Klimczok

Klimczok

It has a height of 1117 m a.s.l. and is located in the Silesian Beskids range. From the summit, as well as from many of the trails leading to it, there is a beautiful view of the nearby hills, including the dominant Skrzyczne, the highest peak of this range link to our article about Skrzyczne. Just below the summit is the PTTK Klimczok Shelter, small but very popular among tourists. In high season, especially in bad weather, it can be crowded, and a free table is a real luxury. In summer, however, most visitors use the benches outside or the glass-enclosed terrace, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Beskid ridges. Current information about the offer and accommodation can be found on the shelter's website: Link to the official website of the Klimczok shelter. After reaching the shelter's altitude, we have the last, quite steep section to the top of Klimczok, where a characteristic transmitter is located.

Schronisko PTTK Klimczok

Szczyt Klimczoka

Trail Variants

Parking

Along the main road running through the center of Szczyrk, there are numerous free parking spaces – parallel to the road. Usually, there is no problem finding a free spot, even on weekends. However, if it's a busier day, there are also paid parking lots in the area. It's best to head for the coordinates: (49.715889, 19.025074), as this is where the trails to Klimczok described by us begin.

Loop from Szczyrk

Ascent on the black and yellow trail, and descent on the red and yellow trail

In our opinion, this is one of the prettiest and quietest routes to Klimczok. The trail is charming, varied, and well-marked. It is not too demanding, so it is perfect for a family hike or a more relaxed mountain walk with beautiful views along the way.

Trail length: 12,8 km
Duration: 4:59 h
Elevation gain: 622 m
Difficulty level: easy
Dog-friendly trail

Trail Description

We start the trail from the main road passing through the center of Szczyrk. We head to Turystyczna Street, where the blue trail begins. It leads quite steeply up on concrete slabs. Here we reach the tiny Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland. We take a shortcut through a forest path and reach Wrzosowa Street, where we walk a bit further on asphalt until we reach a fork. There we can turn left, following the blue trail, which is the shortest route to Klimczok, but we turn right, onto the black trail leading through a forest road. The section is varied and runs entirely through the forest. At the next fork - Nad Bieniatką, we enter the yellow trail. Here the forest slowly thins out, the trees are lower, and further on, the trail widens. From time to time, the snowy peak of Skrzyczne emerges from between the trees. This trail leads us to the shelter itself. From here, you can already see the summit of Klimczok and the steep slope we will be climbing. We take the black trail to reach the highest point of the mountain and then head back.

szlak czarny

szlak czarny

widok ze szlaku żółtego

ostatni odcinek szlaku żółtego

We descend the slope towards the shelter, but we stop at the saddle on Klimczok. It's worth taking a good look, as many trails connect here and it's easy to get confused. We head down the red trail. Throughout the journey, we are accompanied by a view of the highest peak of the Silesian Beskids. Here the route is a bit steeper. It slowly leads us into a denser and taller forest. The trail is very pleasant and calm. We traverse the forest until we reach a fork, where we turn onto the yellow trail. Here we switch to concrete slabs and then to asphalt, which continues for another 2 km to the point where we started.

wejście na szlak czerwony

widok na Skrzyczne

Rozwidlenie na Przełęczy Karkoszczonka

Widok z przełęczy

Summary

We have been to Klimczok many times - we have climbed it using different trails and at different times of the year. This time we described our last hike, which in our opinion is the most interesting and scenic loop leading to this peak. In total, we covered 13.92 km in 3 hours and 20 minutes, with an elevation gain of about 675 meters. We went on a warm, windy October weekend, when the forests were shimmering with shades of yellow and orange, creating a truly autumn atmosphere. There were still remnants of snow on the summit, and in the distance, on Skrzyczne, a thick, white layer of snow was already visible. In previous years, we also visited Klimczok in late autumn (climbing the green trail) and in winter, when we climbed from Bielsko-Biała (red trail).

Green trail from Szczyrk

This is the trail we chose for our first ascent to Klimczok. It is slightly longer than the blue trail, but it is gentler and more pleasant to hike. Although it is one of the more popular routes, it still allows for a calm pace and enjoyment of the surroundings. If you are looking for a comfortable, not too demanding trail, the green one will be an ideal choice. The paths can be combined, for example, you can start the hike on the blue trail, and on Wczasowa Street switch to the green trail and continue up.

Trail length: 6,6 km
Duration: 2:54 h
Elevation gain: 619 m
Difficulty level: easy
Dog-friendly trail

Blue trail from Szczyrk

The shortest route to Klimczok, and therefore one of the steeper and more crowded trails. Many people follow this path to the summit.

Trail length: 4,3 km
Duration: 2:17 h
Elevation gain: 602 m
Difficulty level: easy
Dog-friendly trail

Red trail from Kamienica (Bielsko-Biała)

A trail leading from Bielsko-Biała through Szyndzielnia. The route is also suitable for the winter season (which we decided on last year). The trail is very pleasant and not too steep, only the last section has a greater elevation gain. We can make it easier to get to Klimczok by taking the cable car to Szyndzielnia, from where we only have a short distance to cover.

Trail length: 5,8 km
Duration: 2:47 h
Elevation gain: 649 m
Difficulty level: easy