The Main Sudeten Trail - an extraordinary route through the heart of the Sudetes
The Main Sudeten Trail allows you to climb several peaks that are part of the Crown of Polish Mountains, as well as to walk through popular towns in the Sudeten Mountains.
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Główny Szlak Sudecki - GSS
The Main Sudeten Trail (GSS) is a fascinating 440-kilometre route through the most important parts of the Sudeten Mountains. As the longest continuously marked trail in the Sudetes – third only to the Beskid Main Trail and the Rzeszów-Grybów Blue Trail – the MSS is remarkable not only for its length, but also for its extraordinary variety of landscapes and historical accents. Although the trail is relatively new – construction began in the 1940s – it is becoming increasingly popular with long-distance hikers who want to discover less frequented but equally picturesque corners of the Polish Sudetes.
Route and Most Important Stages of the Hike
From the Iizera foothills to the Karkonosze ridges
The GSS trail usually starts in Świeradów-Zdrój, a spa town at the foot of the Iizera Mountains. A short but steep section leads to the shelter on Stóg Izerski, from where the route follows the main ridge of the massif. After descending to Szklarska Poręba, the trail passes the impressive Kamieńczyk Waterfall and Hala Szrenicka – the starting point of a long, spectacular route to Śnieżka, the highest peak in the region (1603 m above sea level).
Crossing the Rudawy, Lubawka and Kamienne Mountains
Continuing north, the route leaves the Polish-Czech border, circles the area of Kowary and then enters the Rudawy Janowickie. In this part of the Sudetes, the mountains become more wooded and the trail takes on a more intimate character – ideal for those who value peace and contact with nature. To the east, the route crosses the depression of the Lubawska Gate, where it is worth stopping at the top of Zadzierna (724 m above sea level) to admire the vast meadows and surrounding hills.
Shortly after Lubawka, the GSS enters the area of the Krucze and Suche Mountains, which form part of the larger Kamienne massif. This section is much more challenging – continuous climbs and descents, such as the ascents to Bukowiec (898m) and Graniczna (846m), can make hot summer days a real challenge. It is therefore advisable to plan this part of the route for later in the day and to spend the night in the cosy Andrzejówka shelter.
History in the underground and hiking along the ridges
The next few kilometres of the GSS lead through gentle descents to Jedlina-Zdrój and up to the Włodarz Massif (811m). Here, turning off along the Black Trail, you can discover the secrets of the underground city of Osówka – a complex of tunnels and subterranean corridors that formed part of the controversial Riese Project during the Second World War. There are many theories and legends about the area, and the history of this region attracts lovers of both mountain hiking and fascinating stories.
After crossing Przełęcz Sokołą, the route makes a short but picturesque climb to the top of Wielka Sowa. The GSS then runs along the main ridge of the Owl Mountains and, near Srebrna Góra, enters the Kłodzko Valley, which begins at the famous Stołowe Mountains. There, among unique rock formations and labyrinths, hikers can admire Szczeliniec – one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region.
From Kłodzko Fields to the Eastern Accents of the Sudetes
After crossing the Błędne Skały, the route passes through the spas of Kudowa-Zdrój and Duszniki-Zdrój, then enters the northern slopes of the Orlickie Mountains and crosses the ridge of the Bystrzyckie Mountains. In this part of the route there is the Spalona Pass and the Jagodna shelter, a place well known for its many travellers. After a long descent to the village of Długopole, the route crosses the flatlands of the Kłodzko Valley, often on asphalt.
As you approach Śnieżnik (1426m), the trail begins to climb. Although it bypasses the summit, the hiker can enjoy a long, flat ridge heading north – until, past Czarna Góra (1205m), there is another long descent to Lądek Zdrój, where the GSS reaches the 1000m mark for the last time.
From Lądek, the route heads north through the picturesque Złote Mountains and the area around Złoty Stok – almost to the border with the Czech Republic. Then the trail turns abruptly eastwards through the flat Sudeten foothills. Despite its monotonous nature, this section surprises with vast fields, meadows, lakes (including Kozielno) and towns such as Paczków and Głuchołazy. The last part of the route is challenging – in the Opawskie Mountains you have to cross a massif that includes the Parkowe Mountains and the border massif of Biskupia Kopa (890 m above sea level). Finally, after a climb of almost 500 metres, the adventure ends at the top, where you can take a break in the shelter before the final descent to Prudnik – a town where a signpost proudly announces that you have covered 440 km of the trail.
Challenges and planning - GSS and your fitness
Although the Main Sudeten Trail requires no technical climbing skills – all the more difficult sections are accessible to a fit walker – the 440km should not be underestimated. Walking the entire route is a challenge that takes 14 to 18 days for a person in good shape. Those planning a longer hike should first test their abilities on shorter trails, such as the Eagle’s Nest Trail, the Little Beskid Trail or the 100-kilometre route linking Szklarska Poręba with Wałbrzych.
Equipment, navigation and logistics - Practical tips
Light luggage and the right equipment
If you are going on a long-distance expedition, the key is to prepare properly – the less you carry, the less stress you put on your joints and muscles. A light backpack with a capacity of 20-25 litres will do, but if you need a bit more space, a 30-40 litre model will work just fine. Trekking poles are also indispensable, as they take the weight off your knees on long descents. At the beginning of the expedition, it is worth taking it easy to get your body used to the effort.
Navigation in the mountains
Navigation on the Main Sudeten Trail is relatively simple – all you need is a compass and a set of paper maps at a scale of 1:30,000 to 1:50,000. It is advisable to take about 8-10 sheets with you so that you can easily find every bend in the trail and nearby landmarks. It is also worth investing in a compact guide to the GSS – this publication not only shows the route in detail, but also contains a wealth of tourist and historical information and practical advice. Although in some places – such as the Prudnik section – the trail is less visible, traditional navigation methods will always allow you to find your way.
Accommodation and logistics
During a long trek in the Sudetes, you do not need to worry about accommodation – along the GSS there are nearly 30 shelters, both PTTK and private, as well as numerous guesthouses. As a result, it is possible to complete the entire route without having to pitch a tent. Even in bad weather, a light tarp will protect you from the cold and rain without weighing down your rucksack.
Best Time and Safety Rules
When to start?
The best time to walk the Main Sudeten Trail is in the summer months – from June to September. Early spring can be dangerous, especially in the Karkonosze, where there are still layers of snow and the risk of avalanches is real. When planning a trek, it is therefore worth checking the current weather conditions and the state of the snow cover to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Safety on the trail
The basis of a successful trip is good navigation and preparation – always carry a map, compass and, if possible, a GPS. Although traditional methods of orientation in the field are reliable, additional electronic equipment can be invaluable on less marked sections, especially where the trail crosses vast open spaces.
Summary - Why is the GSS worth experiencing?
The Main Sudeten Trail is not only a physical challenge, but above all a journey through the incredibly diverse faces of the Sudeten Mountains. From the craggy ridges and rocky labyrinths of the Table Mountains, through the wooded Rudawy Mountains, to the open fields and picturesque basins, each section of the trail reveals new, unique views and stories. Walking the GSS is an excellent choice for both experienced hikers and those who want to try their hand at long-distance expeditions.
Whether you are planning a several-week trek through the heart of the Sudetes, or just want to soak up its extraordinary atmosphere during a shorter trip, the Great Sudeten Trail will provide you with unforgettable experiences, inspiring landscapes and close contact with the history and culture of the region. These are the elements that make each step on the red trail an adventure you will remember for years to come.
So set off on the GSS, pack a light rucksack, check the maps and, above all, allow yourself to discover the Sudetes that hide behind every bend of this amazing route.