Śnieżnik Kłodzki Nature Reserve

The Śnieżnik Kłodzki nature reserve covers the highest parts of the Śnieżnik Massif in the Eastern Sudetes, within the municipalities of Stronie Śląskie, Międzylesie and Bystrzyca Kłodzka, in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It is a floristic reserve, protecting rare species of mountain plants and insects.

What the reserve protects

The reserve was created to protect rare and protected species of insects and natural plant communities, including mountain vegetation with Carpathian elements. Among the species growing here are the short-spurred fragrant orchid, the Sudetes violet and the tall primrose, considered a global endemic. The higher-lying parts are covered by upper-montane spruce forest transitioning into dwarf mountain pine.

Terrain

The reserve's area extends at altitudes from about 1150 to 1425 metres above sea level. The peaks are built of Śnieżnik granite gneisses. This is the only elevation in the Polish part of the Eastern Sudetes that rises above the upper tree line.

History of protection

The first protection of this area was introduced as early as 1938, over an area of 450 hectares. The reserve in its present form was reactivated in 1965, initially over 181 hectares, and its area was enlarged in 2012 to almost 193 hectares.

Practical information

• The reserve lies within the municipalities of Stronie Śląskie, Międzylesie and Bystrzyca Kłodzka, in the Śnieżnik Massif.
• It covers the highest parts of the massif, with the highest peak of the Eastern Sudetes, described separately as Śnieżnik.
• Nearby there is also the observation tower on Śnieżnik and the Bear Cave.
• This is a protected area because of its rare plants and insects, so it's worth keeping to the marked trails.