Krucze Skały (Raven Rocks) in Karpacz
Krucze Skały (Raven Rocks) are granite-gneiss rock pillars up to 25 metres high on the slopes of Krucza Kopa in the Płomnica valley, in the Osiedle Skalne district of Karpacz. They are about a 20–25 minute walk from the town centre, and the top of one pillar is a viewpoint over the Karkonosze.
How long is the walk?
From central Karpacz it takes about 20–25 minutes on foot, through the streets towards Osiedle Skalne and the Płomnica valley. A loop around the rocks with sightseeing usually takes up to an hour.
What will you see?
- Granite-gneiss pillars up to 25 metres high.
- A viewpoint over the Karkonosze (Giant Mountains) from the top of one pillar.
- Traces of old mining: legend says treasure hunters dug the first adits here in the Middle Ages, and in the 18th century kaolin clay was mined — two niches in one pillar remain.
- Pegmatites with corundum, sapphire and tourmaline crystals; the finest specimens are in the Geological Museum in Wrocław.
Is it good with children?
Yes — a short, easy outing. Keep children away from the edges, as the pillars are high and steep. The ground below the rocks is uneven, so a baby carrier is more practical than a pushchair; several places in Karpacz rent them out.
Climbing
Krucze Skały is a climbing area with several dozen routes of varying difficulty. Climb only with proper equipment and experience. Note: there are also rocks called Krucze Skały in Szklarska Poręba; this page is about the ones in Karpacz.
