Start your Nordic Walking adventure in the Giant Mountains with two contrasting routes that will allow both beginners and more experienced lovers of this activity to find something for themselves.

Route 1: Droga Pod Reglami - Ideal for Beginners. Our first proposal is a route starting at 'Droga Pod Reglami - Beginners' (address: Kazimierza Przerwy-Tetmajera, 58-580 Szklarska Poreba). This is an ideal place for people taking their first steps in Nordic Walking or families with children.

How to get there: Access by car is easy, and there is a small parking lot with 8-10 spaces at the entrance to the trail. On weekends it can be more difficult to get a spot, but the turnover is usually quite high.

Route characteristics:

• Length: about 5 km (one way)
• Difficulty: easy
• Surface: mostly paved forest road, in places there are larger stones
• Walking time: about 1.5-2 hours (one way)

The route leads through a picturesque forested area, offering a peaceful walk with sticks. Along the way we will encounter numerous streams, the sound of which will make the hike more pleasant. Every few minutes of walking we will find resting places where we can take a break and enjoy the surrounding nature.

For families with children: the route is child-friendly, it is possible to enter with a stroller (although at the beginning there may be small difficulties in the form of stones). Children will be delighted by birdsong and the opportunity to observe forest flora and fauna.

Tips:

• Take water and light snacks with you
• Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear
• Take a rain jacket with you - the weather in the mountains can be changeable

Route 2: Runtrack - Advanced Challenge For those looking for a bigger challenge, we recommend the Runtrack route (address: 59-850 Swieradow-Zdroj). This is a place where Nordic Walking takes on a new dimension, combining with elements of mountain trekking.

How to get there: The best way to get there is by car. The parking lot is located by the observation tower on the Mlynica River, is free of charge and there are usually spaces available.

Route characteristics:

• Length: choose between loops of 7.3 km (blue) or 10 km (red)
• Difficulty: medium to difficult
• Surface: varied - forest ducts, mountain paths
• Walking time: 2-3 hours (blue loop), 3-4 hours (red loop)

The Runtrack route is a real gem for lovers of active recreation. It leads through the picturesque forests of Świeradów-Zdrój, offering not only a physical challenge, but also amazing views. The route is well marked, eliminating the risk of getting lost.

For the experienced: The red loop (10 km) is a real challenge, offering steeper climbs and varied terrain. This is an ideal option for those who want to combine Nordic Walking with fitness training.

Tips:

• Take a map or GPS with you - despite the good signage, it's worth the extra security.
• Take more water and energy snacks
• Telescopic poles will be useful because of the variable terrain
• Consider taking a first aid kit

Both routes offer unique experiences, allowing you to discover the beauty of the Giant Mountains in different guises. Whether you choose a leisurely stroll along the Way Under the Reglami or opt for a challenge with Runtrack, one thing is certain - you're in for an unforgettable adventure surrounded by the stunning nature of the Giant Mountains.

We continue our tour of fascinating Nordic Walking routes in the Giant Mountains with two more suggestions that combine natural features with elements of the region's history and culture.

Route 3: Trail Around Szklarska Poreba Our third proposal is a scenic route around Szklarska Poreba, perfectly combining elements of Nordic Walking with learning about local history and culture.

Starting point: the center of Szklarska Poreba (Jedności Narodowej Street). How to get there: Easy access by car or train to the Szklarska Poreba Górna station.

Route characteristics:

• Length: about 12 km
• Difficulty: medium
• Surface: varied - city sidewalks, forest paths, periodically cobblestone
• Walking time: 3-4 hours

The route leads through the most interesting corners of Szklarska Poreba, combining urban and natural elements. We start in the city center, heading towards the Karkonosze Museum, where you can learn about the history of the region. The route then leads through the City Park, offering a peaceful stroll among the greenery.

The next point is the Forest Glassworks, where you can see traditional glass-making methods. From here you head toward the Szklarki Waterfall - one of the region's biggest attractions. The trail continues through picturesque forest areas, eventually returning to the city center.

Tips:

• It's worth planning short breaks to visit attractions along the way
• Take your camera with you - the views are really worth capturing
• Before setting off, check the opening hours of the attractions you want to visit

Route 4: In the Footsteps of the Mountain Spirit The fourth route is for lovers of legends and mysteries of the Karkonosze Mountains. It leads through places associated with the figure of the Mountain Spirit - Karkonosze.

Starting point: Parking lot at the lower station of the Szrenica ski lift. How to get there: By car or by city bus to Upper Szklarska Poreba

Route characteristics:

• Length: about 8 km
• Difficulty: medium to difficult
• Surface: mountain paths, periodically rocky
• Walking time: 2.5-3.5 hours

The route begins at the bottom station of the Szrenica ski lift, from where we follow the yellow trail toward the Kamieńczyk Waterfall. Along the way we pass numerous rock formations, with which legends of the Mountain Spirit are associated. Particularly noteworthy is the Golden View - a place that offers a panoramic view of the Karkonosze Mountains.

