Do you think you know the Śnieżnik Massif? Have you skied its slopes in winter and discovered the charming corners of famous resorts in the area? It's true, these mountains hide many famous and popular places. But do you know that The Śnieżnik massif also hides secrets, which not everyone has heard of? Prepare to be surprised! Discover 5 things about the Śnieżnik Massif that will make you want to come back for more.
Before man set foot in the Śnieżnik Massif, its caves were inhabited by other creatures. The Bear Cave in Kletno it's real time capsule, where traces of ancient inhabitants have been preserved. During the tour you will discover impressive rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, as well as traces of ancient cave inhabitants. Among the most valuable finds are petrified bones extinct animals, including the cave bear, cave lion, mammoth and reindeer, which are thousands of years old. This is an unforgettable journey back in time to the Pleistocene era!
Międzygórze, called Little Switzerland, enchants with its picturesque architecture (e.g. over 100-year-old villas and guesthouses) in the Tyrolean style. The town owes its unique architecture to the Dutch princess Marianne of Orange, who in 1840 transformed the then village into a charming summer resort. Walking through the center of Międzygórze, you can feel like you're in a fairy tale; you can admire the atmosphere of a bygone era and admire beautiful buildings, such as the Gigant sanatorium or the Sarenka guesthouse. But Międzygórze is not only about architectural gems. Here you will also find one of the highest waterfalls in the Sudetes – Wilczki, which cascades from 22 meters like a silver ribbon.
On the steep mountain slopes you can see Tatra chamois – endangered, wild, majestic animals that have become a symbol of this region. Above the tree line stretch dense thickets of dwarf coniferous trees with twisted branches that give the landscape a raw but incredibly charming character.
Climbing to the top of Śnieżnik, the highest point of the Massif (1425 m above sea level), you will feel like you are on the roof of the world. From its peak, there are breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. In good weather, you can see not only the nearby peaks of the Sudetes, such as Czarna Góra or Płaczka, but also distant ranges of the Karkonosze, the Table Mountains and even the Tatra Mountains. The new observation tower, which began construction in 2020, makes it even easier to admire this breathtaking panorama. It is also worth paying attention to the sources of the Morava River, which can be reached by following the red-yellow trail on the Czech side of the border. The waters of this 352-kilometer-long river eventually flow into the Danube and carry all the way to the Black Sea.
The Śnieżnik Massif is also a place with a fascinating history. Here, three historical lands meet - Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, which once formed an integral part part of the Czech Crown. A permanent state border appeared in this region only in the second half of the 18th century, when Silesia was won by Prussia. Later, Germany bordered here successively with Austria, Austria-Hungary and Czechoslovakia, and in the years 1938-1945 the border disappeared when the entire Sudetes were incorporated into the Third Reich. Since 1945, Lower Silesia has been hosted by Poland. This historic tripoint gives the Śnieżnik Massif a unique character and makes it possible to feel the spirit of the history of Central Europe while hiking in these mountains.
The Śnieżnik Massif is not only picturesque trails and impressive views, but also a place rich in history, unique species of animals and plants, fascinating natural phenomena and numerous attractions region. By learning these 5 things about the Śnieżnik Massif, you will gain a broader perspective and will certainly feel encouraged to further explore this extraordinary region. Remember that the mountains can enchant anyone who opens themselves to their beauty and secrets.
