Polana Jakuszycka in Jakuszyce (Szklarska Poręba)
Polana Jakuszycka is a mountain clearing at about 880 m in Jakuszyce, part of Szklarska Poręba in the Izera Mountains, close to the border crossing with Harrachov. It is home to the Lower Silesian Sports Centre (DCS) with a 200-space underground car park, and trains stop at Polana Jakuszycka station right next to it.
What is there at Polana Jakuszycka?
- In winter it is Poland’s capital of cross-country skiing and hosts the Bieg Piastów race.
- In summer the trails are used by cyclists, runners and hikers.
- The Lower Silesian Sports Centre (DCS) has ski and bike hire, a restaurant, a bistro and an Interactive Sports Centre with 5 simulator stations covering more than 700 m².
- Polana Jakuszycka railway stop (878 m) is next to the DCS and is the highest passenger stop in Poland.
Which walks start at Polana Jakuszycka?
- To the Orle hostel — along the yellow trail on an old asphalt road. See Orle Tourist Station.
- To Hala Izerska — via Orle, then on the red trail to the Chatka Górzystów hut. See Hala Izerska and Chatka Górzystów.
- To Jizerka in the Czech Republic — a route published by Szklarska Poręba’s tourist office: the “Samolot” winter trail to Orle, the green trail to the bridge over the Izera and the yellow trail to Jizerka, returning the same way. It is 15.7 km and takes about 5 hours; moderate, dogs allowed, not suitable for pushchairs. Take your ID.
Can you walk here from Szklarska Poręba?
Yes. The town suggests a route from the tourist information office at ul. Jedności Narodowej 1A: the red trail to Wysoki Kamień and Zwalisko, then the green trail to Rozdroże pod Cichą Równią and on to Polana Jakuszycka. It is about 13 km and about 4 hours, moderate, with dogs allowed; you can return by train from the stop by the DCS.
Can you take a dog from Jakuszyce towards the Karkonosze?
Not on the green trail along Mokra Droga. Karkonosze National Park bans dogs on the whole Ścieżka nad Reglami — the green trail from Przełęcz Karkonoska to the Pod Łabskim Szczytem hostel and on along Mokra Droga to Jakuszyce. On most other park trails dogs are allowed on a lead.
Is there an entry fee?
No. The clearing is in the Izera Mountains, outside Karkonosze National Park, so no park ticket is needed. DCS services such as parking and equipment hire are paid.