Miner's Path

Gwarkowa Perć is a unique artificial rock exposure in the Opawskie Mountains, located in the south-central part of Poland, in the Opole Voivodeship. It is a symbol of the region, distinguished by an 11-meter ladder with 35 rungs, making it the only place in the Polish Sudetes resembling a via ferrata. The exposure is situated on the southeastern slope of Bukowa Góra, near Jarnołtówek. Geologically, Gwarkowa Perć consists of remnants of a disused phyllite shale quarry, which has resulted in interesting rock formations and characteristic rock ledges. The 50-meter-high walls of the excavation reveal fascinating effects of rock transformations. Water flowing down these walls year-round freezes in winter, creating picturesque ice formations. In 1985, a metal ladder was added, making this site exceptional in the Polish mountain landscape, where such aids are rarely encountered. The exposed rocks and the disused quarry have the status of an inanimate nature monument, highlighting their conservation significance. The etymology of the name Gwarkowa Perć comes from the highland term "perć," meaning a rock shelf, and "gwarek" refers to former miners. The site is popular among tourists, and the blue tourist trail passing through Gwarkowa Perć connects Pokrzywna with other attractions of the region, promoting active recreation in the picturesque scenery of the Opawskie Mountains.