Zajęcznik is one of the beautiful peaks of the High Ridge, the largest ridge of the Izera Mountains, located entirely on the Polish side. It is a popular destination for family trips, because – thanks to its scenic qualities and relatively easy trail conditions – it is perfectly suited to an undemanding journey through the mountains with children. But that is not all, because Zajęcznik also offers a whole range of other attractions, including those for adults.
The High Ridge in the Izera Mountains
Świeradów-Zdrój lies in the valley of the River Kwisa between two mountain ridges – the Kamienicki Ridge to the north-east and the High Ridge to the south-west, which is the highest and longest ridge of the Izera Mountains. Its forested, dome-shaped elevations create wonderful conditions both for recreation and tourism and for rest in the bosom of nature.
The High Ridge has several peaks, one of the lowest and easiest to explore of which is Zajęcznik. This makes it an excellent choice for a weekend trip with children. It also works well as a pleasant and peaceful interlude while visiting other attractions of the Izera Mountains. Bearing in mind that Świeradów-Zdrój is a well-known spa and often hosts those taking the cure, Zajęcznik – owing to its relatively light and simple ascent – is also a great way to enjoy less strenuous recreation, which superbly supports therapeutic treatments.
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Zajęcznik – the key facts about the Izera peak
Zajęcznik is a forested peak of the High Ridge lying in its northern part, more precisely on a side arm that branches off to the north and north-east from Stóg Izerski, the second-highest (after Smrek) peak of the High Ridge. Zajęcznik rises gently to a height of 595 m above sea level.
On its summit there once stood an observation tower, which has been replaced by a transmission station. From its south-eastern slope, however, you can still admire a magnificent panorama of Świeradów. It is worth noting that the peak separates Świeradów-Zdrój from Czerniawa-Zdrój, once a separate town, today a district of the city.
On the route leading to the summit you can find benches and tables, which allow for a comfortable rest in the beautiful forest-and-mountain scenery. Right next to Zajęcznik is Świeradówka, a second peak 605 m high, treated by some as one and the same peak.
The trail to Zajęcznik – how to find it?
The hike to Zajęcznik is pure pleasure. The route is really simple and pleasant; it can be classed as more of a stroll than a demanding walk. The total climb on the way to the summit is 120 metres. The distance to cover there and back is just about 3 kilometres, which can be walked at a leisurely pace in about 1.5 hours. Zajęcznik is reached by the green tourist trail running from Czerniawa to Świeradów. The entrance to Zajęcznik is on ul. Polna, which is very easy to reach from ul. Zakopiańska. Interestingly, the peak is less than 1.5 kilometres from Izera Park as the crow flies.
The attractions of Zajęcznik in the Izera Mountains – the Zajęcznik educational trail
In 2012, the Świeradów Forest District created an educational trail on the route leading to Zajęcznik. This is another reason why it is worth visiting this peak together with children. The educational trail to Zajęcznik is interactive, so it not only teaches about the flora and fauna of the Izera Mountains, but engages and encourages further travel and play. It takes a rather interesting and varied form of plaques with photographs, movable puzzles and riddles. Along the way we come across 9 different stations:
- Where I live
- Plant–animal
- The hunting puzzle
- Inhabitants of the Izera forest
- A dendrology lesson
- Will you see me by day or by night
- Find my mum
- The food chain
- Forest "dulcimers" (Leśne cymbały)
The interactive educational boards provide extra entertainment and a handful of important information. Nature lovers, both smaller and larger, will surely learn many interesting things from them. This is not the end of Zajęcznik's attractions, however; another is the cycling trail that draws mountain-riding enthusiasts to the summit.
Activities – check out what to do in Świeradów-Zdrój
The Single Track Zajęcznik cycling trail
Zajęcznik is a standalone Single Track Zajęcznik cycling trail. It is a moderately difficult cycling path 14.75 kilometres long, marked in red, the entrance to which is located above the lower station of the gondola lift, by the car park there. The Zajęcznik route can be ridden in several variants – short, medium and long. The whole trail runs through all the most interesting places – including past the observation tower on Młynica and numerous viewpoints, providing wonderful visual impressions.
Zajęcznik – the Wild Cave and the Tower on Młynica
An interesting attraction lying just 1.2 kilometres to the north-west of Zajęcznik is the extraordinarily atmospheric Wild Cave (Dzika Jaskinia), hidden among beautiful vegetation. The second, even greater attraction, which is also located a short distance from Zajęcznik, is another peak of the High Ridge – Młynica – and the modern observation tower placed on it. It is one of the region's greatest attractions, which is also worth visiting.
Get in touch with the Proxin team: sprzedaz@proxin.pl / +48 603 711 805 / izerapark.pl
