Although September and October can be capricious, it is precisely then that the mountains reveal their other face. Trails empty, mornings smell of cool air, and forests blaze with shades of red, copper, and gold. It is a moment when every step reminds us that nature lives by its own rhythm, independent of us, and we participate in the spectacle.
In Szklarska Poręba, this season has something truly special. There are no summer crowds, queues to mountain huts are shorter, and places that are crowded in July and August return to their natural pace in autumn.
Autumn is the perfect opportunity to feel the true beauty of the Karkonosze and Izery Mountains – unhurried, with space to admire the landscapes and moments of reflection. That is why for many tourists, September and October are the best times for mountain hiking – the air is fresh, and visibility is better than in summer. The panorama from the mountain peaks can stretch for many kilometers, giving a sense of communion with something truly greater than ourselves.
And when we have soaked in the calm of the autumn town and feel the mountains calling stronger, it’s worth setting out on one of the most famous trails in the area – the one leading to Szrenica.
To Szrenica – a classic of the Karkonosze in autumn
Szrenica is a symbol of Szklarska Poręba, towering over the town and visible from almost every place in the area. Climbing the 1362 m above sea level peak in autumn becomes especially satisfying.
The red trail, starting from the town center, first leads through forest paths scented with pine needles, then climbs higher and higher. Along the way awaits one of the most spectacular spots in the whole Karkonosze – Kamieńczyk Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the Polish Sudetes, whose cascades drop from 27 meters into a picturesque gorge. In autumn, the waterfall's surroundings drown in gold and red, making the view breathtaking.
The higher you go, the landscape becomes a bit more rugged. The forest gives way to mountain pine and rocky paths, and with altitude, an increasingly wide panorama opens up. Before the summit, it’s worth taking a break at Szrenicka Clearing, where autumn heaths and vast meadows create a landscape almost like from paintings.
Above, we enter the black trail to Szrenica, because at the summit awaits a reward – a view that in the autumn sun seems even clearer and full of contrasts. One can see the Jelenia Góra Valley, Izery Mountains, and on a clear day also Czech mountain ranges.
Those who want to extend their mountain adventure can return from Szrenica to the red trail and continue on it as far as the Snowy Cirques – one of the most spectacular places in the entire Karkonosze. Steep, rocky walls that form picturesque glacial cirques make an incredible impression. From there, follow the yellow trail down directly to Szklarska Poręba.
However, it is worth considering the length of the day, physical condition, and our capabilities, as such a route requires more. If you don't feel up to it or are limited by time, form, or simply health, there is always a comfortable alternative – a cable car descent from Szrenica back to the town.
Walk or ride? Different ways to Szrenica
Not everyone has to reach the peak on foot – a cable car runs from the center of Szklarska Poręba, taking tourists almost to the top within minutes. This is an excellent solution for families with children, elderly people, or simply those who prefer to save energy for flat walks. In such a case, consider descending on foot – for example, via the red trail through Szrenicka Clearing.
If you want to expand your tourist horizons, hiking in the Izery Mountains is a great proposal.
Izery hikes – through Orle and Polana Izerska to the Mountainers' Hut
If the Karkonosze can be demanding, then the Izery Mountains are their calmer counterpart – gentler, more accessible, and therefore perfect for long walks without hurry.
Many excursions start from Polana Jakuszycka, known as a cross-country skiing center but in autumn becomes a quiet base for walkers and cyclists. It's conveniently reachable by train from Szklarska Poręba, which means you don’t need to worry about a car and can end the trip in a different place from where you started.
From here, the yellow trail leads towards the forest, where after several dozen minutes of walking it joins with the green one. This section takes you to the atmospheric Orle Shelter, located in former glassworks buildings. It's a great spot for a short rest – a piece of history hidden in the middle of the forest.
The further path follows the red trail along the Izera River, which meanders calmly among autumn meadows and peat bogs. On both sides stretches an unusual landscape, at times reminiscent of Scandinavian tundras. Soon, the path opens onto the vast Polana Izerska, from where it's just a step to the Mountainers' Hut – a shelter famous for its blueberry pancakes, which after a long hike taste exceptionally good, especially if eaten outside, lying on the grass and admiring the wonderful panorama.
For the return, there are two convenient options. The first is to descend the blue trail all the way to Szklarska Poręba, allowing you to finish the route in town. The shorter one – for those wanting to return to the starting point – follows the blue and then the green trail back to Polana Jakuszycka. Both options have their charm and allow you to view the mountains from a different perspective.
After intense hikes, it's good to slow down and immerse yourself in a completely different world – a world of minerals, crystals, and fossils.
Mineralogical Museum – colors locked in stone
The Mineralogical Museum in Szklarska Poręba is one of the largest of its kind in Poland. In its halls, nearly 2,500 specimens await: minerals and fossils from various parts of the world. It is a true journey through millions of years of Earth's history – from tiny crystals and colorful agates to impressive forms shaped by nature. Among the collection, one stands out – the Gibeon meteorite, a fragment from space that fell to earth and can now be admired up close.
An extraordinary part of the exhibition is also what lies outside the building. In front of the entrance stretches the only Karbon Forest in Europe – a group of fossilized trunks of the Dadoxylon tree, which grew about 300 million years ago.
The museum's location is also significant – in the center of Szklarska Poręba, close to main streets and cafés, allowing you to combine your visit with a short walk through the town.
Autumn in the mountains
Szklarska Poręba is a place that combines activity and relaxation, nature and culture. Climbing Szrenica allows you to see the world from a different perspective, Izery trails let you immerse in silence and peace, and the Mineralogical Museum reminds us that beauty can be found even in the smallest details locked in stone.
Autumn in the mountains will stay with us for a long time – in photos, the scent of the autumn forest, the taste of blueberry pancakes at the Mountainers' Hut, but above all – in memory. Perhaps that is why September and October in Szklarska Poręba are so special – they allow you to see and feel more than you expect.
Author of the post: Daria Bałdyga
