Sudety

The Sudetes are a range of mountains in Central Europe that run along the border between the Czech Republic and Poland, with smaller extensions into Germany. They form the western edge of the Bohemian Massif and comprise several subranges, including the Jizera Mountains, the Western, Central and Eastern Sudetes. The highest peak is Śnieżka (Sněžka) at 1,603 meters, located on the Czech–Polish border in the Karkonosze range.

Geologically diverse, the Sudetes include a mix of metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks and feature forests, river valleys and glaciated landscapes. The climate varies with elevation and exposure, creating a range of habitats from broadleaf and coniferous forests to alpine zones in higher areas. The region supports numerous protected areas and parks on both sides of the border and is a popular destination for hiking, cycling and winter sports.

Historically, the Sudetes have been a borderland with a mixed population. In the 20th century they became associated with the term Sudetenland, referring to areas of Czechoslovakia with substantial German-speaking communities. Following World War II, population transfers significantly altered settlement patterns, and the border regions were repopulated by Czechs and Poles.

Today the Sudetes are important for recreation, tourism and regional identity. Towns and municipalities in and around the range offer access to outdoor activities, scenic landscapes and cultural heritage, reflecting the cross-border character of the mountain belt.