Skopiec Peak

Skopiec, a 724-metre peak of the Kaczawskie Mountains, is a classic of easy ascents in the Land of Extinct Volcanoes. Although the summit is forested, a short approach from Przełęcz Komarnicka and a place in the Crown of Polish Mountains mean that almost everyone hiking the Kaczawskie Foothills scales it.

Third in the hierarchy, first in the classification

A sign on the summit reads 724 m above sea level, although maps also give 719 or 721 metres. Traditionally Skopiec is regarded as the third highest peak of the Kaczawskie Mountains — newer measurements indicate, however, that Okole (725 m) is higher, and probably Folwarczny as well. Regardless of the classification, the mountain belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains, the Crown of the Sudetes and the Crown of Polish Sudetes, and below the sign awaits a stamp for the Crown of Polish Mountains logbook.

Rocky foundations and volcanoes

The summit is built mainly of slates and marbles — rocks of the Kaczawskie metamorphic unit. The whole area lies in the Land of Extinct Volcanoes, a region of about 1,300 km² covered by a UNESCO Geopark, where traces of former volcanism can be seen on many neighbouring hills.

Trails and views

The shortest route follows the blue trail from Przełęcz Komarnicka (662 m): 15–20 minutes from the free car park above the village of Komarno, with the whole loop taking about 40 minutes and nearly 100 metres of ascent. From Wojcieszów leads the yellow trail, about two hours one way. The summit itself is forested, but from the pass the view reaches the Rudawy Janowickie and the Karkonosze with Śnieżka; on the pass you can also see the so-called Sandalwood Tree.