring rain jackets, the weather in the mountains can be changeable.
  • There are no water sources on the trail, so a supply of fluids is crucial.

Additional information:

  • The trail is accessible all year round, but in winter it can be difficult to traverse without proper equipment.
  • During the summer season (May to October), the trail can be quite crowded, and it is worth setting out early in the morning.
  • There is a fee to enter the Karkonosze National Park - tickets can be purchased at information desks or online.

The yellow trail from Sunflower to Pielgrzymy is an excellent choice for starting your adventure in the Giant Mountains. It offers not only beautiful views, but also a relatively gentle approach, making it ideal for families with children. It's a route that will allow you to feel the magic of the mountains and create unforgettable memories together.

Hiking trail to Samotnia and White Jar - an adventure for the brave

Other exciting routes to consider on a family trip to the Giant Mountains are the hiking trail to Samotnia and the route through White Yar. Both offer an unforgettable experience and a chance to explore the diversity of the Krkonoše landscapes.

Hiking trail to Samotnia - blue: Location: the trail starts in Karpacz Górny, near the Wang Church. How to get there: From the center of Karpacz, you can take a city bus or car to the parking lot near the Wang Church.

Route description: The blue trail leads through a picturesque forest, along the Lomnica stream. The trail is well-paved, with stone steps and bridges, making it accessible even to less experienced hikers. The destination of the hike is the Samotnia shelter, located by the Little Pond.

Attractions on the trail:

  • Picturesque views of Sniezka
  • Maly Staw - a mountain glacial lake
  • Samotnia hostel - one of the most charming hostels in the Karkonosze Mountains

Walking time: About 1.5-2 hours one way. Difficulty level: Moderate, suitable for families with children over 8 years old.

White Jar: Location: the route starts in Karpacz, at the bottom station of the Kopa ski lift. How to get there: You can get from the center of Karpacz by bus or car to the parking lot near the ski lift.

Route description: The trail leads through the picturesque Biały Jar - a deep, post-glacial cauldron. The route is quite steep and demanding, but offers unforgettable views and impressions.

Attractions on the trail:

  • Impressive rock formations
  • Panoramic views of the Giant Mountains
  • Opportunity to see rare species of alpine plants

Walking time: About 2-3 hours one way. Difficulty level: Difficult, recommended for families with children over 12 and good physical condition.

Tips for families:

  • Sturdy trekking shoes are essential on both routes.
  • Bring warm and waterproof clothing - the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
  • Take a supply of water and energy snacks with you.
  • In the case of White Yar, consider taking trekking poles for extra support.

Additional information:

  • Both trails are part of the Karkonosze National Park - be sure to purchase entrance tickets.
  • The trail to Samotnia is accessible year-round, but may require additional equipment in winter.
  • The White Yar trail can be dangerous in winter due to the risk of avalanches - always check current conditions before setting out.

The two routes offer completely different experiences - the trail to Samotnia is more family-friendly and offers scenic views of the lake and mountains, while the White Gap is for those looking for stronger thrills and beautiful panoramas. When choosing any of these trails, remember to adjust your pace to the abilities of your youngest hikers, and enjoy your time together surrounded by the beauty of the Krkonoše countryside.

Main Sudeten Route and waterfalls of the Giant Mountains - for lovers of diversity

To conclude our journey through the Krkonoše trails, we'll introduce you to three unique trails that will allow you to experience the diversity of this beautiful region: a section of the Main Sudetic Trail and two trails leading to picturesque waterfalls.

Main Sudeten Route: Location: The trail runs through the entire Sudetenland, but we will focus on the section near Szklarska Poreba. How to get there: The best way to get to Szklarska Poreba is by car or train, and then choose the section of the trail that interests you.

Route description: The Main Sudeten Route is a real gem among mountain trails. It offers a variety of landscapes and levels of difficulty, so every family will find a section suitable for them.

Attractions on the trail:

  • Diverse landscapes: from gentle hills to steep mountain slopes
  • Viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Giant Mountains
  • Opportunity to see the unique flora and fauna of the Sudetes

Walking time: Depending on the section chosen, you can plan the route for a few hours or a whole day. Level of difficulty: From easy to difficult, depending on the selected section.

Podgórna Waterfall: Location: Przesieka, about 10 km from Karpacz. How to get there: The easiest way to reach the parking lot in Przesieka by car, from where the trail begins.

Route description: A short but picturesque trail leading to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Karkonosze Mountains.

Attractions:

  • A picturesque waterfall with a height of about 10 meters.
  • Possibility of swimming in natural pools at the foot of the waterfall (on warmer days)
  • Beautiful views of the surrounding forests

Walking time: About 15-20 minutes one way. Level of difficulty: Easy, suitable for families with young children.

Trail to the Kamienczyk Waterfall: Location: Szklarska Poreba How to get there: You can get from the center of Szklarska Poreba by bus or car to the parking lot at the entrance to the trail.

Route description: The trail leads to the largest waterfall in the Polish Karkonosze Mountains, offering beautiful views and interesting rock formations along the way.

Attractions:

  • The impressive Kamieńczyk waterfall, 27 meters high
  • Picturesque gorges and rock formations
  • Possibility to enter a cave under the waterfall (for an additional fee)

Walking time: About 45 minutes one way. Level of difficulty: Moderate, suitable for families with children over 7 years old.

Tips for families:

  • On all trails, remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
  • Take water and snacks with you, especially on the longer sections of the Main Sudetic Trail.
  • For routes to waterfalls, it's a good idea to bring towels and bathing suits on warm days.
  • On the Main Sudeten Route, it's a good idea to carry a map or app with routes, as some sections may be less well marked.

Additional information:

  • Admission to the trail to the Kamienczyk Waterfall is paid - tickets can be purchased on site.
  • The Main Sudeten Route is accessible year-round, but in winter some sections can be difficult to walk.
  • Trails to the waterfalls are most attractive in spring and summer, when water levels are highest.

The three suggestions offer a variety of experiences, from long hikes to short, scenic walks. Whichever route you choose, it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and allow you to enjoy the beauty of Krkonoše nature. Remember to adjust the choice of route to the abilities and interests of all family members, and the joint expedition will become a wonderful adventure that will remain in your memory for a long time.

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