The Wałbrzych Mountains are one of the best-kept secrets of the Central Sudetes — quiet, forested and refreshingly uncrowded. Stretching 35 kilometres between the Bóbr and Bystrzyca valleys, this range rewards curious hikers with genuine wilderness and sweeping ridge-top views without the tourist crowds.

The landscape shifts constantly as you walk: gently rounded summits covered in beech and fir forests give way to rocky outcrops of ancient porphyry and melaphyre, while clear streams tumble through mossy ravines below. The volcanic domes of the range give it a distinctive silhouette on the horizon, and on a clear day the views from the higher ridges stretch across the entire Sudetes. Autumn turns the forests into a blaze of gold and amber — arguably the most spectacular time to visit.

Highlights:

• Borowa (853 m) — the highest peak in the range, topped with a viewing tower offering panoramic Sudetes views
• Trójgarb — a striking triple-summit landmark easily reached from Wałbrzych, great for a half-day outing
• Wołowiec (776 m) — a peaceful forested summit, perfect for solitary walks away from the crowds
• Chełmiec Massif — a protected landscape area with interesting terrain and views over the Wałbrzych Basin

Practical info:

• Best season: May–October — spring for lush greenery and rushing streams, autumn for stunning foliage
• Base towns: Wałbrzych, Szczawno-Zdrój, Jedlina-Zdrój
• Trail difficulty: easy to moderate — suitable for families and beginners
• Getting there: by car from Wrocław approx. 70 km via road 35; by train to Wałbrzych, then local buses into the hills

Hidden beneath the mountains lies a vast network of old coal mine tunnels — part of the historic 'Stara Kopalnia' (Old Mine) complex in Wałbrzych, now a remarkable underground tourist attraction and a listed national monument.