Łabski Szczyt

Łabski Szczyt rises on the Main Ridge of the Karkonosze, in the western part of the Śląski Grzbiet, between Szrenica to the west and Śnieżne Kotły to the east. It is one of the characteristic points on the ridge route above Szklarska Poręba.

Height and position among the Karkonosze peaks

The summit reaches 1471 metres above sea level and is the fourth highest peak in the Polish part of the Karkonosze, after Śnieżka, Smogornia and Wielki Szyszak.

The border and national parks

The massif lies within the area of the Karkonosze National Park and the Czech Krkonošský národní park. The Polish-Czech border runs through the sub-summit sections, while the summit itself lies on the Polish side.

Where the name comes from

On the south-western, Czech slope of the summit lies Łabska Polana, where the sources of the Łaba (Elbe) rise. It is from this river, known in Europe as the Elbe, that the peak's name comes. The summit itself is built of Karkonosze granite, and at its top there is a mound of cracked granite rocks.

Access and mountain hostel

Several hiking trails from Szklarska Poręba lead to the area of the summit, and ski areas operate on the slopes. On the northern slope, in the area of Łabski Kocioł, stands the PTTK mountain hostel "Pod Łabskim Szczytem". Łabski Szczyt belongs to the list of peaks of the Crown of Lower Silesian Mountains.

Neighbouring peaks

The ridge can be followed further in both directions: east, towards Śnieżne Kotły, or west, through Wielki Szyszak towards Szrenica. This is part of one of the most scenic ridge routes in the Polish Karkonosze.

Practical information

• Szklarska Poręba is the starting point for trails in the area of Łabski Szczyt.
• Along the way you pass the PTTK mountain hostel "Pod Łabskim Szczytem" on the northern slope, a good place to rest and restock supplies.
• The route runs through the Karkonosze National Park, so hiking is only permitted on marked trails.