Podgorzyn: Hiking, Ponds and Tram History

In Podgorzyn, hiking trails, cycling routes, a historic tramcar and striking landscape features come together. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different durations of the hikes and the paths that can be used on foot or by bike. Podgórzyn is a good starting point for hikes and cycling tours in the Karkonosze; the routes vary in their starting points, destinations and duration.

Hikes by duration

The black hiking trail starts in Podgórzyn Górny at Tramwaj przy Skałce and leads via Zachełmie to Chojnik Castle; the hike takes about 1.5 hours. The blue hiking trail starts in Podgórzyn at Tramwaj pod Skałką, runs via Przesieka to Przełęcz Karkonoska and takes about 3.5 hours. It is possible to continue towards Śnieżka or Wielki Szyszak. Another blue route starts in Podgórzyn Dolny, leads via Zachełmie and Jagniątków to Czarna Przełęcz and takes about five hours.

The approximate times help you compare the length of the tours: the route to Chojnik Castle is the shortest of the three, while the trail to Czarna Przełęcz, at about five hours, is the longest. The tour to Przełęcz Karkonoska is in between; from there, it is possible to continue towards Śnieżka or Wielki Szyszak. Route conditions can change, so check the conditions on your chosen trail before setting out.

The starting points also differ: the routes start in Podgórzyn Górny at Tramwaj przy Skałce, at Tramwaj pod Skałką, and in Podgórzyn Dolny. Plan your trip according to the starting point of the particular route, not just the trail colour.

Ponds, an oak avenue and a rock fissure

On the outskirts of Podgórzyn lie the Stawy Podgórzyńskie, a picturesque complex of 22 fishponds. The ponds form a landscape attraction in their own right, alongside hiking trails whose destinations and durations vary considerably.

Aleja Dębowa is a walking path lined with a row of more than a hundred-year-old oak trees. It also connects Dolny Podgórzyn and Cieplice as a route for pedestrians and cyclists. This is another specific route option, distinct from the longer hikes to the pass, the castle or Czarna Przełęcz.

Rozpadlisko Skalne is also located near Podgórzyn. The narrow rock fissure is 30 metres long and lies between stone walls several metres high.

Tram history at Pod Skałką

On the outskirts of Podgórzyn, at Pod Skałką, a historic tramcar stands at the former terminus of the Cieplice–Podgórzyn tram line. It recalls the former line, which was decommissioned in 1964. The tramcar is a Type 5N, manufactured by Konstal in Chorzów in 1960. The year the tramcar was built and the year the line was decommissioned refer to two separate events: the vehicle was built in 1960, and tram services ended in 1964. The site thus connects a specific technical detail with the town’s transport history.

Discover more destinations: Mysłakowice, Miedzianka, Trzcińsko, Staniszów, Gruszków, Zachełmie, Przesieka, Dziwiszów

For the main travel overview: Jeleniogórski.