Goworek

Goworek is a 1,320-metre peak in the Śnieżnik Massif, part of the Eastern Sudetes, sitting right on the Polish-Czech border near the village of Nowa Wieś. It doesn't rank among the region's headline summits, but for hikers tackling this stretch of the Sudetes it's a natural stop on a longer ridge route linking several distinctive peaks of the massif.

Where exactly is Goworek?

The peak sits directly next to Mały Śnieżnik, just 0.6 km to the northeast — the two are close enough, and share enough of a ridge, that they're often described as twin summits. About 2 km to the south rises Puchacz, while Średniak lies 2.8 km to the north. This whole section of ridge belongs to the Śnieżnik Massif, which forms the highest part of the Eastern Sudetes and straddles the Polish-Czech border.

What is the summit made of?

Goworek is built from gneiss belonging to the Lądek-Śnieżnik metamorphic complex — old metamorphic rock typical of this part of the Sudetes. The summit and its immediate surroundings are covered by a felsenmeer, a boulder field of loose rock debris with no continuous forest cover. That gives the place a raw, high-mountain character that's uncommon in the lower reaches of the Sudetes.

What can you see from the top?

Thanks to the open, rocky terrain, Goworek is considered a good viewpoint. From the summit you get a panorama that takes in both the Polish and the Czech (Moravian) side of the massif — the view across neighbouring ridges and valleys on both sides of the border is one of the main reasons to make the climb.

How do you get to Goworek?

A marked trail crosses the summit, and most hikers walk it as part of a longer ridge route taking in neighbouring peaks — Mały Śnieżnik, Puchacz, and onward toward Trójmorski Wierch. The approach from the south is described as long, steep and tiring, though it's rewarded with attractive views along the way. Most hikers start out from around Nowa Wieś, from where trails lead up into the massif.

When is the best time to visit?

Because of the boulder field and the exposed, rocky ground, summer and early autumn are the best times to hike here — the trail is dry and visibility favours the panorama. In spring, or after rain, the loose rock can get slippery, so it's worth picking a dry day and wearing solid trekking footwear.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Goworek? Goworek reaches 1,320 metres above sea level, making it one of the higher summits in the Polish part of the Śnieżnik Massif.

Is Goworek a separate peak or part of Mały Śnieżnik? It's a distinct summit, though its proximity (0.6 km) and shared ridge with Mały Śnieżnik have earned it the "twin peak" description.

Is there a marked trail to the top? Yes — a marked hiking trail crosses the summit, letting hikers combine Goworek with neighbouring peaks such as Puchacz and Trójmorski Wierch.

What should you know before setting out? The approach, especially from the south, is demanding — long and steep, crossing a boulder field. Plan enough time and pick good weather, since the panorama is the main reason to come here.