Sudetes Mountains

The Sudetes Mountains run for more than 250km along the Czech–Polish border, extending into both Germany and the Czech Republic. The highest part of this old and eroded chain of mountains is the Karkonosze, reaching 1602m at Mt Śnieżka. Though the Sudetes don’t offer the most arresting alpine scenery, they’re amazingly varied and heavily covered in forest, with spectacular geological formations such as those at the Góry Stołowe National Park. Skiing, including Nordic skiing, is possible at Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba.

To the north, the Sudetes gradually decline into a belt of gently rolling foothills known as the Przedgórze Sudeckie (Sudetes Foothills). This area is more densely populated, and many towns and villages still boast some of their centuries-old timber buildings. Combining visits to these historical settlements with hikes into the mountains and relaxation in centuries-old spas is the best way to explore the region.

Explore Sudetes Mountains

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sudetes Mountains.

  • Fortress

    Kłodzko Fortress

    This mighty fortification, begun under Austrian rule in the mid-17th century on the site of former strongholds dating to the 10th century, was extended…

  • National Park

    Góry Stołowe National Park

    The Góry Stołowe (goo-ri sto-wo-veh; Table Mountains) are among the most spectacular ranges of the Sudetes, as they’re topped by a plateau punctuated by…

  • Church

    Wang Church

    Karpacz has a curious architectural gem – Wang Church, the only Nordic Romanesque building in Poland. Pronounced 'Vang', this remarkable wooden structure…

  • Chapel

    Chapel of Skulls

    You can’t miss this macabre chapel in the Church of St Bartholomew’s grounds at Czermna, 2km north of Kudowa’s town centre. The length of its walls and…

  • Tunnel

    Underground Tourist Route

    This interesting set of tunnels dates in parts to the 13th century. The 600m route, enlivened by audiovisual exhibits, links cellars, warehouses for…

  • National Park

    Karkonosze National Park

    Karkonosze National Park is a 55.75-sq-km belt that runs along the Polish–Czech border for some 25km. The two main settlements here are the resort towns…

  • Basilica

    Basilica of SS Erasmus and Pancras

    This basilica was erected in two stages in the late 14th and early 15th centuries; note the Gothic doorway in the southern entrance portraying Mary and St…

  • Church

    Parish Church

    This church, southwest of the Rynek and dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, is the most imposing religious building in town. It took almost 150 years…

  • Museum

    Kłodzko Regional Museum

    Kłodzko's museum, 50m west of the parish church, has displays relating to the 1000-year history of the town and the region, plus a collection of…

  • Square

    Rynek

    The elongated market square, also called Plac Ratuszowy, is lined with a harmonious group of 17th- and 18th-century houses. Much of their charm is due to…

  • Bridge

    St John's Bridge

    Southeast of the Rynek, this Gothic stone bridge, built somewhere between 1281 and 1390, spans the narrow Młynówka River. With half a dozen baroque…

  • Park

    Spa Park

    This lovely wooded park makes up much of Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój's core. It houses lovely fin-de-siècle pavilions and buildings, including the domed Spa…

  • Museum

    Natural History Museum

    This diverting museum, established in 1876, features a display of birds and butterflies from all over the world.

  • Museum

    Phillumenistic Museum

    East of the Rynek, the Knights' Tower (Baszta Rycerska) was reshaped in the 19th century and turned into the belfry of the Protestant church that had been…

  • Museum

    Karkonosze Museum

    Karkonosze Museum, 650m south of the Rynek, is renowned for its extensive collection of glass dating from medieval times to the present – the art nouveau…

  • Square

    Rynek

    Below the town's fortress is the market square, officially titled Plac Bolesława Chrobrego. Several pastel-coloured houses on its southern side have…

  • Square

    Rynek

    The buildings lining the Rynek, officially known as Plac Wolności, are a pleasing blend of architectural styles. The octagonal Renaissance tower (1567) of…