This mountain resort in southwestern Poland sits at the foot of Szrenica peak. Visitors come for skiing, hiking trails, and the 13-meter Kamieńczyk waterfall in the Karkonosze range.
Szklarska Poręba sits between the Karkonosze and Jizera Mountains in southwestern Poland. You can ski down Mount Szrenica's 1,362-meter summit, walk behind the three-tiered Kamieńczyk Waterfall, or explore the 200-meter rock walls of Snowy Kettles. The town's name, meaning "glass clearing," comes from its 14th-century glass-making past, which you can still experience at the active Julia glassworks.
Getting to Szklarska Poręba
The town sits 130 kilometers from Wrocław, with regular train connections stopping at three stations: Szklarska Poręba Dolna, Średnia, and Górna. The cross-border railway line connects to Liberec in the Czech Republic, making day trips possible. If driving, watch out for winter conditions, especially at the Death Curve - a 180-degree turn that demands careful navigation.
Winter Sports in the Polish Sudetes
You'll find nearly 20 kilometers of slopes at prices lower than in Western European resorts. At Polana Jakuszycka, cross-country skiers can access 100 kilometers of trails, including those used in the annual Bieg Piastów marathon since 1976. Take the two-stage chairlift up Mount Szrenica to access runs for beginners through advanced skiers.
Mountain Trails and Natural Formations
Walk to the Snowy Kettles (Śnieżne Kotły) to see vertical rock walls rising 200 meters above glacial cirques. Snow often stays here until August, creating white patches against the dark rock. Climb the High Stone (Wysoki Kamień) at 1,058 meters for clear views of three mountain ranges: the Karkonosze, Rudawy Janowickie, and Kaczawskie Mountains.
Waterfalls and Gorges
The three-tiered Kamieńczyk Waterfall drops 27 meters through a narrow gorge. Walk behind the central cascade to find "Złota Jama," a cave dug by Walloon miners containing amethyst and pegmatite deposits. The Szklarki Waterfall creates a different spectacle - its 13.3-meter cascade starts wide at the top before narrowing into a powerful stream.
Year-Round Activities
Mountain biking trails range from flat forest paths to steep mountain descents. Test your balance at the Trollandia rope park, moving between platforms suspended in the trees. In winter, watch or join the Retro Ski competition, where participants race in historical costumes using wooden skis and bamboo poles.
Glass-Making Tradition
Glass production started here in the 14th century when artisans cleared forest areas for their workshops. The "Józefina" glassworks opened in 1842, later becoming "Julia." Today, you can watch glassblowers create crystal pieces using traditional methods at the Julia facility.
