Ślęża 718 m above sea level

Ślęża is the highest peak of the Sudeckie Foothills and is also part of the Crown of Polish Mountains (KGP). About 30 kilometers southwest of Wrocław, amidst plains, lies the solitary Ślęża Massif. From the summit, we can admire the breathtaking panorama of Lower Silesia, Wrocław, and the Karkonosze Mountains.

Table of Contents:

1. Ślęża Mountain – Silesian Olympus
2. How to get to Ślęża Mountain? Where to park?
3. Which trail to take to climb Ślęża?
4. Wieżyca 415 m above sea level – Bismarck Tower
5. Ślęża Mountain attractions at the summit

Ślęża Mountain – Silesian Olympus

The Ślęża Massif stands alone amidst plains, and its summit can be seen from a great distance. The mountain is covered by dense forests, and during cloudy weather, its appearance is hidden in mist. It became a place of worship and belief for the ancient Slavs, who believed that gods inhabited Ślęża. Along the trail, you will encounter informational signs “Ancient Cult Sculptures” near stone structures. Archaeological research has shown that these stone sculptures date back to ancient times, specifically the 13th to 5th centuries BC. The most famous of them are the Virgin with a Fish and the Bear (which you can find while walking the yellow trail from the Pass below Wieżyca), bearing the symbol of an oblique cross, representing the sun cult practiced by the Proto-Slavic tribes.

The Virgin with a Fish and the Bear – the story of their encounter

The Virgin with a Fish – how the stone sculptures of the bear and the girl ended up on the slopes of Ślęża.

A long time ago, there was a castle on top of Ślęża. Once a week, a maiden would go down to the village of Sobótka, located at the foot of the mountain, to buy fresh fish for the lords of the castle. One day, as she was returning with the fish, a bear blocked her path. The girl wasn’t frightened by the giant at all, for it was a tame favorite of the castle inhabitants. She had often seen the bear standing on two legs in the evenings, dancing to music, and in return, receiving a treat. The girl decided to playfully tease the bear. She would hold out the fresh-smelling fish to his nose, then hide it behind her back. The great bear stood on two legs but had no intention of dancing. The tame animal had turned into a wild beast. When, in the evening, they began searching for the girl, they found her injured and lifeless body on the road to the castle. It was soon assumed what had happened. Due to the sorrow that filled the castle, and as a lesson to others, it was ordered to carve the figures of the bear and the maiden holding a fish in stone and place them on the slopes of Ślęża.

The story of the Virgin with a Fish and the Bear can also be read on the informational boards while walking the yellow trail from the Pass under Wieżyca.

How to get to Mount Ślęża? Where to park?

The easiest way to get to Mount Ślęża from the capital of Lower Silesia is by train on the Wrocław Główny – Świdnica Miasto route. The journey takes about an hour, with only two stops along the way. You can also take bus 522 from Wrocław PKS to Sobótka. Don’t forget to check the current timetable!

If you’re driving, there are plenty of parking options, most of which are free. It’s worth verifying this before your trip, as the parking lots are located next to each other, and often the free ones are just a few meters away. To make it easier, here are some parking addresses – Parking Ślęża:

1. Przełęcz Tąpadła, 55-050 Sobótka, Poland
2. Armii Krajowej 6, 55-050 Sobótka, Poland (paid parking in season)
3. Świdnicka 2D, 55-050 Sulistrowiczki, Poland
4. Bolesława Chrobrego 2-1, 55-050 Sobótka, Poland

Which trail to take to the top of Ślęża?

I have climbed Ślęża twice, starting my journey from Przełęcz pod Wieżycą. Reaching the summit is not time-consuming, and the round trip takes about 3 hours. You should also factor in time spent at the summit, breaks, and photos, so the maximum time is 4 to 4.5 hours.

Trail 1: From Przełęcz pod Wieżycą, we follow the yellow trail upwards. The ascent is quite demanding, and the path is rocky. The first point is Wieżyca 415 meters above sea level, where the Bismarck Tower is located. It offers a great viewpoint and is an ideal spot for the first break. The further part of the yellow trail is relatively calm, and along the way, we will encounter several iconic sculptures, including the Maiden with a Fish and the Bear. For the return journey, I chose the red trail, which turned out to be very gentle.

Trail 2: From Przełęcz pod Wieżycą, we head right on the black trail. It’s a gentle route through the forest, perfect for a walk. Then, we turn onto the blue trail, which I must admit is very rarely used, even in the summer season. There were moments when I didn’t encounter anyone for several minutes. The rule of the blue trail is very simple: the closer you get to the summit, the steeper it gets. The incline of the last kilometer is quite steep, and you can really feel the “burn” in your calves. The path is lined with large stones and steps, so it is relatively easy in this respect. For the return journey, I chose the yellow trail via Wieżyca.

Trails around Ślęża:

Trails leading to the summit of Ślęża:

• Blue from Przełęcz Tąpadła – time: 1:51 h, distance: 4.7 km
• Blue from Sobótka – time: 2:00 h, distance: 4.1 km
• Yellow from Przełęcz Tąpadła – time: 1:24 h, distance: 3.1 km
• Yellow from Sobótka – time: 2:16 h, distance: 5.4 km
• Red from Sulistrowice – time: 1:44 h, distance: 3.6 km
• Red from Sobótka – time: 2:08 h, distance: 5.2 km

Entrance with a stroller to Ślęża? I’m sorry, but none of the trails leading to the summit of Ślęża are suitable for stroller access!

Wieżyca 415 m above sea level – Bismarck Tower

After the first section of the yellow trail (from Przełęcz pod Wieżycą), the 15-meter-high observation tower, also known as the Bismarck Tower, quickly emerges from among the trees. Built in 1907, it is one of 172 towers that have survived. Originally, the tower was intended to be built at the summit of Ślęża, but it was decided to place it on the lower peak, Wieżyca, at 415 meters above sea level. After the war, the tower fell into ruin, but thanks to the residents of Sobótka, it was restored and made accessible to visitors.

Wieżyca – Observation Tower opening hours:

Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

On weekdays and for organized groups, by appointment at 606 613 201

The observation tower is open only during the summer season.

Mount Ślęża attractions at the summit:

The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Ślęża – the castle was built in the 14th century by Bolko II the Cruel to defend the region. During the Hussite wars, it fell into ruin and partially burned down in the 16th century. In 1834, it was renovated and transformed into a church, which is what we see today. The balcony at the top of the tower is an excellent viewpoint, with an entrance fee during the season (5 PLN). Visiting the church itself is free, every Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 and 17:00.

Millennium Cross – erected in 2000.

Ancient Cult Sculpture Bear – located to the right of the church.

Antenna Tower – also known as the Radio and Television Transmission Center Ślęża, built in 1958, with a 136-meter mast. Access to the facility and its premises is restricted.

PTTK Tourist House on Ślęża – Roman Zmorski Shelter, currently does not offer accommodation or full catering services due to water supply issues. Inside, you can find a stamp from the summit.

The observation tower – it is very poorly marked, so you need to look around. It is located to the left of the church, with access via stairs inside the church and to the left, or behind the church and to the left. This is a twelve-meter-high structure, built shortly before World War II. Access to the top is free of charge.

If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!