Wielki Szyszak

Mountain Peak in the Karkonosze Mountains on Polish-Czech border

Wielki Szyszak marks a rocky summit on the Polish-Czech border in the Karkonosze Mountains; hikers follow marked trails between peaks, using mountain huts and winter ski routes in season.

Main image
Main image

Wielki Szyszak is a peak on the main ridgeline of the Giant Mountains (Karkonosze) along the Czech-Polish border in Central Europe. The name translates as “Great Hat” and refers to the peak’s conspicuous shape.

The summit consists of granite tors and rocky outcrops and is part of the high mountain zone of the Karkonosze, which features alpine meadows, boulder fields and exposed ridgelines. It is frequented by hikers using the international trail network that follows the main ridge.

The peak has been part of the historical mountain landscape of the Karkonosze, used by local shepherding and later by tourism and mountain recreation; national parks on both sides of the border protect the higher areas. Marked trails and shelters on the ridge provide access for walkers during summer months.

Wielki Szyszak stands on the Czech-Polish border within the Karkonosze range, forming part of the mountainous frontier between the two countries.

  • Location on main ridge: Sits on the main ridge of the Giant Mountains (Karkonosze) on the Czech-Polish border and forms a distinctive rocky crest.
Wielki Szyszak
50.7771, 15.5693

How to Get to Wielki Szyszak #

The usual Polish approach is from Szklarska Poręba or Karpacz; both towns have bus links from Jelenia Góra and trailheads that connect to the main ridge. From Szklarska Poręba, follow marked trails west toward the Karkonosze ridge; expect 2-4 hours of walking depending on exact route and conditions.

Tips for Visiting Wielki Szyszak #

  • Start early to avoid mid-day fog that can roll through mountain saddles.
  • If approaching from the Polish side, use the Karpacz or Szklarska Poręba towns as staging bases - both have marked trails into the Karkonosze.
  • Bring layers and waterproofs: weather on ridges can change in minutes.

Best Time to Visit Wielki Szyszak #

A summit peak on the Karkonosze (Giant) Mountains on the Poland-Czech border, known to hikers and ridge-walkers.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Milder weather and the most stable conditions for ridge walks; wildflowers on lower slopes.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
September-October · -2-10°C (28-50°F)
Clearer air and dramatic colour; mornings often cold with a chance of early snow at higher elevations.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
November-March · -10-0°C (14-32°F)
Snow and ice make the ridgeline technical; avalanches and whiteout are real hazards.

Weather & Climate near Wielki Szyszak #

Climate

Wielki Szyszak's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (857 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

25 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -4°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
12.7 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
11.7 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
10.9 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
13.6h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
15.3h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.3
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.3
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

62 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
14.3h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
10.3 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
11.5 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-7° -3°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
12.8 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

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