Szklarska Poręba has attractions for a few hours and for a full day. When planning a weekend, it helps to separate short walks, mountain outings and indoor visits. This makes it easier to combine nearby places and leave time for rest or a change of plans in poor weather.

Two waterfalls, two different outings

Wodospad Kamieńczyka and Wodospad Szklarki often appear together on lists of Szklarska Poręba attractions. Both can be visited during one stay, but the approach and visit are different. Szklarki suits a quieter day and a walk with young children. An outing to Kamieńczyka takes more time and involves an uphill walk.

Wodospad Kamieńczyka: down between the rock walls

Wodospad Kamieńczyka is the highest waterfall in the Polish Sudetes. Water falls in three cascades from a height of 27 metres, with a narrow rocky gorge below. The waterfall can be viewed from the upper part of the route, but descending into the gorge allows a view from below, between tall granite walls.

The red-marked trail leads to the waterfall from Sikorskiego Street. There is also an approach on the black-marked trail near the lower station of the Szrenica chairlift. The final section climbs, with a stony surface in places. After rain or when icy, it is easy to slip here.

There is a separate charge to enter the gorge. Visitors receive protective helmets before entering, and dogs are not allowed. The ticket for this part of the attraction does not replace admission to Karkonosze National Park. Seeing the waterfall from below means checking the gorge's current opening hours.

Access to Kamieńczyka: in a notice dated 10 June 2026, Szklarska Poręba Forest District announced that, from 16 June 2026 until further notice, a section of the red- and black-marked trails from the car park to Rozdroże pod Kamieńczykiem would be closed. Diversions were designated. Before setting out, the forest district needs to be consulted to check whether the restriction remains in place and where the current diversion leads.

Wodospad Szklarki: a short walk and a mountain hut by the cascade

Wodospad Szklarki is about 13 metres high. It lies in an enclave of Karkonosze National Park, beside the Kochanówka mountain hut. Water flows over a granite ledge into a narrowing rock channel. The viewpoint at the end of the approach provides the best place to watch it.

A short visitor path leads to the waterfall from the car park beside the road towards Jelenia Góra. This section is also accessible to people with reduced mobility and families with pushchairs, although the current path condition and individual needs must be considered when planning a visit. Walking to the waterfall and returning the same way does not require a long outing.

The area around Wodospad Szklarki is covered by the Karkonosze National Park admission ticket. A one-day park ticket applies within the park, while entry to the Kamieńczyka gorge is charged separately.

Złoty Widok and Chybotek on one walk

Złoty Widok and Chybotek are in the same part of Szklarska Poręba. They can be visited on a walk from Wodospad Szklarki, with a different route back to the centre for a longer outing. Combining these places allows a few hours in the forest, granite rock formations and mountain views without climbing a high summit.

Złoty Widok: a Karkonosze panorama from a viewing terrace

At Złoty Widok, a viewing terrace extends above a rocky slope. On a clear day, the view takes in the Karkonosze, the Kamienna valley and part of the Jelenia Góra Valley. The terrace opened in 2020, although the spot had been used as a viewpoint long before.

The simplest approach is from Matejki Street on the blue-marked trail and a short connecting path. It can also be reached from Wodospad Szklarki using marked trails and links. Comparing route lengths before setting out is helpful: reaching the viewpoint alone takes less time than completing a loop around the area.

Chybotek: a granite boulder that can be rocked

Near Złoty Widok lies Chybotek, a group of granite blocks with a distinctive large boulder balanced on two points. It can be gently rocked. It was once also known as Misa Cukru, and local stories connect the formation with the Mountain Spirit and hidden treasure.

Chybotek works well as a stop during a walk, especially for families with children. It does not need a separate day or a complicated plan. The ground around the rocks is natural, and wet stones can be slippery.

A half-day route: the town's tourist website describes a loop from central Szklarska Poręba through Wodospad Szklarki, Chybotek and Złoty Widok. It is about 8.5 km long, with an estimated walking time of three hours without longer stops. Photography, a waterfall visit and rest breaks make the outing longer. A shorter version can begin closer to the individual attractions.

Szrenica: a trip high into the Karkonosze

Szrenica offers a view of the higher Karkonosze landscape. The summit stands at 1362 m above sea level and has a mountain hut. As well as broad panoramas, there are distinctive granite rock formations to see. In clear weather, the Jelenia Góra Valley and neighbouring mountain ranges are visible.

