Szklarska Poręba: From Forest Settlement to Mountain Town

History and Growth

The origins of Szklarska Poręba reach back to the Middle Ages, when glassmakers, woodcutters, and charcoal burners settled in the dense forests of the mountains. The abundance of wood, quartz, and water created ideal conditions for glass production, which would shape the town’s identity for centuries. The name itself reflects this heritage. Szklarska Poręba can be translated as “the glassmakers’ clearing.”

By the 18th and 19th centuries, the town had become a well-known mountain resort under the German name Schreiberhau. Visitors were drawn by the clean air, dramatic landscapes, and the growing network of hiking trails connecting valleys, waterfalls, and ridges. What began as a working settlement slowly transformed into a place of tourism and outdoor holliday.

Nature, Artists, and the Spirit of the Mountains

What truly defines Szklarska Poręba is its location. The town sits at the gateway to two mountain ranges, offering direct access to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the region. Trails lead to places such as Kamieńczyk Waterfall, Szrenica, and high mountain plateaus shaped by wind and ice.

The surrounding forests and ridges invite exploration in every season. In summer, hikers and cyclists follow long-distance routes through valleys and over mountain passes. In winter, snow transforms the town into a base for skiing and cross-country tours. 

At the turn of the 20th century, Szklarska Poręba became a magnet for artists, writers, and philosophers. Painters and poets sought inspiration in the shifting light of the mountains and the solitude of the forests. One of the most influential figures associated with the region was Gerhart Hauptmann, Nobel Prize–winning writer, whose presence contributed to the town’s reputation as a cultural refuge.

A Living Mountain Hub

Over time, Szklarska Poręba has grown into a lively mountain hub, offering cafés, local cuisine, small museums, and access to cross-border routes into the Czech Republic. Although its popularity increased and it can be full and crowded during the season, it remains closely connected to its surroundings, offering movement, fresh air, and perspective.