7 Most Popular Hikes Near Wrocław For Every Mountain Lover
August 30, 2021 by Amit Chandra
Photo courtesy: Whistling Hound
Lower Silesian land is mapped by the mountain ridge of the Western and Central Sudetes and Carpathians further down south. Therefore, every hike in the mountains near Wrocław starts and ends somewhere in the vastness of Karkonosze, Owl Mountains (Sudetes), Izera Mountains, and even the Carpathians in further south.
Since southwestern Germany and the Czech Republic are quite close to Wrocław, it is possible to cross over and head into the neighbouring territories. It is even easy to locate the change in the country with some apt markings and sign in a different language.
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Hikers and nature enthusiasts find these hikes as the biggest allure of nature. Polish mountains, including Tatry in the south, Karkonosze, and the Sudetes in the west are so diverse and rich that they leave every nature seeker and adventurer well astonished. The allure of the Polish mountains precedes its reputation, which is evident when you are there in one of these protected areas, treading obscure trails, infusing yourself with a fresh lease of life. Polish mountains in Lower Silesia are packed with surprises.
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Moreover, Koleje Dolnośląskie (KD) – Lower Silesia’s local train network is exceptional, and it’s the best means of transport one can take to reach anywhere in the region. The KD trains are super fast, clean (their toilets are amazing :)), comfortable, cheap, and cover the most scenic routes of the Dolny Slask region.
If you live in Wrocław or are considering a trip to Poland, these popular hikes in Polish mountains will tempt you for sure.
1. Mt. Ślęża, Ślęża Landscape Park
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Nice and easy, hike to the top of Mt. Ślęża near Sobotka town in Lower Silesia should be on top of the list of every nature seeker in/around Wrocław. The hike to the top and back is almost 10 km with a slight elevation. It would be safe to put this nature hike near Wrocław in the easy category. While the forest is green and perfect in summer, autumn here is a grand spectacle of colours.
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Mt. Ślęża is for everyone looking for a half-day hike amidst lush nature in the vicinity of Wrocław. Lower Silesia is much more than scenic riverfronts and drool-worthy medieval architectures skirting city centres, and Ślęża hike will explain to you why!
Buses are the most reliable and the quickest option to travel to Sobotka Town from where Sleza Mountain is a 10 km hike (back and forth). There is a beautiful church & a nice resting place at the top of the mountains.
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Other recommendations: Excursion to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary & Sobotka town
Distance from Wrocław: 44 km, 46-minute drive
2. Wielka Sowa, Sowie Mountains
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At an altitude of 3,329 feet, Wielka Sowa stands as the highest peak of the Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie), a range of the Central Sudetes encompassing the best of south-western Poland. The mountain is located in Dzierżoniów County in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, only a couple of hours away from Wrocław Main Railway Station.
Sowie Mountains, made of metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian rise above the village of Walim near Dzierżoniów, is a top tourist attraction in Poland. The surroundings associated with the Owl Mountains Landscape Park offer endless views of whitewashed landscapes in winter. During the peak of winter in Poland, the forest in the landscape park lies snuggled under heaps of snow.
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The Wielka Sowa hike starts from the foothills of the Sowie Mountains itself near Kamionki. Kamionki Dolne is a picture-perfect location ready to greet all the nature enthusiasts in its warm embrace. The breath-taking outdoors of Sowie Mountains Landscape Park in the Sudetes sends a perfect welcome to every hiker.
Other recommendations: Skiing (cross-country), birdwatching, camping, and a cup of mulled wine at the mountain shelter
Distance from Wrocław: 82.3 km, 1 hour 50-minute drive
3. Rudawy Janowickie, Sokolik
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If you fancy a lush nature trail studded with immaculate views to go hiking near Wrocław, you should consider Sokoliki in Rudawy Mountains. Sokoliki is also a top pick for rock climbing in Poland and Lower Silesia. The starting point of the hike is located 2 hours away from Wrocław.
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The stunning landscape from the viewing point located atop the rocks makes it worth your while. Sokoliki, also referred to as Falcon Mountains, can be reached by a Koleje Dolnośląskie train from Wrocław to Trzcińsko. You must park your vehicle at Karpnicka Pass if you decide to drive to the starting point of the hike. The hike from the base takes almost 1.5 hours to complete.
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On the way back, one can visit Szwajcarka Chalet near the parking area. The hike is easy & doable for people of any age group.
