Wielka Sowa 1015 meters above sea level
Undoubtedly the highest peak in the Owl Mountains. Two mountain shelters, a viewing tower, and a trail ideal for walks with children. I invite you to read!
Table of Contents:
- Wielka Sowa, the highest peak in the Owl Mountains
- The viewing tower on Wielka Sowa
- Orzeł Mountain Shelter and Sowa Mountain Shelter
- Ruins of a military ski shelter
- Can you reach Wielka Sowa with a stroller?
- Which trail leads to Wielka Sowa?
- Where to park at Wielka Sowa
- Summary
Wielka Sowa, the highest peak in the Owl Mountains
Wielka Sowa stands at 1015 meters and is the highest peak in the Owl Mountains. It is included in the Crown of Polish Mountains. The range is located in Lower Silesia, between Świdnica and Nowa Ruda. Many interesting trails lead to the summit, and the ascent is not particularly challenging.
The viewing tower on Wielka Sowa
At the summit of Wielka Sowa stands a 25-meter-tall viewing tower, built in the early 20th century. From here, you can enjoy a panorama stretching to Śnieżnik, Śnieżka, and Ślęża. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go up as it was undergoing renovation. Don’t make my mistake—always check for updates before heading to the summit! For me, this is just more motivation to climb Wielka Sowa again.
Visiting hours: from May 1st to October 31st, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (the tower is also closed during adverse weather conditions)
Ticket prices: reduced 3 PLN, regular 6 PLN (prices may change after the renovation).
Orzeł Mountain Shelter and Sowa Mountain Shelter
Orzeł Shelter is located in the heart of the Owl Mountains at an elevation of 875 meters above sea level, right along the red trail. From its terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains, sometimes slightly misty in the early morning. If you’re driving to Wielka Sowa from the Sokola Pass, it’s worth parking directly at the shelter, allowing you to skip the most challenging section of the trail.
Sowa Shelter is situated roughly halfway along the trail from Orzeł Shelter. This unique historic building has long been a favorite among visitors. The area around it is surrounded by dense forest, offering peace and quiet. The shelter itself is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, due to a change in leaseholders, it has been closed since June 2022. All we can do now is wait for it to reopen!
Ruins of a military ski shelter
Descending from Wielka Sowa along the blue trail towards Mała Sowa, you’ll come across the ruins of an old military shelter after about 300 meters. I didn’t see any signs, and the shelter is unmarked on many maps, making it very easy to miss in the dense forest.
Construction of the shelter began in 1924 to improve soldiers’ skiing skills, and outside of the ski season, it was intended to serve as a base camp. The Świdnica Mountain Society and several local entrepreneurs supported its construction on the condition that it would also be available for civilians and tourists, as long as it didn’t interfere with military training. The shelter was completed in 1926, and it likely served both military and civilian purposes until 1944.
While descending, I almost missed the shelter—or rather, what remains of it. Currently, it’s just a fragment of a wall and a window frame. There’s no informational plaque at the ruins, and many people seemed unsure of what this place once was. If you’re heading down to Mała Sowa, it’s worth a quick three-minute stop, but I wouldn’t make a special trip just to see it.
Can you reach Wielka Sowa with a stroller?
Climbing Wielka Sowa with children is a great idea. The trail isn’t very demanding, and the ascent is relatively easy. As for bringing a stroller, it’s possible, but you’ll need enough strength to push it over uneven terrain, which can be quite rocky in places. On my way, I saw many families with children and strollers who were managing just fine!
Which trail leads to Wielka Sowa?
Kate’s trail
I started my journey from Orzeł Shelter, following the red trail toward the second shelter, Sowa, and then to the crossroads above Sowa Shelter. From there, I took the red-green trail up to the summit of Wielka Sowa. After reaching the summit, I headed toward Mała Sowa (yellow-blue-red trails), passing the ruins of the military ski shelter along the way. I returned the same way.
The path between Wielka Sowa and Mała Sowa was terrible. Ruts and recent heavy rain turned the trail into a complete quagmire. In short, I don’t recommend taking this route to Mała Sowa after heavy rainfall.
Other trails:
- Walimska Pass – blue trail – 3.3 km, approx. 1:20h to reach the summit
- Walim – yellow trail via Mała Sowa – 4.1 km, approx. 2:00h to reach the summit
- Jugowska Pass – yellow and red trails – 4.5 km, approx. 3:00h to reach the summit
- Kamionki (Black Knight) – black trail – 5.4 km, approx. 3:00h to reach the summit
- Rzeczka – black trail via Mała Sowa – 4.3 km, approx. 2:00h to reach the summit
Where to park at Wielka Sowa
- Orzeł Shelter – Coordinates: 50.6648011N, 16.4739283E
- Rozściszów, Potoczek (Walimska Pass) – Coordinates: 50.6938611N, 16.4912239E
- Jugów, Nagóra (Jugowska Pass) Paid Parking 10 PLN – Coordinates: 50.6554722N, 16.5252808E
Summary:
- Wielka Sowa is 1015 meters high and the tallest peak in the Owl Mountains.
- At the summit of Wielka Sowa stands a 25-meter-tall viewing tower.
- Two shelters, Orzeł and Sowa, are located along the trail.
- Access to the viewing tower requires a ticket: reduced 3 PLN, regular 6 PLN.
- Wielka Sowa is part of the Crown of Polish Mountains.
- A stamp can be found near the owl sculpture, inside a blue box.
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!