A red-marked walking trail leads to Szrenica. An alternative is the two-section chairlift, which takes visitors close to the summit; a short walk remains from the upper station. Taking the lift reduces the effort, but mountain conditions still need preparation. It can be much colder and windier at the top than in the centre of Szklarska Poręba.

Szrenica is best planned as a separate day's outing, especially when walking up. Experienced longer-distance walkers may consider continuing towards Śnieżne Kotły, but this is a hike of several hours that requires checking the distance, ascent and return options. The chairlift may stop running in strong winds, bad weather or during maintenance. Current notices from the operator and Karkonosze National Park help establish whether the planned outing is possible.

Wysoki Kamień: the Karkonosze seen from the Izera Mountains

On the other side of Szklarska Poręba, in the Izera Mountains, Wysoki Kamień rises to 1058 m above sea level. It suits walkers who enjoy wooded climbs and want to see the Karkonosze from another perspective. The summit rocks overlook the Karkonosze, the Jelenia Góra Valley, the Rudawy Janowickie and further Sudetes ranges.

Wysoki Kamień can be reached on the red-marked trail from Szklarska Poręba. Another option follows the yellow-marked trail through the area around Zakręt Śmierci. Both routes need time and suitable footwear. Reaching the summit takes considerably longer than a short stroll to a viewpoint.

A substantial part of the day is best set aside for Wysoki Kamień. In poorer weather or after tiring walks on previous days, Zakręt Śmierci alone is a more manageable alternative.

Zakręt Śmierci: a viewpoint beside Droga Sudecka

On the road from Szklarska Poręba towards Świeradów-Zdrój, there is a sharp bend of almost 180 degrees. This is Zakręt Śmierci, where a viewing platform has been provided. From around 775 m above sea level, the view covers the Jelenia Góra Valley, Szklarska Poręba and the Karkonosze.

Driving towards the Izera Mountains offers an opportunity for a short stop here. The viewpoint itself does not require an outing of several hours. A walk through Zakręt Śmierci towards Wysoki Kamień or Zbójeckie Skały takes longer.

Visitors should use the designated parking place and pedestrian approach rather than stop a car on the bend.

What to do in Szklarska Poręba with children or in the rain

Waterfalls and viewpoints are easier to visit in good weather. When it rains, is windy or children have had enough walking, attractions of a different kind are available. Szklarska Poręba also has museums, places devoted to local history and family entertainment venues.

Dinopark at Muzealna 7 includes a forest path with dinosaur models and attractions for children. Some activities take place outdoors, and availability depends on the weather. Opening hours and which attractions are running are best checked before travelling.

Muzeum Ziemi JUNA at Jeleniogórska 9 focuses on minerals and the history of gemstone seekers. The exhibition introduces the area's geology and the traditions of Walloon treasure hunters. At Leśna Huta at Kołłątaja 2, visitors can watch glassmakers at work and learn how glass objects are made. Demonstrations and workshops have their own schedules, so availability needs confirmation before a visit.

Having both a walking plan and an indoor plan makes it easier to change the programme in poor weather. It avoids having to look for a new idea for the rest of the day.

How to plan two or three days in Szklarska Poręba

The most time can be saved by combining places close to each other. Wodospad Szklarki, Chybotek and Złoty Widok fit into one outing. Kamieńczyka and Szrenica can fill another day, while Wysoki Kamień and Zakręt Śmierci are best planned as a separate direction. There is no need to see everything in one weekend.

Day one: Wodospad Szklarki, Chybotek and Złoty Widok

The first day can cover several characteristic places without a full day's mountain ascent. The town's described loop from the centre is about 8.5 km long and passes Wodospad Szklarki, Chybotek and Złoty Widok. Stops at these attractions add variety and opportunities to rest.

The walking alone takes about three hours. Photography, longer stops or a break at the mountain hut can make the outing considerably longer. With young children, a shorter option is a better plan. A trail description's walking time may not match the pace of the whole group.

Day two: Kamieńczyka and a walk towards Szrenica

The morning can be spent visiting Wodospad Kamieńczyka. In good weather and with suitable fitness, the walk can continue on the red-marked trail towards Szrenica. This option needs an early start, especially in months with short daylight hours, and allowance for current restrictions on the approach to Kamieńczyka.

An alternative is a day centred on Szrenica and the chairlift, with Kamieńczyka visited separately. Using the lift means allowing for the last descent and any interruptions to the service. Worsening weather can force a change of plans, so some spare time is helpful.

