Main Sudetic Trail (Główny Szlak Sudecki)

Route overview

The Główny Szlak Sudecki (Main Sudetic Trail), waymarked in red, is one of Poland's classic long-distance mountain trails, running across the Sudetes range along the country's south-western border with the Czech Republic. Maintained by the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK), it links a series of ranges including the Karkonosze (Giant Mountains), the Table Mountains and the Owl Mountains. The trail passes through varied Sudetes terrain, from the granite peaks and glacial cirques of the Karkonosze to the distinctive sandstone rock formations of the Table Mountains (Góry Stołowe). Mountain shelters (schroniska) along the route provide overnight accommodation and meals. Most hikers walk the trail in regional sections rather than as a continuous through-hike, given its length across several distinct mountain groups.

Trail facts

Country

Poland

Region

Sudetes

Distance

c. 440 km

Typical duration

20–24 days

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

c. 12,000 m cumulative

Best season

May–October

Trail type

Point-to-point

Access and logistics

Bookings

PTTK shelters can be booked ahead in peak summer season.

Safety context

Weather on the higher Karkonosze sections can change quickly, with strong winds common on exposed ridges. Standard PTTK trail safety guidance applies.

The trail crosses several distinct mountain groups with varying difficulty; some sections in the Karkonosze are notably more exposed than others.

Highlights

Karkonosze (Giant Mountains) glacial cirques Góry Stołowe sandstone rock formations Owl Mountains ridgelines Polish mountain shelter (schronisko) network

Why find a buddy

Multi-day mountain trail sections through the Sudetes are more enjoyable and secure shared with a partner, particularly in the higher Karkonosze stages.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

Explore and prepare

Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.