Śnieżka in a different way - and without crowds?

Yes, if instead of starting from Upper Karpacz, you choose to hike from Karpacz-Wilcza Poręba.

The trail will be long, with high rocky steps along the way, but you will also enjoy beautiful views and a small shelter along the route.

If you plan your hike well, take breaks, and have a longer rest at the Jelenka Shelter, even young children who are used to hiking will manage!

Starting point from Wilcza Poręba

The forest parking lot at the beginning of the black Sowia Dolina trail. At the start, there are hidden Krucze Skały (Raven Rocks) and a legend. You can either start from here or save them for the return trip

Section 1: Sowia Dolina to Sowia Przełęcz (Sowia Pass)

The trail goes through the forest, along the Płomnica stream, initially very gently, but it gets harder as you approach the pass.

The most difficult part is the last section, climbing through the forest and a sunny meadow:

More photos from the Sowia Dolina trail:

Medium

directions_walk

Sowia Dolina, Sowia Przełęcz, and Jelenka shelter

straighten 4.7km

timer 2h 48min

north_east 656m

south_east 7m

Section 2: Sowia Przełęcz and Jelenka Shelter

Sowia Przełęcz is a junction of trails, there is no place for a longer stop. It is better to gather strength and continue along the ridge (uphill, but not as steep) to the Jelenka Shelter:

...And here, you have a choice of routes to Śnieżka:

• Longer and easier through the empty forest path, known as Travers + about 40 minutes of climbing on comfortable rocky steps:

• Shorter and more challenging with a steep climb at the beginning (to Czarna Kopa) and high rocky steps at the end, but with great views (still fewer people compared to the main road from Karpacz)

Section 3: to the summit of Śnieżka

We hiked to Śnieżka via Czarny Grzbiet (the difficult route) and returned through the gentle and empty Travers: the choice is yours.

However, if you have a child under 6-7 years old, I strongly advise against taking the Czarny Grzbiet route, as the rocky steps will be above their knees, and there are a lot of them. If you want to see the views from Czarny Grzbiet, you can reverse the direction: ascend through Travers and descend through Czarny Grzbiet.

Here are detailed descriptions and photos of both trails:

Medium

directions_walk

Travers - Śnieżka via the green and yellow trails from the Czech side

straighten 4.6km

timer 2h 10min

north_east 409m

south_east 87m

Difficult

directions_walk

Śnieżka through Czarny Grzbiet - red trail from Jelenka

straighten 3.3km

timer 1h 45min

north_east 371m

south_east 49m

Summit of Śnieżka

What awaits you at the top of Śnieżka?

Mainly crowds of people... but not only that!

Learn more about what to see at the summit of Śnieżka:

Śnieżka Summit - Attractions, Fun Facts

The highest peak of the Sudetes and Karkonosze Mountains, the highest peak in the Czech Republic, and once a "sacred mountain" in the Giant Mountains. No wonder it holds many secrets! ...

Section 4: return from Śnieżka to Wilcza Poręba

In addition to the suggested return to Jelenka Shelter and then down through Sowia Dolina, you can also choose to descend through Dolina Łomniczki: first on the red, and then on the yellow trail. NOTE: The trail is closed to tourists with dogs.

And how else can you reach Śnieżka? There are many possibilities!

All roads and trails to Śnieżka summit

All roads lead to Śnieżka! How to climb Śnieżka? Being in the Karkonosze Mountains means being in the shadow of Śnieżka - the queen who ...

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Author: Marfusza
Publish Date: 2021-08-10