The next point is Krucze Skały, where, according to legends, Karkonosz himself lived. From here the route leads to the Kamieńczyk Waterfall - the highest waterfall in the Polish Sudetes. We return by a different route, passing the 'Kamieńczyk' Hostel, where you can rest and eat before returning to the starting point.

Tips:

• The route requires good physical condition
• Take with you a map or a guidebook with legends of Karkonosze - it will enrich the experience of the route
• Take precautions against changeable weather - it may be colder in the higher elevations

Both routes offer unique experiences, combining physical activity with learning about the culture and history of the region. The route around Szklarska Poreba allows for a more leisurely pace and a tour of urban attractions, while the route in the footsteps of the Mountain Spirit is a more challenging, but also more mystical proposition for lovers of mountain legends.

Remember that the weather can change very quickly in the Giant Mountains. Always check the current forecast and adjust your equipment before setting out on a route. Regardless of the route you choose, Nordic Walking in Karkonosze is a guarantee of an unforgettable experience and close contact with nature.

In the last part of our guide to Nordic Walking routes in Karkonosze, we present three unique suggestions that will allow you to discover lesser-known, but equally fascinating corners of this beautiful region.

Route 5: Trail of Walloon Mysteries Our fifth proposal is a route that combines Nordic Walking with the discovery of medieval legends about treasure hunters - the Walloons.

Starting point: Parking lot at the Walloon Cottage in Szklarska Poreba. How to get there: By car or city bus to Lower Szklarska Poreba

Route characteristics:

• Length: about 10 km
• Difficulty: medium
• Surface: forest paths, periodically rocky ground
• Walking time: 3-4 hours

The route begins at the Walloon Cottage, where you can learn about the history of the Walloons. Then we head toward Zloty Jar - a place where, according to legends, the Walloons mined gold. The trail continues to the Robber Rocks, offering beautiful views of the Karkonosze Mountains along the way.

The next point is the Great Stone - a place of ancient rituals. From there, the route leads to the Szklarki Waterfall, finally returning to the starting point.

Tips:

• It is advisable to get acquainted with Walloon legends beforehand - it will enrich the experience of the route
• Take binoculars with you - you may be able to spot mountain birds
• Consider visiting a Walloon Cottage before or after the route for a more complete experience

Route 6: Biodiversity Trail The sixth route is for nature lovers, allowing you to get a closer look at the unique flora and fauna of the Giant Mountains.

Starting point: Karkonosze National Park - entrance from the side of Karpacz. How to get there: By car to the parking lot at the entrance to KPN or by bus to Karpacz

Route characteristics:

• Length: about 8 km
• Difficulty: easy to medium
• Surface: paved nature trails, forest ducts
• Walking time: 2.5-3 hours

The route leads through the areas of the Karkonosze National Park, focusing on unique ecosystems. It begins with an educational path with information boards about local flora and fauna. It then leads through different vegetation zones - from the forests of the lower regale to mountain meadows.

Along the way you pass peat bogs, characteristic of the Karkonosze, and viewpoints offering panoramic views of Sněžka. The route ends back to the starting point, leading through a picturesque spruce forest.

Tips:

• Bring a guide to the plants of the Giant Mountains with you - it will help identify species
• Take a camera with a good zoom - it will be useful for photographing nature
• Remember the rules of the national park - don't go off the trails and don't pick plants

Route 7: Giant Mountains Shelter Trail The last suggestion is a route that combines Nordic Walking with learning about mountain culture and the history of tourism in the Giant Mountains.

Starting point: 'Samotnia' hostel over the Little Pond. How to get there: Take the cable car to Kopa, then walk to Samotnia or hike from Karpacz Górny

Route characteristics:

• Length: about 15 km
• Difficulty: difficult
• Surface: mountain trails, rocky paths
• Walking time: 5-6 hours

This challenging route starts at the 'Samotnia' hostel, leading further to the 'Strzecha Akademicka' hostel. Then we head towards the hostel 'Dom Slaski' below Śnieżka, passing picturesque glacial kettles along the way.

From the 'Dom Slaski', the route leads to the 'Odrodzenie' hostel, offering spectacular views of the Czech side of the Karkonosze Mountains along the way. Finally, we return to the starting point, closing the loop at 'Samotnia'.

Tips:

• This is a difficult and long route - plan enough time and bring a supply of water and food
• Check the weather forecast - conditions can be much more difficult in the higher parts of the mountains
• Consider staying overnight at one of the huts - this will allow for a calmer pace and a more complete experience

Summary Each of the presented Nordic Walking routes in the Giant Mountains offers a unique experience, combining physical activity with learning about the nature, history and culture of the region. From easy walks for beginners to challenging routes for experienced mountain lovers, the Giant Mountains have something for everyone.

Remember that regardless of the route you choose, safety is paramount. Always inform someone of your plans, check the weather forecast and adjust your equipment to the conditions. Nordic Walking in the Giant Mountains is not only a sport, but above all a way to deeply experience the beauty and magic of these unique mountains.

We wish you successful hikes and unforgettable experiences on the Krkonoše trails!