Geology — a sea 90 million years ago
The Table Mountains are a geological phenomenon of Europe — a sandstone plateau formed on the bed of a Cretaceous sea about 90 million years ago. Layers of sand, silt and shells settled on the bottom, forming thick beds of sandstone and marl. After the sea withdrew and the Sudetes were uplifted, the sandstone was shaped by water and weathering erosion — water worked into the binding material and widened the fissures, creating this distinctive landscape.
Hence the name "Table Mountains" — from the flat, table-like summits, unlike typical alpine peaks. Szczeliniec Wielki is one of the largest such plateaux (about 250 ha), and Szczeliniec Mały next door is another. Geologically similar formations can be found in Bohemian Switzerland (on the Czech side) and partly in Saxon Switzerland (Germany).
The climb — Anna's steps of 1814
The classic ascent is from Karłów (about 750 m a.s.l.) up stone steps cut in 1814 — one of the first formally built visitor paths in Poland. The steps were designed by Duchess Anna von Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who wanted to open the summit to a wider public (previously only local people went up).
The route: the car park at Karłów → 665 steps → the plateau → the route inside the labyrinth → back down the same steps. Time: 2.5–3 hours at an easy pace, more with children and for photography. The last 30 minutes of the climb can be a challenge for anyone less fit.
The best-known formations
- The Forefather's Throne — a throne-shaped formation, the most famous shot on Szczeliniec
- The Hen — a boulder resembling a sitting hen
- The Camel — a rock shaped like a camel
- The Elephant, The Monkey and The Ape-man — more animal-shaped formations
- Little Hell — a narrow, dark corridor between the rocks (one of the most photogenic)
- The Devil's Kitchen — a deep cleft with "pots" hollowed out of the rock
- Viewpoints — from the upper edge of the plateau, a panorama of the Karkonosze and the Czech Sudetes
In practice
- A ticket to the Table Mountains National Park: about 10 zł a day (ticket offices at Karłów)
- Parking: at Karłów, about 15 zł a day, quickly full in season
- Difficulty: moderate (665 steps are an effort, but spread out)
- Footwear: trekking boots (the rocks are slippery after rain)
- The "Na Szczelińcu" mountain hut: on the plateau, with hot meals and regional cooking
- Winter: the route is open, but the steps are icy — crampons advisable
- Crowds: queues on the steps in July and August. Go early in the morning (before 9:00)
How to get there and practical info
- Height
- 919 m a.s.l. (the highest in the Table Mountains NP)
- Starting point
- Karłów (car park)
- Time needed
- 2.5–3 hours
- National park ticket
- About 10 zł a day
- Parking
- About 15 zł a day
- Mountain hut
- On the plateau, open all year
When to go
May — fresh greenery, few people, the optimal time.
Crowds. Go early. On hot days the shade of the rocks is a refuge.
September — golden beeches and mist among the rocks, the loveliest time.
The steps are icy — crampons essential. The magic of snow-covered formations.
Other sights in Kotlina Kłodzka
Straight-line distances from „Szczeliniec Wielki" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Szczeliniec Wielki within walking distance or a short drive.
