Wielka Sowa

Wielka Sowa is the highest peak of the Owl Mountains, lying in the Central Sudetes within the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. It is 1,015 metres high, has a viewing tower on its summit, and belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains and the Crown of the Mountains of Lower Silesia.

Where the name comes from

The German name of the peak, Hohe Eule, was used for centuries. After 1945 the Polish name Góra Sowia was used briefly, before the current form Wielka Sowa became established.

Geological structure

The mountain is built of metamorphic rocks from the Precambrian, making it one of the oldest formations in this part of the Sudetes. The summit lies on the boundary of two river basins, those of the Bystrzyca and the Nysa Kłodzka, making it a local watershed.

Viewing tower

The first, wooden viewing tower on the summit was erected in July 1885, but did not survive until 1904. The current concrete structure dates from 1906 - it was opened on 24 May that year and named after Bismarck. The tower is 25 metres high, 8 metres in diameter at the base and 4 metres at the top. After the Second World War it was given the names of Sikorski and Orłowicz, but neither took hold and the tower simply remained the viewing tower on Wielka Sowa. It underwent a major renovation in 2006, and a further one, begun in August 2021, was completed with a reopening on 16 July 2023. A chapel also stands beside the tower on the summit.

Skiing and trails

The slopes of Wielka Sowa are considered good skiing terrain, though the T-bar lift and ski runs have been closed since 2011. Eleven different hiking trails, one cycling trail and one ski trail lead to the summit, including one towards Andrzejówka. The massif forms part of the Owl Mountains Landscape Park, and one of the trails leads towards the village of Andrzejówka, allowing the ascent to be combined with a longer route across the surrounding hills.

Nearby

Nearby lies Mała Sowa, and the whole area forms part of the Owl Mountains Landscape Park. In the area it is also worth seeing the underground complex of Osówka, one of the structures built as part of the Riese complex.

Practical information

• Height: 1,015 metres above sea level, the highest peak of the Owl Mountains
• Location: Central Sudetes, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Kłodzko County, on the boundary of the Bystrzyca and Nysa Kłodzka river basins
• Eleven hiking trails, one cycling trail and one ski trail lead to the summit - it is worth choosing a specific route using a map of the Owl Mountains
• A viewing tower and a chapel stand on the summit; the ski lift has been closed since 2011