Here are the most interesting observation towers and viewing platforms in the region, accessible to tourists.
Borowa Tower (853 m above sea level), Wałbrzych Mountains
- From Jedlina-Zdrój (Pokrzywianka Street) on the black trail – up to 1 hour
- From the Podgórze district in Wałbrzych on the red trail – 1 hour 40 minutes
- From the bus loop on Wałbrzyska Street in Wałbrzych, from the Glinik Stary district, on the black trail – 1 hour 30 minutes
The tower, 16.5m high, was built on the highest peak of the Wałbrzych Mountains in 2017. The steel structure of the tower forms a hyperboloid shape with 32 angled columns. 90 spiralling steps lead to the viewing platform. In favourable weather, from the summit you can see, among other things: Ślęża, Wielka Sowa, and even the Sky Tower skyscraper in Wrocław.
Trójgarb Tower (778 m above sea level), Wałbrzych Mountains
- from Stare Bogaczowice via the red trail – 2 h 20 min or via the black trail – 2 h 45 min
- from Witków Śląski via the blue trail – 1 h 30 min
- from Gostków via the green trail – 2 h 10 min
- from Szczawno-Zdrój via the yellow trail – 2 h 10 min
Trójgarb is a distinctive mountain with three peaks. Before World War II, there was an observation tower here, which was destroyed. Since 2018, a modern observation tower, made of steel with five viewing platforms, has stood on the highest ‘hump’.
The tower is 27.5 m high and is one of the tallest in the Sudetes. It was built on a triangular plan, symbolising the three surrounding municipalities of Czarny Bór, Stare Bogaczowice, and Szczawno-Zdrój. The tower was created thanks to a partnership project between the Foundation for European Education and the Wałbrzych Forest District. In favourable conditions, the distant Karkonosze Mountains can be seen from it.
Chełmiec Tower (851 m above sea level), Wałbrzych Mountains
- from the Biały Kamień district in Wałbrzych via the yellow trail – 1 h 45 min
- from Szczawno-Zdrój via the blue trail – 2 h 15 min or via the black trail – 3 h 30 min
- from Boguszów Gorce via the green trail – 1 h 30 min
Chełmiec is the second highest peak in the Wałbrzych Mountains, an area covered by the Natura 2000 programme. At the summit of the mountain, between 1887 and 1888, a 20-metre stone observation tower was built (funded by the Hochbergs) in the style of an artificial ruin, shaped like a pseudo-bastion, generally referencing medieval castle architecture. From the tower, you can admire:
the Wałbrzych and Sowie Mountains, the Karkonosze Mountains, Ślęża, and surrounding towns including Szczawno-Zdrój, Boguszów Gorce, and Wałbrzych. Next to the tower is the Chełmiec Radio and Television Broadcasting Centre – Emitel S.A., and telecommunication masts 63 and 73 m high. In 2000, a 45-metre Millennium Cross, the tallest structure of its kind in Poland, was erected on Chełmiec.
Viewing Platform below Dłużyna
- from Wałbrzych Główny Station via the black trail – 1 h 10 min
- from the loop in Rusinowa (Wałbrzych district) via the red trail – 1 h 20 min
- from Jedlina Górna railway station via the green trail – 45 min
Viewing Platform on Jałowiec (751 m above sea level)
- from Jedlina Górna via the green trail – 2 h
- from Jedlina-Zdrój, Ogrodowa Street via the blue trail – 1 h
- from Głuszyca railway station via the blue trail – 1 h 45 min
Jałowiec is a steep, post-volcanic peak in the southern part of the Wałbrzych Mountains above the Rybna Valley. On a distinctive plateau below the summit, there is a viewing platform offering views of Jedlina-Zdrój and the surrounding hills.
Włodzicka Mountain Tower (757 m above sea level), Włodzickie Hills
- from Świerki Dolne railway station via the green trail – 50 min
- from Nowa Ruda via the green trail – 2 h 50 min
- from the church in Świerki via the red trail – 50 min
Observation tower on the highest peak of the Włodzickie Hills, above the village of Świerki. The structure was built in 1927 thanks to the local branch of the Kłodzko Mountain Society (GGV). After World War II, the forgotten object fell into ruin. In 2018, extensive renovation work was carried out, restoring the tower to its original appearance from the time of its foundation. The restored tower is 15 m high and offers a panorama of, among others, the Sowie Mountains and the Wałbrzych Mountains. On the slope of Włodzicka Mountain, there is a picturesque viewpoint with a cross.
St. Anne’s Mountain Tower (647 m above sea level), Włodzickie Hills
- from Nowa Ruda Railway Station via the yellow trail – 1 h
- from Nowa Ruda Railway Station via the green trail – 1 h
The observation tower on St. Anne’s Mountain in Nowa Ruda was appreciated as a viewpoint as early as the second half of the 19th century. According to accounts, in 1882, a pavilion was erected here, with a 5-metre high wooden platform next to it, offering views of the surroundings. In 1906, this platform had to be reduced in size. It was then that the idea of building a brick observation tower emerged. Through the efforts of Carl Ferche, from the Kłodzko Mountain Society, a 14-metre high tower made of red sandstone, on a square plan, was built and opened in 1911.
