Orlica Viewing Tower: Spectacular Views on the Polish-Czech Borderland

Orlica Viewing Tower: Spectacular Views on the Polish-Czech Borderland

April 11, 2025

On the Polish-Czech border, in the heart of the picturesque Orlice Mountains, rises an extraordinary tourist attraction - the Orlica Viewing Tower. It is a place that attracts both nature lovers and families looking for an unforgettable experience. Towering over the surrounding forests, the tower offers breathtaking panoramas that stretch for miles in every direction. It's not just a vantage point, but a true gateway to discovering the beauty of the Sudetenland and the borderland's culture.

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The way to the top - an adventure for the whole family

A trip to the Orlica lookout tower is an excellent option for a family outing. The trail leading to the tower begins at the Stone at the entrance to Zieleniec, making it easily accessible to tourists of all ages. The trail leads through a picturesque forest, gently ascending, which makes the hike pleasant and not too demanding.

The walk to the top is about an hour-long adventure, allowing you to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the beauty of the surrounding nature. The path is well-prepared, making it possible to walk comfortably even with children. It is worth noting that the last section of the trail, about 300 meters before the tower itself, may be a bit more difficult for baby strollers, but it is certainly not an insurmountable obstacle for determined parents.

The tower itself, although not the tallest (it measures 25.5 meters), provides a comfortable entrance thanks to its wide construction. This is an important aspect for families with small children, who can climb the levels without worry. On the way to the top, there are several viewing platforms, which allows you to gradually admire more and more extensive panoramas and gives you the opportunity to rest while climbing.

The wooden structure of the tower not only blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, but also gives the impression of being solid and stable, which is especially appreciated by those with a fear of heights. Unlike metal structures, this wooden tower gives a feeling of security and naturalness, which makes staying at the top of the tower even more pleasant.

Panorama, that will take your breath away

Accessing the top of the Orlica Viewing Tower rewards tourists with a spectacular view that stretches for tens of kilometers in all directions. What sets this tower apart from other attractions in the region is the opportunity to enjoy a panorama that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the dense forest cover of Orlica's summit.

The highest viewing platform offers a breathtaking view of the Polish and Czech Sudetes. On sunny days, you can spot the distinctive peaks of the Table Mountains, the majestic Śnieżnik, and even the distant Karkonosze Mountains. This is not only a live geography lesson, but also an unforgettable aesthetic experience that remains in the memory for a long time.

It's worth noting that the highest viewing platform, although it doesn't allow you to go fully around the tower all the way, offers two vantage points at opposite ends. This solution, although it may be inconvenient on days with heavy tourist traffic, provides the opportunity to quietly contemplate the landscape from different perspectives.

As an added attraction, telescopes located on the platform provide a closer look at distant peaks and valleys. This is an excellent opportunity for children to learn to identify landscape elements and develop an interest in geography. What's more, some tourists mention the free binoculars available on site, further enhancing the observation experience.

The observation tower on Orlica is not only an observation point, but also a place where you can feel the magic of the borderland. Standing at the top, you can imagine how the history and culture of the region has been shaped over the centuries, where Polish and Czech influences meet. This is an excellent opportunity to talk to your children about geography, history and the importance of international cooperation.

Practical information for visitors

When planning a trip to the Orlica lookout tower, there are several practical aspects to consider that will help you fully enjoy this remarkable attraction. First of all, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can be changeable, so it is always a good idea to check the forecast before setting out on the trail. The best views can be enjoyed on sunny, cloudless days, so if possible, plan your visit for just such a time.

Getting to the starting point is relatively easy - the tower is located near the village of Duszniki-Zdrój, more precisely at the entrance to Zieleniec. The place is well marked and easy to find. For those using navigation, it is worth typing in the address: 57-340 Duszniki-Zdrój, Poland, which will lead us near the beginning of the trail.

An important note is that the summit of Orlica itself is in a different location than the observation tower. For those who want to score an ascent to the highest point of the Orlice Mountains, it is worth knowing that it is still about a two-minute walk from the tower to the actual summit. Unfortunately, there is no information about this at the tower itself, which can be confusing for some tourists.

The tower is accessible all year round, but the best conditions for visiting it are from late spring to early autumn. During the winter, special care should be taken due to possible icing on the stairs and viewing platform. Regardless of the time of year, it is always a good idea to bring warm clothing, as it can be colder and windier at the top than at the base of the mountain.

An important note for families with small children: the last section of the trail before the tower can be more difficult to traverse with a baby stroller. If this is the case, consider using a baby carrier for the little ones or be prepared for a short section where you will need to carry the stroller.

The Orlica lookout tower enjoys very good reviews among tourists, as evidenced by its high rating of 4.9 in reviews. Visitors praise not only the magnificent views, but also the sturdy construction of the tower and the comfort of ascent. This is a place that is sure to please both experienced tourists and families with children looking for easier but equally attractive routes.

All in all, the Orlica lookout tower is a place to put on your must-see list when visiting the Sudetes. It offers not only breathtaking views, but also the opportunity for active time in nature, geographic and historical education and unforgettable family memories. It is an excellent example of a tourist attraction that combines natural, educational and recreational values, being a real gem on the map of the Polish-Czech borderland.

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