Szklarka Waterfall — an easy waterfall trip from Karpacz
Szklarka Waterfall (Wodospad Szklarki) is a waterfall of about 13 metres in Karkonosze National Park, on the border of Piechowice and Szklarska Poręba, right by national road no. 3 — about 35 minutes by car from Karpacz (around 25 km). Entry is covered by the regular park ticket: 11 PLN, reduced 5.50 PLN (as of September 2026), and the walk from the ticket office takes 10–15 minutes on a wide path.
How far is Szklarka Waterfall from Karpacz?
From central Karpacz to the start of the path on national road no. 3 it is about 25 km, roughly 35 minutes by car. The waterfall lies on the way to Szklarska Poręba, so it makes an easy stop on a longer day out.
What is it like?
The Szklarka stream drops about 13 metres here, at around 525 m above sea level. From the “Szklarka” ticket office a wide, surfaced path leads to a viewing platform in 10–15 minutes. The national park runs an educational trail to the waterfall, and the PTTK Kochanówka mountain hut is nearby.
Pushchairs, dogs and tickets
- Unlike the steep, rocky trails above Karpacz, this path is wide and surfaced, so pushchairs manage — larger wheels help on the odd stone.
- Dogs are allowed on a lead.
- A national park ticket bought in Karpacz is valid the same day here too, but it does not cover the Kamieńczyk Waterfall gorge, which has its own fee.
- Road no. 3 is busy — the park asks walkers heading to central Szklarska Poręba to use the green trail towards Ponura Małpa rather than the verge.
