Sokolik and Krzyżna Góra in the Rudawy Janowickie

Sokolik and Krzyżna Góra (roughly "SOH-koh-leek" and "KSHIZH-nah GOO-rah") are the two granite summits of the Falcon Mountains (Góry Sokole), a small range above the village of Karpniki in Lower Silesia, southwestern Poland. A short loop from Karpnicka Pass takes you past Poland's oldest mountain hut, to rock towers with a medieval backstory and to viewpoints facing the Karkonosze (Giant Mountains). It is one of the easiest rewarding hikes in the Western Sudetes — but in fall 2026 one of its highlights is temporarily off limits.

Heads-up: Sokolik summit trail closed until November 30, 2026

The Śnieżka Forest District, which manages the area, has closed the red trail between Przełączka saddle and the summit of Sokolik Duży while the viewing platform is being modernized. Work is scheduled to end on November 30, 2026 (notice published July 30, 2026). Krzyżna Góra, the Husyckie Skały rocks and the Szwajcarka hut remain open, so the trip is still worthwhile. Check the forest district's website before you go, as dates can shift.

What to see in the Falcon Mountains

The range is built of Karkonosze granite and lies within Rudawy Landscape Park, separated from the main Rudawy Janowickie ridge by Karpnicka Pass. Highlights:

• Krzyżna Góra (654 m / 2,146 ft) — the higher peak, named after a 7-meter cast-iron cross made in Gliwice in 1830 and consecrated in 1832. It was funded by Princess Marianne of Hesse-Homburg, wife of Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, who bought the Karpniki (Fischbach) estate in 1822. In the 19th century 120 steps were cut into the rock up to the summit lookout.
• Sokolik (642 m / 2,106 ft) — twin granite pillars with iron stairs and a steel lookout platform dating from the 1880s (sources say 1884 or 1885). On a clear day you can see the Karkonosze, the Bóbr valley and the Kaczawskie Mountains.
• Husyckie Skały — a cliff about 20 m high facing Sokolik. Legend says Hussite raiders fell to their deaths here in 1434 after setting fire to a nearby castle.
• Sokolec Castle ruins — scant remains of a small fortress below Krzyżna Góra, first recorded in 1364 and destroyed in the late 15th century.
• Szwajcarka hut — a Tyrolean-style timber chalet built in 1823 as a hunting lodge for the Prussian prince, considered the oldest building in Poland used as a mountain hut. The Polish Tourist Society (PTTK) has run it since 1950.

How long does the hike take?

The classic loop from Karpnicka Pass covers about 5.4 km (3.4 miles) with roughly 340 m of ascent and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes of walking, according to the Polish trail planner mapa-turystyczna.pl. The hut is about 15 minutes from the pass. Until the end of November 2026, skip Sokolik and allow about an hour plus a break at Szwajcarka.

The crags are one of Poland's busiest climbing areas, often used for training before trips to the Tatras. Hikers should stay on marked paths.

Is it worth visiting, and with whom?

Yes, if you want big views for little effort. The route suits families, but watch children and dogs on the stairs and near rock edges. Wet granite and roots get slippery, and in winter icy steps call for care. The area is open year-round with no entrance fee. Trail signs are in Polish only, so download an offline map.

How to get there

Karpnicka Pass is about 10 km from Jelenia Góra, the regional hub. By car it is roughly 120 km (about 1 hour 45 minutes) from Wrocław and its airport. There is a parking lot below the pass, paid in season (in Polish złoty, PLN). Without a car, take a train to Janowice Wielkie and walk the green Piast Castles Trail past Bolczów Castle ruins, or hike in from Jelenia Góra via Husyckie Skały.

Nearby

• Karpniki Palace and the other estates of the Valley of Palaces and Gardens.
• Bolczów Castle ruins in the Rudawy Janowickie.
• The Colorful Lakes (Kolorowe Jeziorka) near Wieściszowice.