Szklarka Waterfall

Szklarka Waterfall is the second-highest waterfall in the Polish Karkonosze (Giant Mountains), just after the Kamieńczyk Waterfall. The German name Kochelfall has survived in older descriptions of the region. The cascade is 13.3 metres high and lies at 525 metres above sea level, within the administrative boundaries of Piechowice.

How the water falls

The water flows down in a wide cascade that characteristically narrows towards the bottom and turns in a spiral, forming a plunge pool at its base. On the left side of the waterfall you can see potholes, hollows carved into the rock by swirling water.

History of the site

The first descriptions of the waterfall date back to the Middle Ages, and by the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries it was already a recognised excursion spot. In 1800 it was visited by John Quincy Adams, later president of the United States. In 1868 an inn was built by the waterfall, from which today's Kochanówka mountain hostel developed. In the 19th century it was also possible to regulate the water flow, as at the neighbouring Kamieńczyk Waterfall.

Karkonosze National Park

The waterfall site forms an enclave of Karkonosze National Park, and entry to this area is paid.

Access and trails

A wide path, also adapted for wheelchair users, leads from the car park to the viewing platform. The waterfall lies on the black circular trail around Szklarska Poręba and on the blue trail from Piechowice to the Pod Łabskim Szczytem mountain hostel.

Nearby

In the area it is worth visiting the "Juna" Earth Museum in Szklarska Poręba, and hikers can continue on to the larger Kamieńczyk Waterfall or towards Chojnik Castle.

Practical information

• Location: an enclave of Karkonosze National Park within the boundaries of Piechowice, 525 metres above sea level.
• Getting there: car park, then a wide path adapted for wheelchairs leading to the viewing platform; the black circular trail around Szklarska Poręba or the blue trail from Piechowice to the Pod Łabskim Szczytem mountain hostel
• What to expect: entry to the national park area is paid, and entry hours are worth checking before a visit