Czartowiec (944 m a.s.l.) is one of the most intriguing peaks in the Złote Mountains of the Eastern Sudetes — a summit sitting right on the Polish-Czech border, steeped in devilish legend and wrapped in ancient mixed forest. If you enjoy summits with character and sweeping views without the crowds, this one is well worth the detour.

The peak forms a cone-shaped protrusion jutting westward from the main border ridge, with a steep western flank dropping dramatically toward the Upper Biała Lądecka valley. Just below the summit you will find gneis rock outcrops several metres high and a boulder field — a pleasant surprise before you reach the top. The summit itself is modest and forested, but on a clear day the views open up beautifully: the Biała Lądecka Valley, the Śnieżnik Massif, the Bardzkie and Złote Mountains, and on the best days even Wielka Sowa and Ślęża far to the north. The slopes are covered in natural lower-montane mixed forest that gives way to spruce stands near the top — stunning in autumn colours. A border post marked III/32 stands at the summit.

• Nowy Gierałtów — forest track along the Wądróż stream; moderate difficulty
• Green trail — via Borówkowa, continuing toward Karpień Castle and Śnieżnik; moderate
• Red trail — along the eastern slope approx. 200 m below the summit, heading toward Žulová and Javorník; moderate
• Yellow trail — along the state border from the Three Borders Pass toward Špičák, branching off approx. 400 m before the summit

• The summit lies on the Polish-Czech border — the green trail crosses it directly over the top; the red and yellow trails pass slightly below.
• Just east of the summit, below a small saddle, is the Czech spring 'Pramen pod Stráží', the source of Studený potok stream.
• The peak is located within the Śnieżnik Landscape Park.

The name 'Czartowiec' comes from the word 'czart' — a Slavic devil. Local legend says the demon made his home here, lured villagers into the mountains disguised as a woman, and then hurled rocks at them from the slopes. Its older German name 'Vordere Höllen Koppe' — roughly 'Forward Hell Peak' — tells you this dark reputation goes back centuries.