Day three: Wysoki Kamień or a quieter day of sightseeing

On a three-day stay, the final day can be spent on Wysoki Kamień, with a panorama of the Karkonosze from the Izera Mountains. With less time or tired legs after previous routes, Zakręt Śmierci and an attraction in town, such as Muzeum Ziemi JUNA, are alternatives.

This arrangement leaves room for rest and changes of plan. That flexibility is useful in the mountains, especially when the weather changes between morning and afternoon.

Where to stay when exploring Szklarska Poręba

For an active break, room layout, cooking facilities and access to the chosen trails matter when choosing accommodation. A separate bedroom can make resting after a walk easier, especially with children or a group of friends. It also helps to compare apartment locations with the starting points of planned outings.

Daj Sobie Spokój offers three apartments in different parts of Szklarska Poręba. Belle View on Słoneczna Street accommodates up to four guests and has a separate bedroom and terrace. Mariental on Caritas Street has a balcony, kitchenette and bioethanol fireplace. Widok800 on Schroniskowa Street has a separate bedroom, kitchen and garden.

The website allows visitors to compare apartments in Szklarska Poręba and send an enquiry with dates and guest numbers. The price and availability are confirmed in the reply. Before choosing accommodation, checking the route from the apartment to the trail or car park is useful, especially when it will serve as a base for several outings.

What to remember before heading onto a trail

Route descriptions and estimated walking times help plan a day, but do not show current mountain conditions. Stones and roots can be slippery after rain, and ice can be a problem in autumn and winter. On Szrenica, strong winds and low temperatures can make even a short walk after leaving the chairlift difficult.

The forecast, current Karkonosze National Park notices and GOPR mountain rescue information help assess conditions before departure. The chosen trail needs to be checked for closures, and the return planned before dark. Admission charges and trail rules apply within the park.

For a first visit to Szklarska Poręba, choosing a few places and leaving time for unhurried sightseeing works best. Waterfalls, viewpoints and mountain trails can be combined in many ways. The plan needs to account for distance, weather and the abilities of everyone on the trip.

Frequently asked questions

What should a first visit to Szklarska Poręba include?

Wodospad Szklarki, Wodospad Kamieńczyka, Złoty Widok and Chybotek are possible starting points. A longer stay, with suitable preparation, can also include Szrenica or Wysoki Kamień. Each summit is best planned as a separate, longer outing.

Which Szklarska Poręba attractions can be combined in one day?

Wodospad Szklarki, Chybotek and Złoty Widok are on a town walking route about 8.5 km long. Walking it takes around three hours without longer breaks. A shorter version can start closer to these attractions.

Can Szklarska Poręba be visited in one day?

Yes, but one direction needs to be chosen. A walk to Wodospad Szklarki, Chybotek and Złoty Widok suits a single day, as does a separate trip to Kamieńczyka. Trying to visit every well-known place may mean spending much of the day travelling between them.

What is there to do in Szklarska Poręba when it rains?

Muzeum Ziemi JUNA, Leśna Huta and other museums or exhibitions in town are options. Current opening hours need to be checked before visiting. In heavy rain or strong winds, outings to exposed summits are best postponed.

Is there an admission charge for Wodospad Kamieńczyka and Wodospad Szklarki?

Wodospad Szklarki lies within Karkonosze National Park and is covered by park admission. Entry to the Kamieńczyka gorge has a separate ticket. Current prices and visitor rules are best checked before arrival.

Sources

Information on routes, attractions and visitor rules was prepared using official institutional materials:

  • Karkonosze National Park: ‘Wodospad Kamieńczyka’, ‘Wodospad Szklarki’, ‘Frequently asked questions’ and admission information.
  • Town of Szklarska Poręba, official tourist website: the ‘Woda, kamień, powietrze’ route (Wodospad Szklarki, Chybotek and Złoty Widok).
  • Town of Szklarska Poręba, official tourist website: attraction descriptions for Szrenica, Wysoki Kamień, Zakręt Śmierci, Złoty Widok and Chybotek.
  • Town of Szklarska Poręba, official tourist website: information on the Szrenica chairlift, Dinopark, Muzeum Ziemi JUNA and Leśna Huta.
  • Szklarska Poręba Forest District: notice of the temporary closure of a section of the red- and black-marked trails to Rozdroże pod Kamieńczykiem (accessed 27.10.2026).