Zakręt Śmierci (Death’s Bend) viewpoint in Szklarska Poręba
Zakręt Śmierci (Death’s Bend) is a near-180-degree hairpin on the Sudeten Road (regional road 358) between Szklarska Poręba and Świeradów-Zdrój, at 775 m above sea level, with a viewing platform built in 2020. There is free parking right at the bend, and the platform is about a 5-minute walk away.
Where does the name come from?
The road turns back on itself by almost 180 degrees here. The name comes from the many car accidents that happened when drivers did not take enough care. The bend was built in 1935–1937 on the slope of Czarna Góra.
What can you see?
The viewing platform, built in 2020, looks out over the Karkonosze (Giant Mountains), Szklarska Poręba and the Jelenia Góra Valley.
Is it free?
Yes. The viewpoint is in the Izera Mountains, outside Karkonosze National Park, so there are no tickets. The car park at the bend is free too.
Where can you walk from here?
- Wysoki Kamień (1,058 m) — about 3.1 km on the yellow trail, roughly 1 h 15 min uphill.
- Zbójeckie Skały — about 1.5 km on the yellow or black trail, around 25 minutes downhill.
- A 17th-century pyrite mine adit — below the bend on the trail to Zbójeckie Skały, about 1 km and 15 minutes.
Anything to watch out for?
The hairpin is very tight, so slow down well before it — especially in winter. The path from the car park to the platform is short and easy, including for families with children.