Góry Stołowe National Park

Top choice


The Góry Stołowe (goo-ri sto-wo-veh; Table Mountains) are among the most spectacular ranges of the Sudetes, as they’re topped by a plateau punctuated by fantastic rock formations.

One of the highlights of the 63-sq-km park is Szczeliniec Wielki, its highest outcrop. Both German poet Goethe and the USA's sixth president, John Quincy Adams, walked here and admired the dramatic scenery. From a distance, the plateau looks like a high ridge adorned with pinnacles, rising abruptly from the surrounding fields.

From just beyond Karłów, a small village about 1km south of the plateau, you ascend 682 stone steps, which takes about 40 minutes. From there, the one-hour trail around the summit gives excellent views of both the mountain scenery and the rock formations, before arriving back at its starting point.

About 4km to the west, the Błędne Skały are another impressive feature, comprising hundreds of 'Errant Rocks', some up to 11m in diameter. They were deposited by glaciers in vaguely geometric shapes, forming a vast stone labyrinth. A sometimes very narrow trail runs between the rocks.

To get to Karłów, catch a privately run minibus from Kudowa-Zdrój (8zł, 20 minutes). Alternatively, take one of the frequent buses from Kudowa-Zdrój to Polanica-Zdrój (9zł, 35 minutes, half-hourly), from where there are three daily buses to Karłów (10zł, 50 minutes).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Table Mountains National Park Ecocentre

4.41 MILES

This enthusiastically run centre brings the ecology of the Góry Stołowe National Park to life through a variety of interesting displays and a film that…

2. Chapel of Skulls

4.51 MILES

You can’t miss this macabre chapel in the Church of St Bartholomew’s grounds at Czermna, 2km north of Kudowa’s town centre. The length of its walls and…

3. Toy Museum

4.6 MILES

Opposite the spa park and back from the main street, this small museum with interesting displays of historical toys is a good place to while away a wet…

4. Kłodzko Regional Museum

13.82 MILES

Kłodzko's museum, 50m west of the parish church, has displays relating to the 1000-year history of the town and the region, plus a collection of…

5. Parish Church

13.88 MILES

This church, southwest of the Rynek and dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, is the most imposing religious building in town. It took almost 150 years…

6. Kłodzko Fortress

13.88 MILES

This mighty fortification, begun under Austrian rule in the mid-17th century on the site of former strongholds dating to the 10th century, was extended…

7. Underground Tourist Route

13.89 MILES

This interesting set of tunnels dates in parts to the 13th century. The 600m route, enlivened by audiovisual exhibits, links cellars, warehouses for…

8. Rynek

13.92 MILES

Below the town's fortress is the market square, officially titled Plac Bolesława Chrobrego. Several pastel-coloured houses on its southern side have…