Are you planning a trip to the mountains, specifically to the picturesque Krkonoše Mountains? If you happen to be on holiday in Szklarska Poręba or somewhere in the vicinity, consider a quiet, unhurried hike to the Chalet below Labský Peak. It is located really charming, at an altitude of 1168 m (and believe it or not, the views from there are superb!), and is perfect both as a destination for a short day trip and as a starting point for longer mountain adventures. The PTTK (Polish Tourist Country-Lovers’ Association) chalet below Labský Peak is a piece of history – after all, it is one of the oldest chalets in Krkonoše! It tempts you not only with its past, but above all with the possibility of resting after the hardships of the trail. And what is important, you can eat something warm from the buffet or even plan an overnight stay here. Ready to embark on a virtual journey with us to this place? We’ll tell you about the trails, what’s interesting in the area and what’s best to know before you set off on the trail.

Access and hiking trails

You can reach the Chalet below Labský Peak from several directions, and each option offers different views and experiences. Which trail you choose depends, of course, on what you like, what your condition is and where you start from. But, before you even think about going out, it is essential, simply put, to check the current weather forecast and any announcements regarding the trails in the Krkonoše National Park!

How do I get to the hut from different locations?

The absolute most popular starting point is Szklarska Poręba. From this charming, picturesquely located town at the foot of the Karkonosze Mountains themselves, you have really quite a lot of possibilities to get to the Łabskie Peak mountain hostel. You can set off directly from the centre – for example, from the vicinity of Urocza or Kilińskiego streets, where there are accessible, although paid car parks. It is from Szklarska Poręba that many people, including myself once, start their adventure with the Łabski Peak Hostel. Other interesting options? For example, following the blue trail from the Szklarka Waterfall, or the black trail from Jagniątków. You can also take the green trail from Rozdroże pod Kamieńczykiem, passing the intermediate station SKI Arena Szrenica on the way – this is also the way to the hostel, a nice option if you want to shorten the approach a bit. But, don’t forget the entrance tickets to the Karkonosze National Park!

A description of the most popular hiking trails leading to the chalet.

Take, for example, the yellow hiking trail from Szklarska Poręba. It takes about two hours and a quarter of an hour to get to the Chalet below Łabskie Peak. People choose this trail quite often, as it is not technically difficult and is located relatively close to the town, which is a big plus for many. This yellow trail, after leaving the last houses in Szklarska Poręba, takes you into the Karkonosze National Park (aha, tickets! Remember them!). It leads along a quite comfortable path. As you ascend, you will be accompanied on your left by the pleasantly babbling Szrenicki Potok, which has its source in the Szrenice Wetlands. You will pass several characteristic rocks on your way. Barely a few steps and you are already at a group of granite formations that look like three towers – these are the Cuckoo Rocks. There is a legend that the middle one, called the Pendulum, can be moved by a strong wind – I wonder if this is true? (although I’ve never seen it). There are benches under the rocks, perfect for catching your breath (and eating a sandwich). Soon, coming out of the forest, you find yourself on the beautiful, vast and very scenic Hala pod Łabskim Szczytem. But this is not the only way from Szklarska Poręba! You can also go through the Kamieńczyk Waterfall, following the green trail traversing the northern slopes of Szrenica, where you change trails at the Wysoki Most crossroads – a slightly different perspective of Karkonosze. And then there is the option of descending through Trzy Świnki towards Mokra Przełecz – from there it is really a stone’s throw to the chalet below Łabskie Peak, although this part of the route may be a bit demanding for some. And if you are a fan of waterfalls, you can first go up to the Szklarka Waterfall via the blue trail, and then continue to the chalet from there. As you can see, there is plenty to choose from!

The mountain hostel – infrastructure and services

A mountain chalet below Labský Peak? This is the essence of a mountain chalet, which has been hosting tourists traversing the Krkonoše Mountains for years. Its location, well, it is simply strategic – ideal for a stop to catch your breath and gather strength before continuing your journey. As a PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society) hostel below Labský Peak, it offers above all the most important thing: a roof over your head. Although, in order to find out the exact details of specific rooms or the standard of sanitary facilities, it is best to simply call or check their website (the internet in the mountains can be capricious, can’t it?), it is clear that there are places to sleep and allow you to have a decent rest after a day on the trail. The internet is usually there, although, as it happens in the mountains, it sometimes likes to play tricks, but a basic connection, to at least check the forecast, usually works.

