Chybotek — the rocking stone in Szklarska Poręba
Chybotek is a group of granite blocks in Szklarska Poręba, in the Izera Mountains, topped by a boulder measuring about 4 metres that you can gently rock. It lies on the blue trail a few minutes from the Złoty Widok viewpoint, 10–15 minutes on foot from the car park on ul. Matejki.
What is Chybotek?
Chybotek is one of the most distinctive rock formations in Szklarska Poręba: several granite blocks supporting a boulder of about 4 metres. Its upper part looks like an upside-down cone resting on two points, which is why the boulder can be made to sway slightly. There are weathering pits on the top, and because of its shape the rock used to be called the “sugar bowl” (German: Zuckerschale).
Does Chybotek really rock?
Yes, the largest boulder can be gently rocked by hand. The movement is small — it is easier to see when several people push together.
What legends are linked to it?
Local tales connect the rock with the Spirit of the Mountains and hidden treasure — legend has it that the boulder sealed the entrance to a treasure hoard. Chybotek is also one of the stops on the Walloon Trail (Szlak Waloński).
What else is nearby?
- The Złoty Widok viewpoint is a few minutes away — a relaxed walk to both takes about 45–60 minutes.
- The Karkonosz Grave (also called the Grave of the Spirit of the Mountains) is on the blue trail towards Złoty Widok.
- The Szklarka Waterfall is about 600 m away, inside Karkonosze National Park, where a park ticket is required.
Is Chybotek good with kids?
Yes, it is a short family walk, and a stone that moves tends to fascinate children. The longer town route “#nawycieczkę z Duchem Gór”, which passes Chybotek, is marked as unsuitable for pushchairs but fine with a baby carrier.
How can I make a longer hike of it?
The official town route “#nawycieczkę z Duchem Gór” (With the Spirit of the Mountains) is about 9.5 km and takes about 4 hours of walking without breaks. It follows the black trail along ul. 1 Maja to Leśna Huta and the Szklarka Waterfall, then the blue trail to Chybotek, Złoty Widok and Sowie Skały and back to the centre. A Karkonosze National Park ticket is needed for the Szklarka Waterfall section.