Śnieżne Kotły In Karkonosze National Park Is A Perfect Winter Hike Near Wrocław

Winter 2021 has been a dream run so far. Snow arrived early, stayed longer than expected, and turned Lower Silesia into a playground for anyone who waits all year for proper winter hikes. One trail that stood out during this season was the Śnieżne Kotły winter hike in Karkonosze National Park.

January and February bring heavy snowfall to the Sudetes, and naturally, the region’s high-altitude trails become weekend favourites. With that in mind, I extended one of my winter mountain trips and set out on a three-hour journey from Wrocław to Szklarska Poręba, aiming for a rewarding hike up to Śnieżne Kotły.

Szklarska Poręba in Jelenia Gora county rests in the foothills of the splendid Karkonosze National Park. Karkonosze is well placed between the Czech Republic and Poland and is a soothing haven for all nature enthusiasts, hikers, outdoors lovers, skiers, campers, and photography enthusiasts.

About Karkonosze National Park, Szklarska Poręba, and Śnieżne Kotły

Located in the foothills of the majestic Karkonosze, Szklarska Poręba is a picturesque mountain town that draws a large number of tourists throughout the year. Its proximity to the major Lower Silesian city Wroclaw makes it a hot destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts in Poland and those from faraway places.

Winter in Poland is incredibly beautiful, hence places like Szklarska Poręba attract plenty of tourists from other counties in Poland. Besides hiking and skiing, Szklarska Poręba is also preferred for outdoor activities like sleigh riding, rink, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and winter camping. Śnieżne Kotły is a pair of glacial cirques that sit atop a cliff in Karkonosze National Park in the Sudetes Mountains.

The top of the mountains offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the mountains, frozen alpine, the fells from the Czech Republic side, and the uninterrupted views of Szklarska Poręba town. The strategic location of Śnieżne Kotły in the Karkonosze National Park, with numerous trails from the Czech Republic and Poland, makes it an exciting prospect for all nature enthusiasts.

How to reach Szklarska Poręba from Wrocław

As I have mentioned in my previous blogs, Koleje Dolnośląskie (KD) – Lower Silesia’s local train network is exceptional, and it’s the best means of transport one can take to reach anywhere in the region. The KD trains are super fast, clean (I love their toilets), comfortable, cheap, and cover the most scenic routes of the Dolny Slask region. 

Szklarska Poręba Gorna is 3 hours by train from Wroclaw Main Railway Station. Optionally, Szklarska Poręba can be reached by road as well, which takes a little more than 2 hours. As a popular mountain getaway near Wroclaw, Szklarska Poręba is perfectly placed with a better rail and road network for seamless travel.

The hiking trail to Śnieżne Kotły

Soon after we exited the Szklarska Poręba Górna, we headed to the town centre, from the Yellow Trail, all the way to Śnieżne Kotły.

Yellow Trail: Szklarska Poręba – PTTK Schronisko Pod Łabskim Szczytem – Little Snow Cauldron – Śnieżne Kotły

Yellow Trail: Śnieżne Kotły – Schronisko PTTK Shelter

Blue Trail: Schronisko PTTK Shelter – Szklarska Poręba, Szklarka

Black Trail: Szklarka – Szklarska Poręba, Kilińskiego

Yellow Trail: Szklarska Poręba, Kilińskiego – Szklarska Poręba

Winter hike to Śnieżne Kotły in Karkonosze National Park

The Śnieżne Kotły winter hike is an absorbing walk through the forests of Karkonosze National Park, starting from the town of Szklarska Poręba. Before even entering the park, consider roughly an extra hour of walking to cross the town and reach the railway station, both ways. Entry to the national park costs 8 PLN, a small price for what lies ahead.

The hike begins soon after leaving the centre of Szklarska Poręba. Within the first couple of kilometres, urban sights fade, and the trail slips quietly into the forest. I followed the yellow-marked Śnieżne Kotły trail, which gradually transforms from packed paths into snow-covered terrain. The scenery changes steadily as well. Sparse winter trees, half-frozen streams, exposed boulders, and deep snow blanket the landscape, making this one of the most rewarding winter hikes near Wrocław.