Hostel offer: accommodation, food, additional services.

As I mentioned, it is possible to stay overnight in the chalet, which is a super important thing for anyone thinking about a longer trip to the Krkonoše Mountains. They also have a buffet where you can order something to eat – hot food, especially when you get a bit chilled on the approach, is simply a lifesaver! The menu is usually based on tried-and-tested classics that will warm you up and recharge your energy. Although this “knowledge graph” does not go into the details of additional services, as a rule in such places you can count on basic tourist information, sometimes buy a map or even a small item or souvenir. It is always worth asking the staff what they have on offer.

Attractions around the hostel

The very surroundings of the Chalet below Labský Peak are a veritable treasure trove of natural and hiking gems that are just waiting to be discovered! The fact that the chalet is located in the heart of the Krkonoše National Park opens the door to a number of fascinating corners. It is really close to Labský Peak – the fourth highest peak on our Polish side of the Krkonoše Mountains and well worth a visit! You will also see amazing rock formations such as the Three Pigs or the Blueberry Rocks – these names alone are intriguing, aren’t they? Not far away, within a short hike, are two mega impressive waterfalls: Kamieńczyk Waterfall and Szklarki Waterfall (to the latter, remember, a blue trail leads straight from Szklarska Poręba). A little further away, but still absolutely achievable within a day trip, await you: Golden View, Podgórna Waterfall, Prince Henry’s Castle and even the High Stone Peak. And when you return to Szklarska Poręba, the Mineralogical Museum is also waiting – who would have thought how many treasures the earth holds!

Hiking trails in the area: easy, medium and difficult routes.

From the Chalet below Labský Peak, the world is wide open when it comes to trails! From here you have plenty of options, each offering a different level of difficulty. You can, for example, head towards Szrenica (although the ascent can be steep, especially in winter!), crossing the Szrenice Wetlands, or head towards Snowy Cirques – an impressive place, but one that requires some preparation. The green trail takes you through Snowy Ponds. And the red trail? This trail leads on the Czech side of the Labský Peak and goes all the way to the source of the Elbe River in the Labská Polana – a truly symbolic place. Coming back to the difficulty, remember: although the yellow trail to the chalet itself is quite straightforward, the higher parts of the Krkonoše, such as the paths to Velký Šikhak or those leading to Sněžka itself, are in a completely different league – they require much better fitness and mountain experience. So, always, absolutely always check the difficulty and the prevailing conditions on the trail, especially when you go in winter, because the avalanche danger is something you must not underestimate.

The Krkonoše Mountains – mountains and nature

The Krkonoše Mountains alone? It is a mountain range with a truly fascinating landscape – all thanks to ancient glaciers, whose action can be seen, for example, in the mighty Snowy Cirques or the numerous characteristic granite rocks, such as the Cuckoo Rocks. The nature here is incredibly diverse, ranging from dense forests below to open, subalpine pastures above, a great example being Hala pod Łabskim Szczytem. You can find a lot of different plant and animal species here, including rare and strictly protected ones, such as the black grouse (its presence in the Krkonoše Mountains is great news!). Interestingly, the Krkonoše Mountains are home to the springs of several important rivers, including, perhaps surprisingly, the Elbe! It flows from the Labská Polana on the Czech side of the Labský Peak and, mind you, all the way to the North Sea – just think how long the journey is! And our familiar Szrenicki Potok, babbling along the trail, also adds its own unique charm to the area.

Regulations and safety rules in the Krkonoše National Park.

Very important – remember to observe the rules that apply in the Karkonosze National Park (KPN). First of all, there is a fee to enter the Park and entrance tickets are required on most trails (sometimes this is annoying, but well, it’s for protection!). All these rules have one main purpose: to protect this unique nature, including the habitats of really rare animals, such as the black grouse, whose presence is a treasure. This is why some trails are sometimes temporarily closed, if only for the protection of these birds or because of avalanche danger, which happens especially in winter. And, last but not least, not everywhere is accessible with a dog, so before you set off with your pet, check which trails are accessible for pets. The Krkonoše National Park itself, it is worth knowing, is doing a lot to improve the so-called ecological connectivity throughout the region.

