A hidden scenic spot in Poland! An extraordinary experience in the Stołowe Mountains

Park Narodowy Gór Stołowych is located in southwestern Poland, along the border with the Czech Republic.

The biggest attraction is a mysterious, hidden scenic spot in Poland called the "Rock Labyrinth," which spreads out on the summit at an altitude of 919 meters .

The rock formations that nature has created over the years are truly works of art. Mushroom and gorilla shaped rocks are lined up like a maze , making you feel like you're in the world of Dragon Quest.

This is a hidden gem that is definitely worth visiting for anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors during their trip to Poland.

Introduction: What are the Stołowe Mountains?

The Stołowe Mountains are a special place with a landscape of "Table mountains" that is rare even in Europe .

It is also known as one of the filming locations for the movie " The Chronicles of Narnia ," and is popular as a spot where you can experience an atmosphere straight out of the movie world.

Director Andrew Adamson was so fascinated by the "labyrinth of rocks" that he built a replica of the landscape in a studio in New Zealand for the first film, and then filmed it on location for the second movie.

Poland's hidden gem: Highlights of the Stołowe Mountains trek

There are several sights to see, but since it's not a high mountain you should be able to see everything in one climb.

The trek we did was quite long at 20km, but it was a beginner-friendly trek that could be enjoyed without any prior experience or equipment .

There is a bus that runs from the town of Kudowa-Zdroj to the hiking trail, so if you use the bus the distance will be shorter.

①The adventure begins in a chapel full of skeletons.

The starting point, the town of Kudowa-Zdroj, is home to the Czermna Bone Chapel , with 3,000 skulls and other bones set into the walls and ceilings .

The Cenotaph was built in 1776 by Czech priest Waclav Tomaszek .

The chapel contains approximately 3,000 skulls and bones from people who died in 18th century wars and from cholera, set into the walls and ceiling, and the remains of between 20,000 and 30,000 people are stored beneath the floor.

For about eight years until 1784, Father Tomaszek collected the bodies that had been scattered in simple burials during the floods, disinfected them, and interred them here.

This ossuary teaches us the transience of life, as many people and soldiers from the battlefield are buried there, regardless of whether they are friend or foe.

Unfortunately it was closed the day we visited.

2. Błędne Skały – rock labyrinth

まるでドラクエの世界

This area is a maze of giant rocks that will make you feel as if you have wandered into another world.

The thrilling trail that passes through narrow gaps in the rocks is truly adventurous!

There are some places where you have to go through narrow roads that you might get stuck in if you are carrying a lot of luggage. I don't recommend this for people who are claustrophobic.

The trail is full of adventure and fun! Many people come with their children, so it's suitable for beginners too.

2. Szczeliniec Wielki – Spectacular views from the summit

Gorilla-like

This is the highest peak in the Stołowe Mountains ( 919m above sea level), and is a popular observation spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view . The trail to the top is well-maintained, making it an easy route even for beginners.

The viewpoint deck is small.

Access to the Stołowe Mountains

We will introduce how to get to the town from the nearest city, Kudowa-Zdrój, which is the base for sightseeing, as well as from Warsaw and Krakow.

Nearest city: Kudowa-Zdrój

By bus : from the bus station in Kudowa Zdroj there are buses to Błędne Skały and Szczeliniec Wielki (journey time: approx. 20-30 minutes).

Taxi : Approximately 15 minutes from town to the trailhead

• Hiking : Accessible on foot from the village at the foot of the mountain (approximately 1 hour one way)

Access from Warsaw and Krakow

Train + Bus

From Warsaw or Krakow, the most common way to get there is to take a train to a nearby city and then a bus or taxi from there.

From Warsaw : Warsaw Central Station → Wrocław Główny Station (journey time: approx. 3.5 hours) → bus or train to Kudowa-Zdroj.

From Krakow : Krakow Central Station → Kłodzko Station (journey time: approximately 3 hours) → bus or train to Kudowa-Zdroj.

We recommend purchasing and reserving tickets with PKP InterCity to Wroclaw and Kłodzko.

I have also put together a video of the trekking in the Stołowe Mountains, so please feel free to check it out!