Western Sudetes, Mountain range complex in Czech Republic and Poland.
The Western Sudetes stretch from the Bóbr River to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and include several mountain ranges such as the Giant Mountains and Izera Mountains. The region forms a complex system of peaks, valleys, and forests that spans across both countries.
Major settlement began in the 12th century when newcomers arrived and cleared vast forest areas for farmland. This transformation reshaped the landscape and created the open slopes visible today.
Mountain villages here carry names and traditions shaped by generations of Czech, Polish, and German residents living side by side. This blend shows itself today in the architecture and local celebrations that draw people from different backgrounds together.
The region is well connected by rail and regional roads, with stations in towns like Szklarska Poręba and Harrachov. From these starting points, visitors can reach hiking trails and ski runs with ease.
The granite formations took shape during the Variscan mountain-building period and still define the geological structure of the landscape. Visitors often overlook these ancient rock formations, yet they are what create the rocky peaks and scenic gorges.
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