The trail of M. Orłowicza - The Main Sudety Trail is a very popular tourist trail marked in red. The trail stretches through the entire Sudety Mountains. It is the second longest trail in the Polish mountains after the Main Beskid Trail. It has about 440 km. In a record time of 82 hours and 46 minutes, it was beaten by ultra marathon runner Rafał Bielawa. However, an ordinary tourist needs much more time for this. According to the information contained in the guidebooks, it is worth booking about 120 hours for the trail, which translates into 14 days of peaceful hiking.
Trail history
The originator of the trail was Mieczysław Orłowicz, an outstanding tourist activist and touring expert. The idea to mark the trail appeared in 1947. The purpose of its creation was to enable the passage of most mountain ranges and reaching the most interesting peaks of the Sudetes. Unfortunately, the trail bypassed Śnieżka and Śnieżnik, due to the fact that they were located in the then border zone, which was then extremely carefully guarded.
The trail was extended in 2009, long after the death of its originator.
How to attack the Main Sudety Trail?
Over the years, the course of the trail has been slightly modified. Currently, the journey begins in the Izerskie Mountains in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, specifically in Świeradów-Zdrój, and leads as far as Prudnik in the Opawskie Mountains in the Opole Voivodeship. The trail of M. Orłowicz - Main Sudety Trail can be traveled in both directions.
There are numerous attractions and tourist shelters along the route. There are also many asphalt sections. The whole trail is not difficult, but it is worth having the condition of a long-distance runner to complete it. The most interesting attractions that pass along the way are Kamieńczyk waterfall, Zloty Stok Gold Mine and Silver Mountain Fortress.
The trail of M. Orłowicz - Main Sudety Trail - badge
PTTK has established a special tourist badge for people who complete the route in less than 18 days. Anyone who wants to obtain a badge should show stamps in the GOT PTTK book as confirmation of passing.
Access from Dwór Korona Karkonosze
Good to know:
How long does it take to walk the Main Sudetes Trail?
Although there are no difficult ascents on the route, it is worth planning your daily runs well. After all, we have 440 km to cover. For physically fit people, it should not take longer than 14-18 days.
When is the best time to cover the trail?
The optimal conditions for walking the trail are in the spring and summer. So it's good to plan your trip between May and September. Especially if you are not seasoned in mountain hiking.