118 – Poland – Lower Silesian Sudetes Loop

Complete route

118 Lower Silesian Sudetes Loop

Distance495 km / 308 mi

Riding time≈ 12 h moving time

DifficultyModerate–Challenging

The journey

EMJ Route 118 is a 495 km paved motorcycle loop through Lower Silesia, starting and finishing in Jelenia Góra. It links the Karkonosze and Izera foothills, the central Sudetes, Kłodzko Valley and the sandstone world of the Table Mountains.

The route is organised into three balanced Stages of approximately 169, 169 and 157 km, keeping each riding day within the current EMJ experience target while preserving the continuous loop.

Expect paved mountain and forest roads, spa towns, castles, fortresses and a high density of cultural stops. The route is best treated as a scenic touring itinerary rather than a fast transit ride: wet forest sections, tourist traffic and local road works can materially change pace.

Route at a glance

Generate complete route PDF ↓

Jelenia Góra → Szczawno-Zdrój → Karłów → Jelenia Góra

Interactive complete route map

Map filters are independent: Fuel stations, Hotels and Restaurants show or hide their markers without changing the selected route stages or POIs.

Complete route and curated POIs shown. Use the map filters to add fuel, hotel and restaurant markers.

Black numbered markers: route anchors★: curated POIs⛽ Green: fuel stationsBlue: hotelsBrown: restaurant

Elevation profile

Complete route elevation profile

Distance on the horizontal axis and elevation on the vertical axis. Move the pointer or a finger across the profile to inspect kilometre and elevation.

Loading terrain elevation…

Minimum elevation—

Maximum elevation—

Total ascent—

Total descent—

Elevation source: terrain values loaded from Open-Meteo Elevation API using Copernicus DEM GLO-90 when available. An embedded terrain profile keeps the chart visible if the live service is unavailable.

Fuel & Services

Checked fuel options along or close to the route. Use the map layer for exact positions.

⛽ Fuel◉ 24 h where published🔧 Services🚻 WC where listed☕ Shop / café where listed

Opening hours, payment methods and fuel grades can change. Recheck the selected station on the riding day.

Journey at a glance

Three stages through Lower Silesia and the Sudetes

Start / finishJelenia Góra, Poland

Distance495 km / 308 mi

Road characterPaved mountain, forest, spa-town and heritage roads

Best suited toTouring / ADV / sport-touring riders

Recommended periodMay–October

Food & local character

Lower Silesia between mountain kitchens and spa towns

Expect Polish comfort food, pierogi, soups, roasted meats and potato-based dishes, with Czech and German historical influences across Lower Silesia. Spa towns add cafés and lighter dining, while the mountain villages favour practical, hearty plates.

Polish cuisineBackground ↗

Silesian cuisineBackground ↗

PierogiBackground ↗

Polish beerBackground ↗

Seasonality & weather

Best window: May to October

Best window

Late May to early October is the practical default. June–September usually gives the best balance of daylight and mountain temperatures.

Mountain weather

The Sudetes can be cooler and wetter than the lowlands. Forest roads may remain damp long after rain and fog can reduce visibility quickly.

Tourist pressure

Karpacz, Szklarska Poręba, Kudowa and Karłów can be busy on summer weekends. Early departures improve both traffic and parking.

Current conditions

Recheck IMGW weather, road works and national-park access 24–48 hours before each Stage and on the riding day.

Practical recommendations

How to ride this loop

Road rhythm

Plan for medium-speed touring. The route rewards steady progress and selective stops rather than trying to visit every castle, spa and viewpoint.

Fuel & daylight

Start each Stage with a comfortable range and use the checked Fuel Plan stops. Protect daylight for Table Mountains and forested sections.

Bike & tyres

Road-touring, sport-touring and adventure motorcycles all fit the route. Good wet-grip tyres matter more than off-road capability.

Navigation

Import and check the route files before departure. Current signs, temporary closures and live conditions always take priority.

Recommended clothing / rider kit

Pack for cool ridges and wet forest roads

Layering

Use a breathable base layer, adaptable mid-layer and a compact warm layer for exposed ridges and evening spa-town arrivals.

Rain & visibility

Carry a genuinely waterproof outer layer or waterproof textile suit, waterproof gloves and a clear anti-fog visor / Pinlock.

Footwear & protection

CE-rated touring / ADV boots and gloves work well; several POIs include cobbles, castle paths or short sandstone walks.

Daily essentials

Water, charging lead/power bank, tyre-repair kit, compact first-aid kit and a visor cloth are sensible daily basics.

Airport

Wrocław gateway

Wrocław Airport (WRO) is the nearest major commercial airport for the Jelenia Góra start / finish area.

Airport website ↗Google Maps ↗

Route files

Free GPX and Roadbook

Use the .gpx file for Garmin and most GPS/navigation apps, or the .itn file for compatible TomTom devices. Import the file and check the route before departure; current closures, local signs and live navigation always take priority.