Rudawiec and Kowadło – two peaks, zero trouble
Rudawiec and Kowadło are two mountain peaks located very close to each other. Rudawiec is the highest point of the Bialskie Mountains, while Kowadło reigns over the Złote Mountains. Both are part of the Crown of Polish Mountains. That’s why many hikers choose to conquer them in a single day. Importantly, both peaks are situated near the village of Bielice, from which most trails begin.If you’re planning a mountain trip away from the crowds, and want to check off two more peaks from your list, keep reading!
Table of Contents – Rudawiec and Kowadło
- Why is it worth climbing Rudawiec and Kowadło in one go?
- Where are Rudawiec and Kowadło located and where to park?
- Accommodation nearby – where to sleep before the hike?
- Trail to Rudawiec and Kowadło – a quick and easy option for two peaks
- The fastest route – for those who count every step
- The easiest route – perfect for a relaxed day in the mountains
- Only Rudawiec – what are the ascent options?
- Only Kowadło – which way to the summit?
- Where can you find the stamp for the Crown of Polish Mountains?
- One day, two peaks – is it a good idea?
- Rudawiec and Kowadło – practical tips before you go
Why is it worth climbing Rudawiec and Kowadło in one go?
Rudawiec and Kowadło are perfect for a one-day trip. Especially if you want to tick off two peaks from the Crown of Polish Mountains at once. The two summits aren’t connected by a classic loop. Both hikes start from the same place: the small village of Bielice. This means there’s no need to drive between trailheads. The entire route is about 15 kilometers long and not particularly demanding, making it a great choice even for beginners. If you’re coming from afar, climbing both Rudawiec and Kowadło in one day is simply the most practical option. And if you love mountain hikes and one peak just isn’t enough – all the more reason to go for it!
Where are Rudawiec and Kowadło located and where to park?
Rudawiec and Kowadło are located near the small village of Bielice in Lower Silesia, in the Eastern Sudetes. Rudawiec stands at 1,112 m and is the highest peak of the Bialskie Mountains. Kowadło reaches 988 m and dominates the Złote Mountains. Although they belong to different ranges, they are close enough to be climbed in a single day without any trouble.
If you’re planning to arrive by public transport, the nearest train station is in Stronie Śląskie. From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour walk to Bielice. Buses run to Bielice only rarely. Reportedly, they go three times a day on weekdays.
What about parking? In Bielice, you’ll find a few options:
- Tourist parking in Bielice – forest lodge – the largest and most convenient starting point
- Parking near the PKS bus stop – smaller, but close to the trail
- Parking by Chata Cyborga – often full, especially on weekends
- Parking Vodopády Stříbrného potoka – small lot on the Czech side
In peak season, it’s worth arriving early, as the parking lots near Rudawiec and Kowadło fill up quickly.
Accommodation nearby – where to sleep before the hike?
Depending on your travel plans, you can stay in Międzylesie, Stronie Śląskie, or even Kłodzko, which serves as a great base for trips to Rudawiec and Kowadło as well as other nearby peaks. From Kłodzko, you can easily reach Śnieżnik, Czarna Góra, Jagodna, or Błędne Skały.
The region is full of picturesque villages, historic towns, and charming spa resorts, so choosing the best place to stay can be tricky. However, if you want to spend the night as close to the trail as possible, Bielice is a perfect pick. There, you’ll find peaceful, affordable, and reliable places to stay, such as:
– Guesthouse “U Majów”
– Agrotourism “U Eli”
– Trapera’s Cabin
– Cyborg’s Cabin
Prices are reasonable, and the area is quiet and green – perfect for relaxing before (or after) climbing Rudawiec and Kowadło.
Trail to Rudawiec and Kowadło – a quick and easy option for two peaks
Below you’ll find all possible routes to Rudawiec and Kowadło. This includes options to climb both peaks in one go or each separately. I’ve marked which trails are the easiest and which ones can be a bit of a challenge. Everything I managed to dig up from the depths of the internet. No fluff, no fuss. It’s up to you to decide how you want to hike – and at what pace.
Hiking route: Bielice (forest lodge) – Czarny Potok – Rudawiec – Bielice (Kowadło junction) – Kowadło – Bielice (forest lodge)
Trail: green, yellow, blue
Time: 05:45
Distance: 15.1 km
Elevation gain: 690 m
Hiking route: Bielice (forest lodge) – Czarny Potok – Rudawiec – Bielice (Kowadło junction) – Kowadło – Sedlo Peklo – Church of St. Vincent and St. Valentine – Bielice (forest lodge)
Trail: green, blue, yellow
Time: 06:30
Distance: 16.7 km
Elevation gain: 711 m
Hiking route: Bielice (forest lodge) – Nowa Bielawa – Czarny Potok – Rudawiec
Trail: blue, green
Time: 03:30
Distance: 9.8 km
Elevation gain: 370 m
Hiking route: Bielice (forest lodge) – Kowadło junction – Kowadło
Trail: blue, green, yellow
Time: 02:00
Distance: 4 km
Elevation gain: 257 m
Hiking route: Bielice (forest lodge) – Kowadło junction – Kowadło – Sedlo Peklo – Church of St. Vincent and St. Valentine – Bielice (forest lodge)
Trail: blue, green, yellow
Time: 02:30
Distance: 5.7 km
Elevation gain: 281 m
Hiking route: Nyznerov (parking) – Nyznerov Waterfalls – Pod Chlumem – Pramen Peklo – Kowadło – Nyznerov (parking)
Trail: blue, green, yellow
Time: 04:00
Distance: 9.7 km
Elevation gain: 496 m
Where can you find the stamp for the Crown of Polish Mountains?
No complications or searching needed, because for Rudawiec and Kowadło the stamp is located on both peaks, attached directly to the sign in a small box. Moreover, according to the official Crown of Polish Mountains website, you can also find the Rudawiec stamp at Chata Cyborga, Chata Paprsek, Guesthouse U Majów, Agrotourism U Eli, the PTTK branch in Stronie Śląskie, and “Raj Pstrąga.” Meanwhile, the Kowadło stamp is also available at Chata Cyborga, Chata Paprsek, Guesthouse U Majów, Agrotourism U Eli, and Chata Ramzovské sedlo. This way, even if you forget to get the stamp at the summit, you can always collect it later.
One day, two peaks – is it a good idea?
Rudawiec and Kowadło are close to each other, and the hiking routes to both peaks are not very demanding. Of course, there are some steeper sections, but these are mountains, and both summits are part of the Crown of Polish Mountains. The ascent to Rudawiec was easy for me, and I didn’t feel very tired. Climbing Kowadło was more tiring because we had to hurry due to the approaching rain. The pace was fast, and the rain caught us only a few meters from the parking lot. In my opinion, it’s definitely possible to conquer both peaks in one day!
Practical tips before you go
- There are three parking lots in Bielice, including one on the Czech side.
- Rudawiec and Kowadło belong to the Crown of Polish Mountains.
- The stamps on both peaks are placed in boxes attached to the signs.
- Climbing both peaks in one day should not be a problem.
- The viewpoint on Rudawiec is just a few meters from the summit.
- The Kowadło summit is almost completely forested, which limits visibility.
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
