When you think of running in the mountains, the first associations often relate to trails in the Tatra Mountains or the Giant Mountains. However, equally magical, and often less crowded, are the cross-country routes in Duszniki and the Zieleniec belonging to them. This village offers runners not only a wide variety of trails, but above all picturesque views, with which you can enjoy, covering the next kilometers of trails. Everyone, regardless of whether they are an experienced mountain runner looking for challenges or an amateur who wants to combine sport with relaxation in nature, will find something for themselves in Duszniki. Where to run in Zieleniec and its surroundings? Introducing route suggestions!
Cross-country trails — Zieleniec. Where to run in Zieleniec?
1. Route Zieleniec — Orlica
When it comes to cross-country trails, Zieleniec has a lot to offer. People who are looking for a trail with a considerable slope will certainly be interested in this yellow leading to Orlica, which is 7 km long in total. The route goes from Zieleniec to the top of the hill (1084 m above sea level) and is relatively short, but the climb can be a challenge. The views from Orlica, however, are worth the effort.
Tips: The route is short but quite steep. On Orlica there is a viewing platform from which you can admire the panorama of the Orlické Mountains and the Sudetenland Mountains. Returning, it is best to use the same trail.
2. Route Zieleniec — Hostel PTTK Jagodna
When exchanging cross-country routes in Zieleniec, one cannot miss the one leading to the PTTK Jagodna shelter, which runs among the forests of the Bystrzyckie Mountains. It has a total length of 10 km and an average level of difficulty. How do you get on it? When it comes to Zieleniec, cross-country trails can usually be located very easily. In this case, you need to find a yellow hiking trail and follow it directly to your destination.
Tips: The trail is partially covered with asphalt, but mostly leads through forest paths. At the shelter you can relax and then return along the same route.
3. Zieleniec Loop — Masarykova Chata
What other cross-country routes are there? Zieleniec borders with the Czech Republic, therefore another proposal is a loop leading along the blue hiking trail through the Masarykowa Chata Hostel and back to the village by asphalt road. The 15 km long route is demanding due to the varied terrain and altitude differences, but the views and the opportunity to visit Czech neighbors add to its charm.
Directions: The route takes you through a variety of terrain, including forests and open spaces with views of the Sudetenland. It can be shortened by returning from the shelter by the same road.
4. Zieleniec — Zieleniec (loop around Zieleniec)
You do not need to be an experienced runner to take the place of Zieleniec training. Cross-country trails are also adapted here for beginner adepts of this sport. The next proposal, i.e. a loop with a length of 8 km around Zieleniec, will be ideal for light jogging, because it has minimal surpasses. When deciding on it, you should start with the yellow hiking trail, and then go to the green trail, which clogs the loop around this part of Dusznik-Zdrój.
Directions: This route leads through flat, wooded areas around Zieleniec. Minimum surpasses make it a route suitable for everyone, regardless of the level of advancement.
5. Route Zieleniec — Duszniki-Zdrój
What else does Zieleniec offer for outdoor sports amateurs? Cross-country trails that allow you to visit two popular tourist resorts in one fell swoop. One of the trails, specifically green, connects, for example, Zieleniec with Dusznikami-Zdrój. This is a route for more seasoned runners, as it is one way 12 km, giving a total of 24 km.
Directions: The cross-country route in Zieleniec initially leads through wooded areas, and then descends into the valley. In Duszniki you can take a break in the Spa Park, then return along the same route or use public transport.
Cross-country trails Duszniki-Zdrój
1. Route Duszniki-Zdrój — Spa Park — Hostel Pod Muflonem
Cross-country trails in Duszniki are also worth noting. One of the most beautiful and at the same time the easiest (6 km in total) leads through the Zdrojowy Park and then along the green trail to the Shelter near Muflon located on the slope of Ptasiej Góra (745 m above sea level).
Tips: On the route you need to be prepared for gentle hills, but this is compensated by the picturesque views of the Kłodzko Basin from the hostel.
2nd Duszniki-Zdrój Loop — Homole Castle — Duszniki-Zdrój
When it comes to cross-country trails, Duszniki-Zdrój can boast of really interesting proposals. Notable is especially the trail running through Homole Castle — medieval ruins located on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. The route is 14 km long with an average degree of advancement. When deciding it, you should go from Dusznik-Zdrój along the yellow hiking trail to the Homole Castle and return along the blue trail through Łężyce back to the village.
Tips: The route is quite varied, running through forests and fields. Back down the blue trail is a bit gentler and more scenic.
3. Route Duszniki-Zdrój — Vicious Rocks
This is a longer and more challenging route, as it is 18 km long and covers quite a few elevations, but the reward is the incredible rock formations in the Errant Rocks. It takes the red trail directly from Dusznik-Zdrój.
Directions: The red trail leads through the Table Mountains, with numerous approaches and steep descents. The route is therefore ideal for more advanced runners looking for challenges.
Welcome to Vital&Spa Resort Szarotka
If you plan to visit Dusznikak-Zdrój, decide to stay in Zieleniec. It is here that Vital&Spa Resort Szarotka is located, which offers not only comfortable rooms and apartments, but also access to the aqua zone equipped with a recreational pool and jacuzzi and two types of saunas: Finnish and Roman, where you can experience relaxation after exhausting runs. In addition, a wide package of massages and other SPA treatments awaits our guests. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the offer!
