The Crown of the Polish Mountains has 28 highest mountain peaks of each range in Poland, one of them is Szczeliniec Wielki - the highest peak of the Stołowe Mountains, which is 922 m above sea level. The mountain is located in the area of the Stołowe Mountains National Park.
Szczeliniec Wielki attracts tourists with its unusual rock formations, numerous passages and mysterious, narrow passages between the rocks. It is an attraction for both children and adults. The mountain is made of Upper Cretaceous rocks. This means that it was formed about 80 million years ago. Most likely it was covered with water, because it consists mainly of sandstones that were formed in salt water.
On the top Szczeliniec Wielki there is a PTTK Hostel in Szczeliniec, which was established in 1846. As in the old days, today we can eat and spend the night in this place. The buffet is available from 8:30 to 22:00. There is no car access road leading to the hostel. This means that things were brought here on foot until the 1970s, when a small freight lift was built here.
Szczeliniec Wielki - tips for tourists
To get to the top, it is best to start the road from the village of Karłów, where trails to the surrounding peaks branch out. On Szczeliniec Wielki it is best to follow the green trail to them. Franciszek Pablo "Szczeliniec Wielki" - the time to cover the route is about 1 hour. and 30 minutes You can also reach the top by following the red or blue trail that runs by Szczeliniec Mały. During trips to the Stołowe Mountains in winter, it is worth observing the announcements of the national park. This is because sometimes parts of the trails are closed due to icing.
To get to the village of Karłów, over which it is situated Szczeliniec Wielki, you should follow the route 387 from Wałbrzych. There is a large paid car park in Karłów - the cost of leaving a car here is approx. PLN 20 for the whole day. Remember that Szczeliniec is located in the National Park, so you have to pay the appropriate fee at the entrance. Regular ticket - PLN 12, reduced ticket - PLN 6. Holders of the Large Family Card and children under 7 have free admission.