Mountains
the highest peak of the Owl Mountains with a concrete viewing tower from 1906, a point on the Crown of Polish Mountains
Churches and monasteries
a small filial church from 1786 in a village at the foot of the Owl Mountains
Parks and nature
81.41 km² of the Central Sudetes with Wielka Sowa, Kalenica and a beech wilderness reserve
Sokolec lies in the Owl Mountains: Wielka Sowa with its lookout tower, a church from 1786 and a landscape park with free entry.
Wielka Sowa is 1,015 m above sea level and the highest peak of the Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie). A lookout tower stands on top, and the summit belongs to both the Crown of Polish Mountains and the Crown of Lower Silesian Mountains, so it is a must if you collect those. Its German name Hohe Eule was used for centuries, and after 1945 the name Góra Sowia was briefly used. Entry is free and it suits a solo trip.
The village has a small church of St Martin dating from 1786. It is a branch church of the parish of St Michael the Archangel, in the Świdnica diocese. Trails nearby also lead to former underground military sites cut into the surrounding hills.
The Owl Mountains Landscape Park covers 81.41 km² in the Central Sudetes, including the range with Wielka Sowa and Kalenica. It was created in 1991 and enlarged to its present size in 1996. It exists mainly for its scenery and tourism value. Entry is free.
If you have more time, also check attractions in Nowa Ruda, Kłodzko, Kudowa-Zdrój, Lądek-Zdrój and Stronie Śląskie.
