Góry Stołowe, PNGS

Szczeliniec & The Sculpture Trail

Distance9.2 km
Elevation gain376 m
DifficultyMedium
Estimated time2 h 28 min
Chains: NoTechnical: No

Overview

This is the long Table Mountains traverse: Karłów up through Szczeliniec's stairs and maze, then down the far side to pastoral Osada Pasterka, hostel atmosphere, Czech-border viewpoints, and the themed Ścieżka Skalnej Rzeźby with natural sandstone sculpture.

Logistics are point-to-point—you finish far from Karłów, so buses or a pickup toward Radków are part of the plan. Ice in shade and maze rules for dogs mirror the shorter summit hike.

Choose it when you want the full sandstone narrative—village hub, aerial maze, quiet border hamlet, and eroded rock art trail—in one sustained day rather than a there-and-back stair workout.

Points of interest

  • Karłów — The main mountain village and trailhead hub.
  • Schronisko na Szczelińcu — A historic wooden hut built directly on the cliff edge.
  • Fotel Pradziada — The highest rocky point (919 m) of the entire range.
  • Panoramic Terraces — Viewing platforms with vistas reaching the Karkonosze range.
  • Piekiełko — A narrow, 17-meter deep crack where ice can linger until June.
  • Osada Pasterka — A legendary "cult" mountain village at the Czech border.
  • Schronisko Pasterka — An atmospheric mountain hostel known for its unique spirit.
  • Widawa Viewpoint — A panoramic spot on the descent with views toward Czechia.
  • Ścieżka Skalnej Rzeźby — A themed trail section with naturally eroded sandstone formations.

Trail alerts

  • Point-to-Point Logistics: The trail ends far from the start. Arrange transport or use local buses from Radków back to Karłów.
  • Off-Season (Nov–Apr): Ticket offices are closed, but entry is "at your own risk" as technical infrastructure is not maintained.
  • Ice Hazard: Shaded forest segments and stairs remain dangerously icy through May.
  • Maze Rules Apply: Dogs are allowed on the traverse (leashed), but strictly FORBIDDEN inside the Szczeliniec maze area.

Trail character

  • Surface: Stone stairs, narrow rock passages, and long forest trails with roots.
  • Accessibility: Strictly no strollers due to high steps and narrow rock crevices.

Access & rules

  • Parking: Multiple paid parking lots in Karłów. Finish near Radków.
  • Official Info: Park Narodowy Gór Stołowych (PNGS) — Trail availability and maze rules.
  • National Park Rules: Dogs must be on a leash. Admission fee for the maze applies in season.
  • Sunset Rule: Trails close from dusk to dawn to protect park wildlife.

More routes nearby

  • Szczeliniec Wielki: The Rocky Throne
  • Skalny Stół: The Sentinel of Śnieżka

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