Hiking up Łysa Góra in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains with small children can be a rewarding and memorable experience for the whole family.

We can certainly confirm it having taken advantage of the last of the late autumn warmth to give it a go.

Located in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains in Poland, Łysa Góra (also known as Bald Mountain) offers beautiful views and a relatively easy hike for young children, although it should be noted that the trail can be steep in places and may be slippery if it has recently rained.

It’s definitely not a walk for a buggy or anything else with a wheel. This means it’s either self powered or the kids are going to need to be carried. We used a sling for the littlest and a hiking backpack for the older one when he didn’t want to walk.

Before setting off on your hike, it’s important to prepare properly. Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for the little ones, as well as appropriate clothing and footwear. A small backpack with a change of clothes and a first aid kit is also a good idea.

The obvious note about it being a mountain, despite being small, means that the weather at the top can feel very different to at the bottom. For us whilst there was a breeze at the bottom, the wind was howling at the top so we were quick to get to shelter and had windproof warm stuff for all the family to wear.

The hike up Łysa Góra begins in Nowa Słupia and follows a well-marked and easy to follow trail.

The trail is pretty much entirely made with large steps that some small children may need help climbing. Be aware that the trail can become steep in some areas, and if it has recently rained, the steps may be slippery, so it’s important to watch your step and pay attention to your footing. We spent about 2 1/2 hours on the hike, including breaks for the little ones.

At the start of the trail, you will find plenty of parking and a restaurant with very friendly staff. There are also some portaloos outside. The parking was a little expensive at 20zł but absolutely worth it for the convenience.

It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat before or after your hike, or to stock up on any last-minute supplies you may need. Though note that you need to go up to the bar to order, with soup poured immediately right there and other meals taking longer. The food is pretty standard Polish Karczma fare bit there are a few regional variations available.

As you make your way up the mountain, take time to stop and enjoy the beautiful forests that the trail heads through. It’s also a pilgrimage route, Droga Krzyżowa, so you will also find large carvings of the Stations of the Cross.

They help to count the journey along!

Along the way, be sure to keep an eye on the little ones and make sure they are staying hydrated and well-fed. If they start to get tired, don’t be afraid to take a break and let them rest.

The hike up Łysa Góra is not a race, unless you’re a trail runner and competing in one of the races in the area. The Friday we went was a couple of days before one of the biggest races in the area – the Lament Świętokrzyskie. It’s a race that’s defeated us once before.

Of course if that’s the case then probably don’t bring the kids with you! By not rushing like some of the crowds do it helps to make sure everyone is having a good time.

We found that despite it being a good weather bank holiday, the crowds were not too bad, though we started relatively early. For us then, the climb was pretty quiet. The return journey was much busier.

When you reach the top of Łysa Góra, you will find the monastery, where you can take some time to explore and take in the stunning views. The monastery offers a peaceful and quiet place to rest and reflect, and is a great destination for the whole family.

There are plenty of tables with shelter around the summit though most are fairly exposed so any wind will make them not so much fun for kids and adults alike.

There is also a viewing platform beyond the giant TV tower at the top of the mountain. This is paid for and with the kids we didn’t have time to go but the pictures online show a very nice view.

There are also quite heavy crowds who come to visit the monestary via car/bus by driving up to a large car park near the top. You can easily tell the difference between those that hiked and those that didn’t.

There are also some remnants of Poland’s pagan past around the top. The mountain, pre Christianity housed temples and more. There are some great stories to research about it.

For the more adventurous with much older kids the trail continues quite some distance to take on Łysica, the tallest mountain in the range. For us and our small kids, that’s for another day!

Overall, hiking up Łysa Góra in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains with small children can be a fun and rewarding experience.

The trail is easy to follow and offers beautiful views, making it a great choice for a family hike. Just remember to prepare properly, watch your step, and take your time, and you’re sure to have a great day on the mountain.