Szklarki waterfall – Karkonosze (also) with kids

Today a suggestion for a very easy, short and pleasant trail. Because when going to the mountains, you don’t necessarily have to immediately throw yourself into the long haul, even less so with toddlers on board. Here bYou can easily manage with a baby stroller, although we encourage you to approach the Szklarka Waterfall by a slightly longer route.

You can go to the mountains with your child. However, set yourself up for a slightly different way of walking in the mountains. If you are traveling with a baby who is not yet walking, or a toddler who is already walking but gets tired after a few meters, there are two options: either carry the baby (in a sling, carrier) or carry him in a stroller. If he is already walking, the options are also two: either he runs away from you in every direction, or he stops at every pebble he encounters…. ;-) yes, walking in the mountains with a child is definitely different, but with this we have time to focus not on the goal, but on the road itself.

And choosing a road or trail can be complicated and difficult. If you’re assuming stroller riding, a decent stroller for off-road trails will come in handy. It’s worth doing some research, checking and asking a few people about wheelchair-accessible routes, because there are some, you just need to know exactly how to get to them.

Going to Szklarska Poreba, we were just hoping to ride the cart more. We took our venerable old Hartan, which took up half the trunk, to set off with it on the pre-planned trails. Unfortunately, something always got in our way and, in the end, we used the sling more than the stroller (this one came in most handy when we went to breakfast at the hotel ;) ).

However, we managed to find a trail that was short, easy, pleasant and, moreover, accessible by stroller – the trail to Szklarka Waterfall, the second largest waterfall in the Polish Karkonosze Mountains. The waterfall itself can be reached from two directions: from the parking lot by the road, in front of Szklarska Poreba, or by walking from Szklarska Poreba, whereby from the city side it is better to leave the stroller in the hotel or car. In general: you are going with a toddler in a stroller, go from the parking lot, and if you are going with a toddler who will march a little or you are not intimidated by carrying in a sling/sling/carrier/barge/back then start from Szklarska Poreba.

Route to the Szklarki waterfall

We’re not terrible at carrying so we set off from our hotel(Blue Mountain Resort) on foot straight to Szklarka Waterfall. Toddler in a sling, older (3 years old) on his own feet.

Initially, the route follows a wider, paved road. It is strongly downhill, a little uphill all the way to the Walloon Cottage. After passing it and entering the forest, the road is increasingly less stroller-friendly. It leads downhill, and although it is not a severely sharp descent, there are quite a few roots and holes. Along the way, we passed a few daredevils who went with strollers, but rather did not enjoy riding this route and gave up.

Once you get down to the level of the Szklarka River, it’s flatter and a little wider again. The route continues along Szklarka, and there are still stairs on the way, behind which is the aforementioned waterfall and the Kochanówka shelter.

The route took us about an hour and a half one way, and an hour the other way. Towards the waterfall we walked slowly, picking up sticks, pebbles, stopping every now and then ;-) Overall the route super for kids, easy and fun.

As for the trail leading from the parking lot, it is even easier and more convenient here. You will spot the parking lot without a problem: going to Szklarska Poreba from Jelenia Gora, the parking lot will be on the left side. Look for a parking lot with stalls and souvenirs ;) From here it will take about 15 minutes to get to the waterfall (without children ;) ).

The trail is wide, gentle, even paved in parts. It is worth noting that this is a nature trail, and along the way there are plaques installed with information about the surrounding nature.

Ticket control!

Remember that the Szklarka Waterfall is located within the Karkonosze National Park, which means that you have to pay a fee to enter the park. You either pay at the employee who stands at the park boundary, or with your phone by scanning the QR code on the placard. Pay special attention to it, because in the heat of battle/play with the child it can be overlooked :-)

Ticket prices: PLN 8 – normal ticket, PLN 4 – reduced ticket (all-day).

And it could have been so beautiful…

The waterfall is beautiful, but the immediate surroundings are less so. We understand a hostel, a restaurant, something to drink. Even ice cream ;-) We will even understand a stall with local products, souvenirs. But unfortunately, right next to the waterfall there are stalls full of pink, candles, mascots, handbags, and “made in china” souvenirs! It definitely takes away from the charm of the place….

In addition, we do not understand one more thing…. what must one have in one’s head to disregard bans and climb slippery and dangerous stones with a child in arms (!) to take a better picture!? Seriously, there are these barriers and signs for something! During just 10 minutes, the ban was broken with 5 people and without hesitation went under the barriers and jumped on the stones. Please be careful, as this could end in tragedy.

Summary

Szklarka Waterfall is a great option for families with children, or people who don’t want to fly to longer and more difficult routes right away. The road is easy and pleasant, just in time for a start and a warm-up before future trips to the mountains.

…also with children ;-)