Polish–Czech Friendship Trail

The Polish–Czech Friendship Trail (Czech: Cesta česko-polského přátelství, Polish: Droga Przyjaźni Polsko-Czeskiej) is a public walking path in the Giant Mountains.

The start point is located on Szrenica and the end in the Okraj pass / Pomezní boudy; the length of the trail is approx.

Until the Middle Ages, the peak area of Karkonosze remained untouched; the first people to explore it were treasure hunters looking for gold, and shepherds.

This was about the time, when the whole network of roads and trails, altogether ca 300 km, was constructed in both Silesian and Bohemian parts of the mountains.

[3] It was made possible to hike along the border, but it still involved some formalities (e.g. identity card and check-in to a hotel) and the trail was not accessible to tourists outside these two countries.

[4] Trips to the peak of Sněžka were possible only if accompanied by a guide approved by local authorities (including the army and militia).

[4] After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the name changed to Polish-Czech Friendship Trail and the regulations were reduced considerably: the check-points were often left unstaffed and only random inspections on the border were performed.

[6] Being situated in the upper part of the Karkonosze range, the trail's climate is generally more varied and less favourable than in the lower levels.

[9] The path on its whole course stays away from the hardwood forest; with the predominant montane and subalpine vegetation zone; spruce monoculture prevails.

[11] The world of birds is much richer, comprising among others black grouse, Tengmalm's owl, alpine accentor,[12] water pipit, common redpoll, Western Capercaillie.

Covered in granite rocks, it elevates distinctly over other peaks of this part of the range, being the steepest and with the most alpine features.

Finally, the trail falls mildly to reach the Przełęcz Karkonoska, dividing Karkonosze into western and eastern part.

[15] Albeit the quality of tarmac on Polish side is relatively poor, the pass is the goal of mountain bikers.

From there on the way to Śnieżka, the trail traverses the mild peak Smogornia and, leading through the exposed grassy slope with common mountain pine shrubs slowly descends to the standalone rock Słonecznik.

At the mountain hut Śląski Dom, once the border checkpoint, the trail ascends the peak of Śnieżka; the only fragment which involves climbing up the steep slope.

The route falls under the Karkonosze National Park ordinance, according to which, among others, hiking out of the marked trails, shortcuts and rough camping are forbidden[19] and are subjects to fines.