Discover the High Stone: History and Nature of the Jizera Mountains

The history of High Stone is as colourful as its natural wealth. The site once witnessed the construction and rebuilding of shelters that have served as a refuge for travellers and mountain lovers over the years. From the first sheltersbuilt by the Schaffgotsch family in 1837, to the contemporary efforts of the Gołb family to restore this legendary haven, every stone and tree on this peak has a story.

But it is not only history that attracts visitors to the High Stone. Its unique geology, with hornfels forming rocks on the summit and diverse rock formations, makes it a remarkable place from a scientific point of view as well. The richness of the flora, from lowland mixed forests to upper spruce forests, creates a mosaic of ecosystems that delight in their diversity.

Unfortunately, the history of this hut was not free of tragedy. In 1882, only 45 years after it was built, the Hochsteinbaude was consumed by fire. The hut was quickly rebuilt, but already without its accommodation function, a clear departure from its original role. Despite these changes, the site continued to be an important point on the tourist map of the Sudetenland.

Wars and the changing fortunes of the region left their mark on the hostel. After the Second World War, the building was devastated and robbed, heralding the beginning of its end. Although short-lived attempts were made to reactivate the facility in 1947, when it reopened to tourists, its condition quickly deteriorated. Finally, in 1963, the chalet was demolished and its history seemed to be over.

High Stone, with its majestic views and rich history, is one of the most treasured hiking destinations in the Western Sudetes. It is a place where nature, history and tourism come together to create a unique mosaic of experiences.

One of the main draws for tourists to the High Stone is undeniably its panorama. From the summit, you can see breathtaking view to the Giant Mountains, the Izera Mountains, the Kaczawskie Mountains and the Janowickie Ore Mountains. It is a spectacular experience that attracts both keen photographers and those who simply want to admire the beauty of nature.

In addition to hiking, the High Stone is also attractive for history buffs. Here you can trace the traces of former huts, as well as observe the ongoing work to rebuild the hut and build a new lookout tower. These elements add an extra dimension to the visit, combining a visual experience with a deep understanding of the history of the place.

The region also has a buffet that offers hot drinks, meals and souvenirs. It is the ideal place to take a short break and reflect for a while while enjoying the extraordinary views.

The flora of the High Stone is strongly shaped by the specific climatic conditions of the region. In the lower parts of the mountains, where conditions are milder, we find cultivated fields and mixed forests dominated by deciduous species such as beech, sycamore and fir. As we ascend higher, in the lower alpine, which reaches up to around 1,000 m above sea level, beech and sycamore predominate, as well as fir and spruce, although the latter are often replaced by monocultures as a result of historical forest management.

Even higher up, in the upper alpine, there is a dominance of spruce forests, which form picturesque, dense forests. Although the region has experienced ecological disasters in the past that have affected the condition of the forests, the preserved fragments of natural beech and spruce forests are a testament to the resilience and natural wealth of the area.

The geology of the High Stone is as diverse and fascinating as its history and nature. This unique peak in the Western Sudetes offers an insight into the rich and complex geological history of the region, which dates back hundreds of millions of years.

The High Stone massif lies on the border of two important geological formations: the granite massif of the Krkonoše and the Izera metamorphic. This position gives it a unique character, combining various types of rocks and geological structures. The summit of the mountain is built of hornfels - metamorphic rocks that are extremely resistant to weathering processes. These hornfels form the characteristic rocks that are visible on the summit and give the landscape its unique rugged beauty.

The High Stone, rising 1,058 metres above sea level in the Western Sudetes, is a true gem of the region. Its rich history, from the first chalets built by the Schaffgotsch family in the 19th century, through the tragic fires and reconstructions, to the contemporary initiatives of the Gołb family, tells of the enduring human fascination with this place.

Geologically, the High Stone offers a glimpse into the complex history of the Earth, with its hornfels, porphyritic granites and Old Paleozoic metamorphic rocks bearing witness to past volcanic activity and tectonic processes. The flora and fauna of the region, shaped by the unique climatic conditions of the Sudetes, form diverse ecosystems from lowland deciduous forests to upper spruce forests.