Other recommendations: Hiking, rock climbing, skiing (during winter), getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography
Distance from Wrocław: 110 km, 1 hour 45-minute drive
Suggested read: 9 Best European Cities Near Wrocław For A Perfect Weekend Trip
4. Szczeliniec Wielki, Stołowe Mountains
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Stołowe Mountains are also known as the Table Mountains in Poland. With some of the oldest rock forms in Europe, the landscape park region is worth a hike. The Table Mountains are the top attraction in the Sudetes. If you’re looking for a lovely day-hike option near Wrocław, Stołowe mountain is the place to be. Positioned in the heart of Sudetes – one of the oldest mountains in Europe, the Stołowe Mountains National Park is a part of the 42-kilometre-long mountain range that spreads from Poland up to the Czech Republic.
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The fascinating wintry landscapes here is breathtaking. While the hike from the base to the top of the Table Mountains is quite easy, spanning 1.5 hours more or less, the views are surreal. Even if you walk quite slow, it shouldn’t take more than 2 hours to complete this hike.
Other recommendations: Skiing (during winter), snowshoeing, grabbing a mulled wine at the mountain shelter, exploring Polanica-Zdrój, getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography
Distance from Wrocław: 122.3 km, 1 hour 48-minute drive
5. Śnieżka, Karkonosze National Park
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The hike to Snieżka from Karpacz town is one of the most hikes in Lower Silesia in Poland. Karpacz is a popular ski resort in the Karkonosze Mountains in southwestern Poland and serves as an ideal option for hiking near Wrocław.
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Snieżka, at 1603 m, is one of the highest points in Lower Silesia and the highest point in the entire Czech Republic. The peak is enclosed by Czechia on one side while Poland on the other. Cable cars ply from Karpacz to Snieżka, but I’d recommend a hike in the park to experience this place at its best.
It will be worth your while! You have to buy an entrance ticket to the Karkonosze National Park. The good news for students is that they have a student discount. This hike can be placed somewhere between the moderate and difficult categories. It is a perfect full-day hike for everyone. Don't forget to stretch up a bit before and after the hike. It keeps cramps at bay.
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Other recommendations: Skiing (during winter), mulled wine at the PTTK shelter, getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature viewing and photography
Distance from Wrocław: 125 km, 1 hour 53-minute drive
6. Śnieżne Kotły, Karkonosze National Park
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Szklarska Poręba, located in the foothills of Karkonosze, is a lovely mountain town attracting tourists around the year. Its proximity to Wrocław makes it a hot destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts in Poland and those from faraway places. Besides hiking and skiing, Szklarska Poręba is also known for outdoor activities.
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Śnieżne Kotły is two glacial cirques that sit atop a cliff in Karkonosze National Park in the Sudetes Mountains. And the hike to Śnieżne Kotły starts from Szklarska Poręba. The top of the mountains offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the mountains, frozen alpine, the fells from the Czech Republic side, and the uninterrupted views of Szklarska Poręba town. The strategic location of Śnieżne Kotły in the Karkonosze National Park with numerous trails from the Czech Republic and Poland make it an exciting prospect for all nature enthusiasts.
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Other recommendations: Skiing (during winter), getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography
Distance from Wrocław: 131 km, 2-hour drive
7. Szrenica, Karkonosze National Park
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Szklarska Poręba Jakuszyce is popular among outdoor enthusiasts as a top location for winter activities in Poland. Some of the most favoured activities in the region are cross-country skiing, hiking, and cycling. Even a train ride in this region isso much fun. With such beautiful landscapes around, it is nothing less than a winter activity. The weather here remains pleasant year-round, even during the peak of summer, but winter here gets quite extreme.
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Szklarska Poręba Jakuszyce to Szrenica to Szklarska Poręba Górna is an 18-km hike in total and takes 5 hours 30 minutes approximately to complete. Soon after commencing the hike you enter the world of lush green in the Karkonosze mountains. The sound of the fresh stream, and gradual slopes make the first 7-8 km patch quite easy to tread. Schronisko Szrenica is the first pitstop on the trail. A super nice hike near Wrocław, this is a must-do.
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Other recommendations: Skiing (during winter), getting a stamp on Książeczka GOT PTTK, and nature photography
Distance from Wrocław: 139 km, 3-hour drive
So where are you planning to hike next?
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Further read: 20 Best Places Near Wrocław For Everyone Planning A Quick Escape From The City
Amit Chandra
Amit is a travel writer & founder of the blog Whistling Hound. A perpetual nature lover, Amit moved to Wrocław, Poland, three years ago. Ever since, he has been gallivanting around European countries, soaking up the best of places & sharing his experiences across digital media. From working as an Aurora Guide in Lapland to walking the streets of Naples & Rome like a local, Amit has done it all. Currently, he's treading through the best of southwestern Poland & is not stopping anytime soon!