After extensive renovation and the addition of a shelter, the facility was made available to tourists in a new form.
All Saints’ Mountain Tower (648 m above sea level), Włodzickie Hills
- From the centre of Słupiec (Nowa Ruda district) via the red trail – 1 h 15 min
- From Nowa Ruda via the green trail through St. Anne’s Mountain – 2 h 20 min
As early as 1889, a mini-tower 2.8 m high was built on All Saints’ Mountain, making it a major tourist attraction. About 20 years later, the GGV section proposed building a new, higher tower. On 12 June 1913, the cornerstone for its construction was laid. Shortly thereafter, a new, 15 m high, round observation tower, crowned with a gallery and built of red sandstone, was opened and named after Field Marshal von Moltke. After
extensive renovation in 2011, beautiful panoramas of the Eastern and Central Sudetes can be admired from it.
Wielka Sowa Tower (1015 m above sea level), Sowie Mountains
- from Sokola Pass in Rzeczka via the red trail (passing Orzeł Hostel and Sowa Hostel along the way) – 1 h 10 min
- from Walimska Pass via the blue trail – 1 h 20 min
- from Jugowska Pass via the red trail – 1 h 40 min
Wielka Sowa is the highest peak of the Sowie Mountains and the Central Sudetes. The first wooden observation tower was built here in 1886. However, the fragile structure was destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century. A decision was then made to build a new, brick tower. Work on its construction began in mid-1905, and the grand opening took place on 24 May 1906. At that time, the tower was named after Otto von Bismarck. After World War II, the tower was named after General W. Sikorski. In the
1980s, the tower was named after the Polish tourist and regional expert M. Orłowicz. In 2015, a chapel was built next to the observation tower. From the tower, a wide panorama opens up to most of the Sudeten ranges in Poland and the Czech Republic. In good weather, Wrocław, the Karkonosze Mountains, and even the Jeseníky range can be seen from here.
Kalenica Tower (974 m above sea level), Sowie Mountains
- from Jugowska Pass via the red trail through Zygmuntówka Hostel – 1 h 15 min
- from Nowa Ruda Zdrojowisko railway station via the yellow trail – 2 h 40 min
- from Woliborska Pass via the red trail – 1 h 45 min
Kalenica is the third highest peak in the Sowie Mountains. The mountain is built of hard metamorphic rocks, which can be seen as rock debris near the summit. The dominant feature of the peak is the observation tower. The steel structure was erected in 1933 on the 50th anniversary of the Bielawa Mountain Society’s activity and was named after Marshal Hindenburg. The tower is 14 m high and has two viewing terraces, of which only the upper one rises above the surrounding forest at the summit.
Dzikowiec Wielki Tower, Stone Mountains
A 20-metre wooden observation tower offering views of Stożek Wielki, Boguszów, Bukowiec, and the Unisław Plateau. Dzikowiec is a popular spot among paragliders and cyclists – its slopes feature cycling routes and two extreme downhill cycling trails.
Parkowa Mountain Tower in Mieroszów
Opened in 2015, the wooden observation tower is 16 m high. It is an excellent viewpoint for the town and the surrounding mountain ranges. From it, you can see, among others, the Suche Mountains, Javori Hory, Broumov Walls, and the Zawory range. The walk to the tower from the vicinity of Mieroszów Market Square takes about 5 minutes. Nearby are walking paths and cycling trails. From the tower, you can admire, among others, the panorama of Mieroszów, the Suche Mountains (Javoří hory), and
the Broumov Walls, as well as the peaks of Zawory. In good visibility, the Śnieżnik Massif can also be seen.
Świdnica Town Hall Tower
The Town Hall Tower was rebuilt between 2010 and 2012, standing 58 m high with 10 storeys. Its predecessor collapsed on 5 January 1967 and disappeared from Świdnica’s market square for 40 years. Inside the new tower, multimedia devices are available, allowing visitors to learn about the building’s history or send a virtual postcard to friends, while permanent and temporary exhibitions can be viewed on the upper floors. On the 8th storey, there is a viewing terrace from which you can see a panorama of the old town and
the surrounding mountain ranges (open Tue-Sun 10:00 – 18:00, tel. 730 796 626).
Głuszyca Church Tower
The Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland was built in 1741. The 21 m high church tower was opened to tourists in 2018. Visits are by prior reservation (reservations tel. 74845 62 20 – Osówka Underground City).
Jedlina-Zdrój Church Tower
The tower of the former Evangelical church is 45 m high and offers views of the town and surrounding mountains. The interior of the church has been restored and now serves as a cultural meeting place. Visits are by prior reservation:
CKiT in Jedlina-Zdrój
tel. 74 845 52 49
Old Mine Observation Tower in Wałbrzych
The 25 m high glass observation tower offers a wide panorama of the former Julia mine complex, Wałbrzych, and the Wałbrzych and Stone Mountains. Illuminated at night, it presents a very impressive sight. It is accessible to people with disabilities. The tower can be accessed daily with a guide during a tour of the Old Mine or by purchasing a separate ticket between 10:00 and 18:00.