History of the hostel

This place, where the Chalet below Labský Peak stands today, has a really long and, let’s face it, fascinating history, going back several centuries! This history is inextricably linked with Hala pod Łabskim Szczytem. It was there, on this pasture, a long, long time ago, back in the time of the 30-year war (i.e. between 1618 and 1648!), that shepherds herded their sheep or whatever they had and built one of the first shepherd’s huts for their own needs. Such a simple, primitive building, and it gave rise to what we know today. Actually, looking from this perspective, it is amazing how the evolution of the place progressed! Today’s PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society) chalet below Labský Peak, as we know and love it today, was taken over by the Polish Tourist Society after the Second World War and has been continuously serving all those who hike in the Krkonoše Mountains ever since. It is said to be one of the oldest chalets in the entire range and this, no doubt, adds to its unique historical flair.

Interesting facts and legends connected with the chalet.

Well, the whole of Karkonosze is, after all, the land of the legendary Liczyrzepa, the Mountain Spirit! His stories still circulate along the trails and in the mountain huts. Although, to be honest, there may not be as many specific, high-profile legends circulating about the Chalet below Labský Peak itself, the story of this original shepherd’s hut from the 30-year war is fascinating in itself. It shows how deep into the past the human footprints at this site go. And, interestingly too, as a guide friend of mine says, it’s worth listening to local stories about the rocks – for example, the Pendulum on the Cuckoo Rocks, which is said to move in strong winds. (I’ve never seen it, but who knows?). As you set off from Szklarska Poręba, from the area around Urocza and Kilińskiego, take a look at the little bench with cute ant figures – it’s such a small, comforting touch to start your hike. Sometimes it’s the little things like this that are most memorable.

The hostel – practical information

As is usual in the mountains, you will find both accommodation and something warm to eat from the buffet at the Chalet below Labský Peak. Be aware, however, that the price list for both sleeping and eating can vary – it depends on the season, the season, and probably other factors we are not aware of. Therefore, before you go, it’s best to simply take a look at their official information or call the hostel directly to be sure of the current prices. And yes, prices in high altitude huts can sometimes be higher than down in the towns – this is normal and is simply due to the logistics of transporting goods into the mountains (let’s not kid ourselves, it takes effort!).

Accommodation booking and contact information.

If you are thinking of spending a night at the Chalet below Labský Peak, and especially plan to do so during the busy tourist season or at the weekend, I simply have to strongly recommend you: book early! This chalet is quite popular and the number of beds is limited, so it’s better not to take any chances and arrange it in advance. You can easily find the contacts you need to book a place or just ask for information on the internet (I’m sure there are some on the PTTK website) or in good travel guides. Yes, remember that this is a PTTK (Polish Tourist Country-Lovers’ Association) hostel, so it is looked after by this organisation.

Planning a trip to the mountains

Before you set off on a trail, whether towards the Chalet below Labský Peak or anywhere else in Krkonoše, one thing is key: check the weather! Well, you just have to do it, because in the mountains it can change from minute to minute. Winter conditions? A completely different world to summer. Plan your route sensibly, with a realistic assessment of your abilities and how much mountain experience you have – a good map of the Krkonoše Mountains is essential, your best friend on the trail. An online camera showing the current view on the trail or at the chalet can also be helpful in assessing conditions. Also remember your entrance tickets for the Krkonoše National Park. And, importantly, observe all the Karkonosze National Park rules – I’m talking about how to get around on the trails, nature conservation (that black grouse is really important!), and restrictions on dogs. Always take a look at announcements about possible trail closures – whether due to avalanche danger (a common occurrence in winter, unfortunately!) or other reasons. After all, the different trails to the refuge – yellow, green, black, blue – offer different landscapes and levels of difficulty. Choose the one that best suits your day (or several days!) in the mountains.

Recommended equipment and gear.

