Szklarska Poręba grew from glassmaking and then from painters: at the turn of the last century an artists' colony settled here for the light and the waterfalls. It still has both — Poland's highest waterfall in the range, a chairlift to a bare summit, and a forest valley of dark spruce five minutes from the Czech border.
1. Kamieńczyk waterfall
Above the town · Map ↗
A 27-metre fall dropping into a mossy gorge, with a cave behind the water. Reached on a forest track — quiet, green and cool.
2. Szrenica summit
Chairlift access · Map ↗
Bare rocky summit at 1,362 m with ridge views into Czechia. Two chairlift stages take you almost all the way.
3. Szklarki waterfall
Valley below · Map ↗
A smaller, gentler fall by the road — beautiful and easy for anyone not up for a walk.
4. The Kamienna river valley
Through town · Map ↗
Boulders, clear water and old villa architecture from the artists' era.
5. Jakuszyce & the border trails
On the Czech frontier · Map ↗
High moorland and cross-country ski trails, spectacular in snow, and the route across to Harrachov.
The painters' light
The artists came for a specific quality of mountain light — clear, cool, with mist rising off the valleys. That light is still the reason to shoot here, and it is at its best in the hours after sunrise and before sunset when the ridges are edge-lit.
The Czech connection
Harrachov, on the Czech side, is fifteen minutes away over the Jakuszyce pass. Couples staying in Czechia often do a morning in Harrachov and an afternoon in Szklarska Poręba without noticing they changed countries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Szklarska Poręba from Prague?
About two and a half hours by car via Liberec and Harrachov, crossing at Jakuszyce. The border crossing is open and unmanned.
Is there an entry fee for the waterfalls?
Kamieńczyk lies within the Karkonosze National Park and has a small entry fee; there is a walk of roughly 30–40 minutes from the nearest parking. Szklarki is easier to reach.
Do the chairlifts run year-round?
They operate in both summer and winter seasons, with maintenance breaks between. Check current operating dates before planning a summit proposal.
Is it good in winter?
Very — the valley holds snow, the waterfalls partially freeze into ice curtains, and Jakuszyce becomes a white plateau. Dress properly and allow more time on the roads.