Arriving at Szklarska Poręba Górna train station feels like the first breath of the Karkonosze Mountains. Stocked with the finest seasonal colours, this mountain station enjoys one of the most scenic settings in all of Poland. It was recently named the world’s best in prestigious tourism awards.
Stepping off the Koleje Dolnośląskie train at Szklarska Poręba Górna, you instantly feel like you’ve entered a different rhythm. The station sits at 704 m above sea level, perched on the slopes of the Izera Mountains. It boasts sweeping views of the Karkonosze ridges and the crisp air of the Sudeten peaks.
The train station building itself is no mere stopover. Raised in 1902, with its present form taking shape in 1919, it stands as a perfect example of Heimatstil (the local mountain style) featuring a granite basement, timbered upper façades, and steep gables. Features that echo the chalets of the region! It remains a beloved stop for rail travellers exploring the Karkonosze and Izera Mountains.
Inside, you’ll find a vaulted waiting hall, arched windows, and even stained-glass motifs of railway wheels. Szklarska Poręba Górna train station is a fitting tribute to regional heritage. Hence, it’s a must-see stop for day trippers from Wrocław seeking a scenic train journey through the Sudetes.
Why Szklarska Poręba Górna station was named the world’s best small tourist station?
In October 2025, the station claimed top honours at the International Union of Railways (UIC) TopRail Tourist-Friendly Awards, winning the category of “Best Small Tourist Station” globally. The award recognises rail stations that go above and beyond to create seamless, hassle-free experiences for travellers. It serves as a gateway to exploration while showcasing local culture and hospitality.
For a place like Szklarska Poręba Górna train station, it’s where heritage meets modern tourism. Purpose-designed as a tourist attraction in Lower Silesia, the station blends careful heritage restoration with inclusive design solutions that balance commercial, logistical, and visitor needs.
It demonstrates that a railway station in Poland can be a gateway to adventure, a cultural landmark, and a driver of sustainable tourism.
What sets it apart?
• Its design carefully retains the historic façade and details while updating interiors for comfort, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Beyond being a transit point, it functions as a tourist information centre, book-crossing station, bike parking, and even a cultural space.
• Its setting amid mountain slopes and nature trails transforms the station into a destination for scenic train travellers in Poland.
I’d advise sitting on the viewpoint with a hot chocolate before boarding. This station has the kind of character that invites passengers to linger a little longer.
How to reach Szklarska Poręba Górna from Wrocław by train?
The journey takes about 3.5 hours and runs directly to the mountain station. The rail route via Jelenia Góra gradually climbs into the Karkonosze and Izera Mountains, offering one of the most scenic train rides in Poland.
A day in Szklarska Poręba
• Arrive around mid-morning and grab a coffee from the station café or vending machine (yes, it has those).
• Use the station terrace or forecourt as your vantage point. The panoramic views of the Śnieżne Kotły peaks in the Karkonosze Mountains are breathtaking, especially on a clear day.
• Open the hiking app Mapa Turystyczna and choose a trail suited to your interests and fitness level. From the station, you can take the classic route to Szrenica summit or a gentler hike to the Kamieńczyk Waterfall. The station sits at the heart of the Karkonosze trail network.
• Before boarding your return train, allow half an hour to soak in the station’s mountain ambience as you browse the small museum corner or book-crossing shelf inside.
• Arrive back in Wrocław by early evening, having turned a simple rail trip into a high-altitude day adventure.
Why is Szklarska Poręba a must-visit on a Poland trip?
For rail enthusiasts and European scenic train journey lovers, Szklarska Poręba Górna is not a forced “visit-this-station” gimmick. This experience is a train journey through the Karkonosze Mountains where infrastructure meets landscape. You begin on rails and end in nature, making it one of the most authentic day trips from Wrocław by train.
Charm, Surroundings & Hidden Details
The village of Szklarska Poręba itself is steeped in glass-making history (its name means “glass-makers’ clearing”). The station’s style echoes the alpine-tourism heyday of the early 20th century: timber, granite, verandas, and mountain-railway motifs. This is Poland’s mountain railway at its finest. After the refurbishment was completed in 2021, Szklarska Poręba Górna gained modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and barrier-free access, all while keeping its historic character intact.
Practical tips for your Szklarska Poręba day trip
• Wear sturdy hiking boots. The walk, starting from the station to the trailhead, is uphill.
• The early morning train from Wrocław is best; make sure to check return times so you’re not stranded.
• You can’t reserve seats on Koleje Dolnośląskie trains, so be quick to grab a window seat. The views begin before you even arrive at the final stop.
• For non-hikers, the terrace and station café are perfect for simply soaking in the vista.
• Seasonal variation here is unbeatable: lush greenery in summer, golden hills in autumn, and in winter, the station becomes a portal to snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
• This is also the gateway to the Izera Mountains. From here, change to a Czech carrier for the 30-minute train ride to Jakuszyce, an incredibly scenic route offering vast hiking possibilities.
If you’re looking for a hike in Karkonosze, or if you’re passionate about train travel in Poland, you’ll love my curated day trips from Wrocław. Don’t forget to check them out!
Szklarska Poręba Górna is a unique experience in Poland in a storybook setting where rails meet the pristine mountain sky. For anyone seeking a nature-filled escape in Lower Silesia, this place promises a crisp, charming getaway. Catch the train, step into the mountains, and let the station be your threshold into Poland’s alpine charm.
Further read: Best Winter Hikes Near Wrocław For Every Mountain Person
