Although they are called the Errant Rocks in English, Błędne Skały looks almost intentional. As perfectly chiseled paths lead visitors on hikes, their imaginations can run wild among the natural forms of the rocks nestled near the Table Mountains of Poland.

Errant Rocks is a set of blocks of rock at a height of 853 m above sea level, forming a picturesque labyrinth (rock city), located in south-western Poland. Set on the border between Poland and the Czech Republic, Błędne Skały has been an important passage for years in Central Europe. During the 17th century, the deep caverns and 35-foot high boulders allowed smugglers to sneak from the Czech Kingdom into the lands that are now modern-day Poland. Evidence of this illicit behavior can still be seen on the smooth sandstone rocks of the area, where a list of dates memorialize the apprehension of smugglers.

The area of strict protection called Errant Rocks has 22 hectares. It contains a group of unusual rock forms about 6 – 11 meters high, created as a result of absondering sandstone weathering. Errant Rocks is a labyrinth of crevices and recesses, sometimes very narrow, separating several meters high rock blocks. Each rock became an entity to itself, taking on its own personality in the 54-acre preserve. Many rocks have their own names, for example: “Rock Saddle”, “Hen’s Foot”, “Labyrinth”, “Tunnel”, “Big Chamber”. Near Errant Rocks there is the “Three Crosses Boulder”.

Once it was a very well guarded customs point between Kłodzko County and the Czech Kingdom. There are many dates on the boulder which, as the legend says, were engraved to commemorate catching the smugglers. The oldest one comes from 1616. On the area of Errant Rocks there is a point of observation on a platform called “Rock Bowls”. From there you can see both Szczeliniec Wielki and Mały, Broumovska Vrchovina, the town Machov, and when there is good visibility, we can also see the Karkonosze!

The entrance to the rocks is 50 minutes by walking from the lower parking. In winter and at the beginning of spring is a rock labyrinth badly accessible due to a big glaciation. The entrance is charged during the tourist season. Footpath goes through very narrow slots sometimes! The wait to get into the park can be a hassle so some tourists recommend getting there when it opens. They only allow so many cars up at a time since parking is limited.

I personally have never been there, but from the reviews I read, it’s a great place to visit with small (I would say starting at 5 years old) children, very family friendly.