Rock Mushrooms in the Table Mountains

On the south-eastern edge of the Table Mountains plateau, between Batorów and the Radków Rocks, dozens of sandstone outcrops shaped like mushrooms, clubs, towers and gateways stand in spruce forest. The Rock Mushrooms (Skalne Grzyby, German Goldbacher Felsen) stretch for about 2 km and are among the most photogenic spots in the Table Mountains National Park. Unlike Szczeliniec and the Errant Rocks, there is no entry fee here, and usually fewer people.

How the stone mushrooms formed

The rocks are made of sandstone interbedded with impermeable marls and shales – sediments of a sea floor from before the mountains were uplifted. The mushrooms were formed by erosion of sandstone beds at the edge of the plateau – hence shapes that stand alone or are stacked one on another. The outcrops are scattered at around 680–700 m above sea level. A curiosity: for a long time they were hidden by forest – they were only exposed by a strong windstorm in the 1950s that brought down part of the trees.

What to see

Many formations have their own names. Along the way look for:

• Borowik ("Porcini"),
• Skalne Wrota ("Rock Gate"),
• Zrośnięte Grzyby ("Fused Mushrooms") and Piętrowe Grzyby ("Stacked Mushrooms"),
• Pingwinki ("Little Penguins").

The National Park has laid out the "Skalne Grzyby" educational trail with 12 stations explaining the geomorphological processes that created these shapes. Between the trees on the blue trail there are views towards the Ścinawka Hills.

Getting there

• From Batorówek: the easiest option is the loop along the educational trail from the Batorówek car park – according to the National Park it is 6.7 km, has no major climbs and is recommended even for families with small children. The Park gives average walking times of about 1 hr 5 min uphill and 45 min downhill.
• From Batorów on the yellow trail – about 30 minutes.
• From Wambierzyce on the blue trail – about 70 minutes; this trail is usually quieter.
• From the car park on the Road of a Hundred Bends on the red trail (Main Sudetes Trail) – about 70 minutes.

Tripto tips

• Admission: in the Table Mountains National Park tickets are needed only for Szczeliniec Wielki and the Errant Rocks – the Rock Mushrooms are free.
• Time: allow 2–2.5 hours for the Batorówek loop with time to look at the rocks.
• The route is not suitable for wheelchairs. Paths run through forest and can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip.
• Before setting out, check the visitor notice on the Park's website – some trails are closed from time to time for safety reasons.