The Karkonosze National Park was established in 1959. Forests cover as much as 73.88% of the entire Park. Additionally, the Park’s non-forest ecosystems cover 1554.34 ha (26.12%), and the Park’s aquatic ecosystems cover 35.40 ha (0.59%).
The world of animals in Karkonosze is characterized by a large diversity of species. This is related to the occurrence of vertical vegetation zones of different climates and diverse mosaics of flora communities. In addition, the relief and terrain – especially above the upper forest border, distinguish the Karkonosze (the Giant Mountains) from other mountain ranges of the Sudetes.
Typical for the landscape of these mountains are post-glacial lakes and cauldrons, steep rocky slopes, peat bogs on the plateau, which have become a place of occurrence for many valuable species of the Karkonosze nature.
The number of animal species living in the Giant Mountains is as follows – invertebrates – at least 15 thousand species and vertebrates – more than 320 species, among them:
– fish – 2 species,
– amphibians – 6 species,
– reptiles – 6 species,
– breeding and migratory birds – about 200 species,
– mammals – almost 60 species.
Additional information:
– hiking trails (total 146 km),
– Karkonosze Environmental Education Center in Szklarska Poreba,
– Information and Education Centre “Hunting Lodge” in Karpacz,
– The “Virtual Karkonosze” exposition in Szklarska Poręba,
– Castle on Mount Chojnik.
More information out the Park here – Official website of the Park