The Golden Mountains — known in Polish as Góry Złote — are one of the quieter, wilder corners of the Eastern Sudetes, stretching about 55 km along the Polish-Czech border. Far from crowded tourist trails, this range rewards those who seek genuine mountain solitude wrapped in dense forests and rolling ridges.

The landscape shifts as you travel through the range — narrow, winding ridges in the northeast give way to broader, more open massifs toward the south. Spruce forests, flower-dotted meadows and peaceful river valleys make this a stunning destination in every season. Winter brings cross-country skiers and snowshoers; summer and autumn are perfect for hiking and cycling. The low population density means you can walk for hours without meeting another soul.

• Smrek (1,127 m) — the highest peak of the entire range, located on the Czech side, with sweeping Sudeten panoramas.
• Postawna (1,117 m) — the highest summit on the Polish side, peaceful and rarely crowded.
• Gold and Arsenic Mine in Złoty Stok — an underground tourist route through a mine active since the 13th century, complete with a subterranean waterfall.
• Radochów Cave — a charming cave hidden in a wooded gorge, open to visitors year-round.

• Best time to visit: May–October for hiking; December–March for winter activities.
• Base towns: Lądek-Zdrój, Złoty Stok, Stronie Śląskie — all offer accommodation and good amenities.
• Trail difficulty: mostly easy to moderate; higher ridges require reasonable fitness.
• Getting there: by car via Kłodzko; regional buses from Wrocław and Kłodzko serve the main towns.

Fun fact — the underground mine in Złoty Stok hides a real waterfall deep inside the mountain, making it one of the most surprising and memorable attractions in the entire Sudetes.