Śnieżka – queen of the Karkonosze Mountains

Śnieżka (1,603 m above sea level), the highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains and the entire Sudetes, is a place that delights not only with its views, but also with its rich history and interesting routes leading to its peak. This is a destination that attracts both mountain hikers and people looking for close contact with nature. It belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains.

Trails to Śnieżka:

From Karpacz through the Wang Temple (blue trail)
This route begins in picturesque Karpacz, where you can visit the famous Wang Temple – a Norwegian church from the 12th century, moved to the Karkonosze Mountains in the 19th century. Then the trail leads through Polana, and then through the “Samotnia” shelter and “Strzecha Akademicka”. The road continues through Równia pod Śnieżką, where it joins the red trail leading to the peak. This route offers amazing views of the Jelenia Góra Valley and takes about 3-4 hours one way. The route is picturesque and easy.

Black trail through Kocioł Łomniczki
This is a more demanding route. The trail leads through the picturesque Kocioł Łomniczki, offering spectacular views and the raw landscape of the Karkonosze Mountains. The approach is steep and in winter it is closed due to the risk of avalanches, but in summer it is one of the most beautiful routes to Śnieżka. The route joins the red trail just before the summit and takes about 3 hours.

Red trail
The red trail connects to other trails, including the blue and black trails, leading to Śnieżka from different directions. The route becomes more demanding as it begins a steep climb that leads upwards in serpentines. After reaching the top, tourists will be greeted not only by beautiful views, but also by several attractions, including the famous meteorological observatory and the historic Saint Lawrence Chapel. From the top you can admire the panorama stretching both to the Polish and Czech sides of the Karkonosze Mountains.

From Pec pod Sněžkou (Czech Republic)
This is a popular route on the Czech side of the mountains, leading from Pec pod Sněžkou. You can cover it on foot or use the gondola lift that takes tourists almost to the top. The hiking route takes about 3-4 hours, offering beautiful views of the Czech Karkonosze Mountains.

Interesting facts about Śnieżka

Unique Microclimate
Śnieżka has a harsh, almost alpine climate, which is comparable to the conditions on the peaks of the Tatra Mountains. Even in summer, the temperature at the top can drop below zero and the wind reaches speeds of over 100 km/h. We had beautiful weather, but the wind near the peak was sometimes so strong that we had to use chains to protect ourselves. In winter, Śnieżka is one of the coldest places in Poland, and its peak is covered with a thick layer of snow.

2. Meteorological Observatory
At the top there is one of the most characteristic buildings in Poland – a futuristic meteorological observatory that resembles a flying saucer. This building has been operating continuously since the 1970s, monitoring weather conditions in the region. Śnieżka was also one of the first places in Europe where meteorological observations were carried out regularly – since 1824.

3. Saint Lawrence Chapel
At the top of Śnieżka there is also a historic chapel of St. Lawrence, built in the 17th century. It is the highest situated religious building in Poland and the Czech Republic. Every year, on August 10, a ceremonial mass is held here in honor of the chapel’s patron saint, attracting numerous pilgrims and tourists.

4. Polish-Czech border
Śnieżka Peak is located on the border of Poland and the Czech Republic, which means that when you climb it, you also cross an international border. On the Czech side, there is a mountain hut and the upper station of the gondola lift, as well as a restaurant where tourists can relax after the hardships of the hike. There is a post office in the building, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can send a letter or a postcard from the highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains.

Best time to hike:

In summer, the route is quite comfortable, but in winter it requires appropriate preparation and equipment (e.g. crampons, trekking poles) because it is very slippery and dangerous.