Szklarska Poręba

Szklarska Poręba is a mountain settlement in southwestern Poland that stretches between two ranges in the Sudetes. The community sits in a long valley surrounded by forested slopes and spreads across several elevation levels.

German settlers founded the first glass workshops here in the 14th century, which provided the economic foundation for centuries. After World War II the area passed from German to Polish administration and developed into a winter sports destination.

The town name comes from the glass workshops that shaped local life for centuries and remain visible in museum collections scattered across the area. Visitors can trace this craft tradition through old buildings and preserved workshops that now form part of the heritage landscape.

The place works as a base for walks into both neighboring mountain ranges and offers winter access to several ski areas. Most facilities line the main road that runs through the entire valley.

A waterfall at the edge of town drops 27 meters (89 feet) over several steps and ranks among the highest in the Polish Sudetes. The trail there winds through dense forest with markings that remain walkable even in winter.

Location: Karkonosze County

Inception: 1366

Shares border with: Harrachov, Špindlerův Mlýn, Kořenov, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Gmina Mirsk, Piechowice, Gmina Stara Kamienica, Orle

Website: http://szklarskaporeba.pl

GPS coordinates: 50.82567,15.52274

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:03