Śnieżnik

Śnieżnik (Czech: Králický Sněžník) is a mountain in the Eastern Sudetes on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic. At roughly 1,423 metres above sea level, it is the highest peak of the Králický Sněžník Mountains, also known as the Śnieżnik Massif. The state border runs over the summit, so the same peak can be climbed from two countries.

Where is Śnieżnik?

The mountain rises above the Kłodzko Valley, in the Sudetes range on the Polish-Czech frontier. The summit lies at approximately 50.21° N, 16.85° E. Geographically it is described as a peak of the Eastern Sudetes and the high point of the massif that bears its name.

How high is Śnieżnik?

Sources give slightly different figures. Polish sources often quote 1,425 m, Czech maps show 1,424 m, and other sources give 1,423 m. The gap comes from different surveys and maps, not from a different mountain. Whatever the figure, it is among the highest summits of the Polish Sudetes and a clear landmark of the area.

What is the history of the summit tower?

A tall lookout tower once stood on top. It was officially opened in 1899 and stood about 33 metres high. A comfortable road leading to the summit from the Hala pod Śnieżnikiem meadow was built at the same time. The main attraction was a panoramic viewing platform at around 30 metres, which offered a wide view of the surrounding ranges.

After the war the tower's technical condition kept deteriorating. That decline became the reason for the decision to demolish it, carried out in 1973. For decades the summit had no tower. In 2022 a new lookout tower was installed on the mountain, giving visitors an elevated view of the panorama again.

How to plan a trip to Śnieżnik

The Śnieżnik Massif is a popular destination for mountain walks, and mountain hostels operate in the area. The ascent is often combined with routes through Hala pod Śnieżnikiem, the same approach once used by the historic road to the tower built at the end of the 19th century. Cyclists use the area too, with bike routes laid out around the massif.

Because the peak sits on the border, you can plan a hike from the Polish or the Czech side and, in good conditions, cross to the other side of the ridge. Bring clothing for changeable weather. At over 1,400 m in the Sudetes, it is noticeably cooler than in the Kłodzko Valley below.

Frequently asked questions

Is Śnieżnik in Poland or the Czech Republic? On the border between the two. You can visit the summit from either side.

How high is Śnieżnik? Most often 1,423 m above sea level, though Polish sources also give 1,425 m and Czech maps 1,424 m.

Is there a lookout tower on Śnieżnik? Yes. A new tower was installed on the summit in 2022. The previous one, opened in 1899, was demolished in 1973.

Which mountain range does Śnieżnik belong to? The Eastern Sudetes, as the highest peak of the Śnieżnik Massif.

What is Śnieżnik called in Czech? Králický Sněžník.

Is Śnieżnik suitable for a day trip? Yes. The massif has a network of trails and hostels, and the approach from Hala pod Śnieżnikiem is the classic route to the summit.