The elevation gain is mostly gentle, broken by a few steeper sections that demand patience and require perseverance. This part of the Sudetes is shaped by some of the oldest rock formations in Europe, and the smooth, weathered surfaces of the stones around the trail make that history visible.

The climb to Śnieżne Kotły

Things become more demanding near PTTK Schronisko Pod Łabskim Szczytem. I have a soft spot for these mountain shelters scattered across the Polish Sudetes. They arrive at exactly at the right moment, offering warmth, food, and often mulled wine, all while sitting perfectly in the landscape. It’s an ideal place to pause before the big push.

Beyond the shelter, the Śnieżne Kotły winter hike turns serious. The slope steepens, the wind strengthens, and sunlight flattens into glare against the snow. This stretch is known for strong gusts and avalanche risk in winter. Karkonosze receives heavy snowfall from late autumn through early spring. The conditions up here can shift fast in a matter of minutes.

At the top, the terrain opens dramatically. The Czech side of the Karkonosze Mountains comes into view, marked clearly by border poles and signs. From here, Śnieżne Kotły reveals itself at the edge of a steep cirque, carved sharply into the mountain. Standing at roughly 1500 metres, the exposure is real, and the views are rewarding.

The summit area offers wide viewpoints over snowy ridgelines, deep valleys, and, far below, Szklarska Poręba. Even with clear skies, the wind chill cuts through gloves and layers.

The descent is far easier. Fresh snow smooths out uneven ground, and the quiet of the forest, broken only by water slipping under ice, makes the return walk feel slower and calmer.

All said, the hike took us around 7.5 hours to complete roughly 22 kilometres. Tired legs and sore feet felt like a fair trade for one of the most memorable winter days I’ve spent in Lower Silesia, and easily one of the finest winter hikes in Karkonosze National Park.

Practical tips for Śnieżne Kotły winter hike

• Wear comfortable, layered clothing and proper hiking boots suitable for snow and ice.
• Before starting the Śnieżne Kotły winter hike, always check the Karkonosze National Park (KPN) website for updates on closed or restricted trails.
• Hiking poles and shoe spikes are highly recommended for winter conditions and can make a noticeable difference on icy sections.
• Planning a weekend trip to Szklarska Poręba? Consider buying the Dolnośląski Bilet Weekendowy. It’s a much cheaper option for regional travel.

• Try to catch an early morning train so you can comfortably complete the hike well before it starts getting dark.
• Double-check the trail variant you plan to take. Some sections are closed in winter, and these closures are clearly marked on official maps.
• Use the Mapa Turystyczna app to navigate the trails. It’s free and reliable. If you manage to get a paper map in Szklarska Poręba, even better.
• Carry an extra pair of socks. Winter hikes have a way of soaking through even the best intentions.

Have a safe and memorable hike to Śnieżne Kotły. If you have questions about the trail, conditions, or planning a winter hike in Karkonosze National Park, feel free to reach out by message or email. If this guide helped, passing it along always means a lot. Stay adventurous.

Further read: 16 Best Places Near Wrocław For Everyone Planning A Quick Escape From The City

FAQs – Śnieżne Kotły winter hike

1: Is Śnieżne Kotły a difficult winter hike?
Śnieżne Kotły is a moderate winter hike, but weather changes fast at altitude. In snowy or icy conditions, experience, proper footwear, and caution near cliff edges are essential.

2: Do I need special equipment for hiking Śnieżne Kotły in winter?
Winter boots with good grip are non-negotiable. Depending on conditions, microspikes and trekking poles are strongly recommended.

3: Is Śnieżne Kotły suitable for beginners?
In summer, yes. In winter, it is better suited to hikers with some mountain experience.

4: How long does the hike to Śnieżne Kotły take?
From Szklarska Poręba, the round trip usually takes 5-6 hours, depending on snow conditions and pace.

5: Is Śnieżne Kotły inside Karkonosze National Park?
Yes. The trail lies within Karkonosze National Park, and standard park rules apply throughout the hike.