Nature

Szklarka Valley

The Szklarka Valley lies about 30 km from Kraków, inside the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park. The Szklarka stream runs through a valley about 9 km long, from Jerzmanowice through Szklary to Dubie, where its mouth meets the Racławka Valley.

Rocks, spring and reserve

Brodło, Łyse Skały, Chochołowe Skały, Witkowe Skały and Bukowa Góra shape the valley’s scenery. In the upper section near Jerzmanowice, the Pióro karst spring forms the main source of the Szklarka. The Szklarka Valley Nature Reserve covers the eastern slope between Jerzmanowice and Szklary; it was created in 1989 and covers 46.69 ha. It protects beech woods, oak-hornbeam forest, mountain sycamore forest and rock grasslands.

Fish ponds and trails

In the broad part of the valley, at a place known as the fish-farm area, ponds founded in 1850 by Count Artur Potocki are still operating. This is a separate stop, not a swimming area. For a walk, choose the red Szklarka Trail from Szklary: the loop is 5.9 km, about 2 hours 10 minutes and 261 m of ascent. Green and yellow trails also cross the area and can connect the valley with neighbouring Jurassic valleys.

Practical information

Entry to the valley and reserve is free; there is no single gate or unified opening schedule. Natural sections can be muddy and slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. Stay on marked routes and do not enter the reserve away from the trails.