Schneekoppe – Sněžka – Śnieżka

Highest point in the Karkonosze Mountains! My hike to the top was quite an experience, and I highly recommend a visit to Sniezka!
I started my day-​long trek to the top quite early in Trzecinsko, and reached the summit of Skalny Stol first. Based on other reviews, I was expecting a highly-​touristed area, but was pleasantly surprised to have the «real» mountain experience on the yellow trail coming from Kowary. It was quite remote and I didn’t see people hiking until I neared the top of Skalny Stol.
From here, I was able to hike through the Czech Republic for a short time, reaching some of the other peaks as well as the Czech Schronisko «Jelenka». It was in this area that the trail widened and it became obviously more touristy. I was no longer alone, and after the morning I had, it was nice to be around civilization again.
Sniezka is not a beautiful mountain to be honest. It’s rocky, alpine environment is stark. The weather is often not great for views, and let’s be honest, that disc-​shaped building is quite ugly. BUT… it is quite an accomplishment if you reach the top. And the views even on a grey and misty day are still impressive.
Inside the building you can grab a meal (albeit expensive), use the toilet, and relax a bit. I spent eight hours hiking before reaching the top, and I was willing to pay every penny to use the washroom, eat some hot food, and drink a powerade. But yes, it was a bit pricey.
I descended on the west side of the mountain and headed for Karpacz. The wind on this side is ferocious, so I highly recommend bringing a decent jacket. I was happy I invested in a North Face Jacket prior to my hike. I got a deal on it in Poland, but even still it was worth every penny for coming down the side of that mountain.
While I am not the most advanced or skilled hiker, I am not a novice either. I would caution you that the descent from Sniezka could be quite difficult on rainy days. The trail is rocky, and they become quite slippery. Make sure you have good trail shoes! And don’t count on the lift being in operation. I had hoped to use the lift to come down, but it shut down on Friday afternoon.
All in all, Sniezka is a great place to hike to. It is a challenge, but not too challenging. It was on my bucket list, and now I am happy to cross it off! I might even hike it again!