Czernica in the Thaw

The Bialskie Mountains hold a very special place in our hearts. A few years ago, while conquering the Crown of Polish Mountains, we ended up in Stronie Śląskie with a simple plan: to reach Śnieżnik, Kowadło, and Rudawiec. We stayed at Dworek Galosa back then, and we fell in love with the place so much that on March 1, 2025, we got married in Stronie and held our wedding reception at the manor. We just love coming back here.

Shortly before our first anniversary, we decided to visit the area again. This time, our goal was set (besides a delicious dinner at the Manor): Czernica.

Following the Red Trail via Kobyliczny Dukt

We started our hike in Nowy Gierałtów, leaving the car on a wide roadside. The first stage is a walk along the red trail. The path is initially wide, comfortable, and leads gently uphill alongside the soothing sound of the Tylnik stream.

In the morning, the conditions were promising – the snow was ankle-deep and still quite stable. However, the Bialskie Mountains can show their teeth just before the summit. Once we left Kobyliczny Dukt, the red trail gained elevation rapidly. Despite wearing crampons (microspikes), the final ascent was a real workout. The rising temperature caused the snow to "slide" under our feet, turning the path into a slippery trap.

The Observation Tower on Czernica (1083 m n.p.m.)

Czernica is one of the highest and most interesting peaks in the Bialskie Mountains. Although the summit itself is forested, a wooden observation tower was built there in 2014 through community effort.

Tip for Collectors: You'll find a tourist stamp at the tower! It’s a perfect chance to get your badges stamped, such as: Tower Badges of the Kłodzko Land, Sudeten Wanderer, or the classic GOT.

They say the tower offers a beautiful panorama... I say "they say" because that day we mostly admired the photogenic texture of a very cloudy sky.

A Stop at the Hut under Czernica

From the summit, we followed a well-trodden path towards the legendary Chatka pod Czernicą (also known as Bury’s Hut or Władzio’s Hut). This unique place, built by Sudeten guide Władysław Bury, serves as an official mountain shelter. If you're lucky, you can still meet Mr. Władysław there.

We planned our return via the yellow trail, which is slightly gentler and eventually merges back with Kobyliczny Dukt. The end of the hike was a battle against the elements – a mix of melting snow, light rain, and flowing water. Our boots underwent a solid waterproof test, which, unfortunately, they failed.

Summary

Despite the capricious weather, I consider the trip very successful. For me, the Bialskie Mountains are like the "Bieszczady of Lower Silesia" – wild, untrodden, and still offering the silence that is hard to find in the Karkonosze or on Śnieżnik. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath and clear your mind.

See you on the trail! 🐾