Mountain Trails [#11] - Crown of Polish Mountains

Why is it worth achieving the Crown of Polish Mountains?

The answer is very simple and will appeal to those who enjoy taking on challenges. By aiming for the Crown of Polish Mountains, we have the opportunity to summit 28 of the most important peaks in the various mountain ranges of Poland. Not all of them are the highest peaks – when establishing the list, those peaks were considered significant which have marked hiking trails leading to them. The idea of creating this unusual mountain challenge was presented in 1997 in the publication "Get to Know Your Country" by Wojciech Lewandowski and Marek Więckowski. At the end of the same year, the Crown of Polish Mountains was approved at a special meeting, during which the establishment of the Club of the Crown of Polish Mountains Achievers was inaugurated. The idea presented in "Get to Know Your World" aimed to encourage an exploration of nature, geography, and the history of Polish mountains. In addition, it was important to popularise other mountains, apart from the well-known Tatra Mountains.

How to achieve the Crown of Polish Mountains?

A person interested in achieving the Crown of Polish Mountains should submit an application to the Club of Achievers. This can be done via the website: https://kgp.info.pl/. Additionally, a one-time registration fee of 35 PLN is required. After completing the necessary formalities, you receive a booklet in which you meticulously confirm the summits you have reached. Unfortunately, peaks climbed before joining the Club are not taken into account. An important note - there is no set time limit for reaching the summits.

How to confirm the achievement of a peak? 

The simplest solution is to stamp the appropriate page in the booklet. Unfortunately, one may not always find a stamp box at the summit. In such cases, stamps can usually be found at nearby mountain lodges. Additionally, a photo taken at the summit is necessary. Interestingly, confirmation of reaching a peak can also be a stamp and signature from an authorised member of the Achievers' Lodge encountered on the trail.

What next, if I have completed all 28 peaks?

A person who has collected stamps in their booklet confirming their ascents of all 28 peaks should print an application for the title of Polish Mountains Achiever, attach two passport photos, and send it to the Club's address. Then, at the designated time, they should meet with the Lodge of achievers to receive their badge, identification card, and diploma.

Which peaks belong to the Crown of Polish Mountains?

1. Rysy – Tatra Mountains – 2499 m above sea level
2. Babia Góra – Żywiec Beskids – 1725 m above sea level
3. Śnieżka – Krkonošsko-Ještěd Mountains – 1602 m above sea level
4. Śnieżnik – Śnieżnik Massif – 1425 m above sea level
5. Tarnica – Bieszczady – 1346 m above sea level
6. Turbacz – Gorce Mountains – 1310 m above sea level
7. Radziejowa – Sądecki Beskid – 1262 m above sea level
8. Skrzyczne – Silesian Beskids – 1257 m above sea level
9. Mogielica – Beskid Wyspowy – 1171 m above sea level
10. Wysoka Kopa – Izerskie Mountains – 1126 m above sea level
11. Rudawiec – Bialskie Mountains – 1112 m above sea level
12. Orlica – Orlickie Mountains – 1084 m above sea level
13. Wysoka – Pieniny – 1050 m above sea level
14. Wielka Sowa – Sowie Mountains – 1015 m above sea level
15. Lackowa – Niskie Beskid – 997 m above sea level
16. Kowadło – Złote Mountains – 989 m above sea level
17. Jagodna – Bystrzyckie Mountains – 977 m above sea level
18. Skalnik – Rudawy Janowickie – 945 m above sea level
19. Waligóra – Kamienne Mountains – 936 m above sea level
20. Czupel – Mały Beskid – 933 m above sea level
21. Szczeliniec Wielki – Stołowe Mountains – 919 m above sea level
22. Lubomir – Makowski Beskid – 904 m above sea level
23. Biskupia Kopa – Opawskie Mountains – 889 m above sea level
24. Chełmiec – Wałbrzyskie Mountains – 851 m above sea level
25. Kłodzka Góra – Bardo Mountains – 765 m above sea level
26. Skopiec – Kaczawskie Mountains – 724 m above sea level
27. Ślęża – Ślęża Massif – 718 m above sea level
28. Łysica – Świętokrzyskie Mountains – 614 m above sea level

Author of the photos and text: Ewa Bandyk