The right equipment is, needless to say, half the battle and a guarantee of safety (and comfort!) in the mountains. Always, but always, have the following with you: sturdy, you know, really comfortable trekking shoes, onion-shaped clothing (layers are a must!), jacket that doesn’t get wet, water and something to eat (although there is a buffet in the shelter, it is always good to have something of your own “for emergencies”), phone (charged!), powerbank, first aid kit, headlamp (especially when it gets dark, in autumn or winter), and of course a map with compass or just rely on a good GPS. If you are going in winter, it is a different story – then you need crampons or crampons, ice axes and decent thermal clothes. And remember – even on the easiest trail, conditions can get complicated as soon as the weather breaks.

Photos and trip reports

Visualise this: pictures of the Chalet below Labský Peak, blending into this amazing mountain landscape of the Krkonoše Mountains. Or these shots from Hala pod Łabskim Szczytem, where you can see the majestic Szrenica, right next to Łabski Szczyt, somewhere in the background the mighty Wielki Szyszak, and in the far perspective you can see the huge Jeleniogórska Valley and the outline of the Izerskie Mountains – something beautiful! And, of course, pictures of Kukułcze Rocks, with the famous pendulum rock, or shots of the Szrenicki Stream, merrily skimming the stones. I am sure that if you have been to the area, you have plenty of photos of the Kamieńczyk Waterfall or the Szklarka Waterfall in your phones or on your memory cards. Looking at such photos from the Karkonosze Mountains basically works like the best advertisement – you immediately want to set off on a trail, straight to a mountain hut, to see it all with your own eyes.

Opinions and accounts of tourists who have visited the hostel.

Reading what other tourists who have already visited the Chalet below Labský Peak write is a really good idea. You will often find there super valuable, because it is fresh, information about what is happening on the trails, what conditions are like in the chalet itself, and of course lots of personal impressions of your stay. Sharing these experiences is, in my opinion, such a cool part of the mountain community – you know, we help each other! That’s why I strongly encourage you: leave your accounts of your trips, write what you liked (or didn’t like), what you noticed. Each such opinion or comment adds another piece to the whole puzzle and helps others to plan their own adventure in the Krkonoše Mountains.

The chalet in the context of the region

The chalet below Labský Peak is more than just a place to rest for a while. It is a key element in the whole tourist “ecosystem” of the Krkonoše Mountains. As a PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society) hostel, it plays a mega-important role in the entire trail network. It is located where several important trails converge, which means it is a great base for trips to various parts of the range – you can set off from here to Łabski Peak, Szrenica or the impressive Snowy Cauldrons. The fact that it offers accommodation and food from a buffet (this buffet is a salvation!) simply makes it an indispensable support for people hiking in the higher parts of the mountains. And let’s remember that it is one of the oldest hostels in the Giant Mountains – this adds an extra flavour to it and makes it part of the long, rich history of Polish mountain tourism.

The impact of the hostel on the local economy and community.

And one more important thing – the functioning of a place like the Łabski Peak Hostel, like most mountain hostels, has a real, positive impact on the economy down there, especially in nearby Szklarska Poręba. The hostel attracts people, and these people don’t just use its services, but also spend money in town – on accommodation, food, souvenirs. It gives jobs, supports local suppliers. Even if it is only (or as much as!) a facility somewhere high up in the mountains, it is part of a much bigger, tourist “engine” of the Krkonoše Mountains. In this way, it influences the development of the whole region and, beautifully, keeps alive those good old traditions of mountain hiking which, as you remember, started with simple shepherd’s huts centuries ago.

And what can I say – a trip to the Chalet below Labský Peak is simply an adventure you remember for a long time. The beauty of the Krkonoše Mountains, the breathtaking panorama from Hala pod Łabskim Szczytem, the soothing murmur of the Szrenický Brook, the impressive Kukulcze Rocks… all this together creates such a mixture of impressions that it is hard to forget. Whether you set off along the yellow trail from Szklarska Poręba or take a different route, you will encounter the truly wild nature of the Karkonosze National Park. And that satisfaction when you reach the shelter! PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society) chalet below Łabskie Peak is not just a building on a map; it is a place that has something more, a soul of its own, and allows you to feel the true atmosphere of the mountains. When planning your hikes, always think of safety, respect nature (especially in the National Park!) and simply enjoy every moment spent there, on the trail. The Krkonoše Mountains are beautiful and are just waiting for you to discover them anew (or for the first time!).