Mountain bike pilgrimage route on the Polish side
The 197 km long MTB route with an elevation gain of +4032 m and loss of -3776 m starts in Zgorzelec and ends in Kamienna Góra. It mainly runs on dirt roads, often on narrow and technical single trails. There are also paved sections, which are usually very scenic and have little traffic. The route is close to nature, largely avoiding urban areas, and focuses on natural beauty and riding pleasure. Inclines of 10% are common, and there are sections with 15% where you have to carry your bike. This route offers genuine mountain biking enjoyment.
Directions
The route starts at the Old Town Bridge in Zgorzelec and leads you along the Lusatian Neisse over partly bumpy paths and smooth asphalt. After almost 10 kilometers, you reach the Niedów dam and enjoy the view from the Slavic Hill. Then it continues to Zawidów on gravel and unpaved roads with beautiful panoramas and a climb to Grabiszyce Średnie. After a short descent, you reach Leśna and embark on an adventurous MTB trail along the Kwisa riverbank. Along the lake, past Rajsko Castle and the Złotnickie Lake, the path leads over narrow trails with wonderful views to Gryfów Śląski.
The relaxing section to Lubomierz runs over gravel roads and takes you past the impressive Plac Wolności. From Lubomierz, it goes over extensive fields, through the "Wild Gorge" and along the narrow path on the Bober River, until you reach the Pilchowice dam. Then an demanding path along Pilchowice Lake and through Barcinek leads to Wrzeszczyński Lake, past Siedlęcin to the Church of Grace in Jelenia Góra.
A classic climb takes you from Jelenia Góra to the Wang Church in Karpacz, with constant inclines offering magnificent views. After the descent to the Sosnówka reservoir, you reach Henryk Castle and further down Staniszów. You meander through forest areas back to Jelenia Góra. The path to Przełęcz Kowarska leads through varied terrain, quarries, and the Piszczak Gorge, before a steep climb reaches the pass.
The descent from Przełęcz Kowarska to Kamienna Góra includes dynamic sections through the Krucze Mountains, past Zadzierna and Bukowskie Lake. The final section leads over narrow trails and forest paths with spectacular views, past the Kruczy-Kamień nature reserve, before you reach the ski jump and military installations on Park Hill in Kamienna Góra.
The return trip to Görlitz can be comfortably organized by public transport, best via the hub Węgliniec, from where direct trains to Görlitz depart.
Recommended equipment
- Robust mountain bike
- Helmet and, if applicable, protectors: for head and knees, especially on technical sections
- Multitool and repair kit
- Functional clothing, rainwear
- Bike gloves and sunglasses
- Bike backpack or frame bags
- GPS device or smartphone with map app
- Power bank
- Small first aid kit
Safety notice
Always wear a bike helmet and watch out for passing cars when using or crossing streets.
Contact and arrival
There is a direct connection to Görlitz via the A4 motorway.