The highest point of Szczawno-Zdrój (850 m above sea level) in the Wałbrzych Mountains, with an observation tower and a millennium cross on the summit.
Chełmiec is a mountain peak 850 metres above sea level, part of the Chełmiec Massif in the Wałbrzych Mountains, part of the Central Sudetes. It rises directly above the surroundings of Wałbrzych and is the highest point within the administrative boundaries of Szczawno-Zdrój.
The peak is a distinctive feature of the landscape, visible from a great distance, including from Wrocław 70 kilometres away, thanks to its dome-like shape. An altitude of 869 metres used to be given, but the error resulted from the triangulation point being placed on top of the then observation tower rather than on the ground itself.
The peak is built of Permian porphyries. Below these are Lower and Upper Carboniferous sandstones, conglomerates and mudstones with seams of hard coal. Minerals such as barite, apatite and pyrite are also found within the massif.
Between 1887 and 1888 a 22-metre stone observation tower, styled as a ruin, was built on the summit, financed by the Hochberg family. It was originally accompanied by an inn and a tourist hostel. The structure fell into disrepair after the war; today it is managed by the European Amateur Radio Communication Centre, and the tower can be visited as a separate site, the observation tower on Chełmiec.
A 45-metre millennium cross, consecrated in 2000, stands on the summit and is visible from afar, much like the massif itself. In 2004 the European Mountain Bike Championships were held on the slopes of Chełmiec.
Four main hiking trails cross Chełmiec, including the European long-distance trail E3 and routes leading to Wałbrzych and Szczawno-Zdrój. It is a popular destination for walks and outings for residents of both towns.
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