Idea for a trip: the observation tower of Great Desztna

From the article you will learn:

• How to get from Zieleniec to the observation tower on Wielka Desztna
• Why you should visit this attraction as part of the Ridge Trail
• What amenities and options await tourists in Zieleniec

One of the suggestions for spending a day in Zieleniec is undoubtedly a trip to the observation tower at the top of Wielka Desztna (1115m above sea level) - the highest peak of the Orlice Mountains located in the Czech Republic, just outside Poland.

Lookout tower

The observation tower at the top of Wielka Desztna (1115m above sea level) is a relatively new tourist attraction in this part of the Sudetenland. Its opening took place on October 26, 2019. The construction of the tower took place as part of the implementation of the “Ridge Trail” project, which by its name refers to the long-distance tourist route connecting the Giant Mountains with the Jesenky Mountains. It is worth noting that as part of the entire project eleven towers will be built, of which as many as seven will be located on the Polish side. Near Zieleniec you can visit the observation tower on Jagodna (977m above sea level), the tower on Orlica (1084m above sea level), which is the highest peak of the Polish part of the Orlica Mountains and Central Sudetene.From the tower itself, the top of which will be located above the crowns of trees, we can admire the breathtaking Breathtaking views of mountain ranges towards the Czech Republic and Poland.

Hiking trail

There are two ways to get to the tower, which is about 3.6km (1:05 h) from Zieleniec. One of them is the possibility of shortening the route and using one of the two year-round railways in Zieleniec, which in the spring-autumn period are available for hiking and cycling tourists. One of the proposed railways is a 4-seater sofa Gryglówka. Using the railway entrance, we arrive in the vicinity of the Šerlich peak (1025m above sea level), from where on foot the peaks in about 10 minutes we can reach the Czech lodge Masarykova Chata (1013m above sea level).

The second proposed train is Nartorama Skyway Express - mixed railway i.e. 6 seater sofa with gondolas (VIP and Cafe). In this case, the upper station of the cable car is about 200m from the already mentioned shelter. The exact timetable of the cable cars can be found at this link. If you decide to go on foot, a little longer (about 5.9km/about 2h) and without using the cable cars, it is best to start your hike with the blue trail, which enters the forest at the entrance to Zieleniec from the Lasówka side. Going up the trail for about 2.2 km (approx. 50 minutes) we will reach the Czech lodge Masarykova Chata.At the hostel we change the color of the trail to red, from where there is only about 3.6km (1:05 h) left to the destination of the trip.

We go down the road that already runs on the Czech side, which we cross and continue along the trail towards the top, where after about 3.3km (1:00 h), we are at the destination. It is worth noting here that the route itself is not very demanding due to small overpasses - in particular - if we decide to use the cable cars in Zieleniec. Regardless of which route option we use, we can leave our means of transport (unless we have accommodation in Zieleniec) at one of the car parks in Zieleniec (next to the Gryglówka or Nartorama), where there are also free toilets. If you have bicycles, it is possible to enter by cable car. It is also not an obstacle for children or wheelchairs, as the Nartorama Skyway Express railway has gondolas adapted to carry the aforementioned accessories.

Accommodation and gastronomy

Regardless of whether it is a proposal for a day trip without accommodation or an option to spend a day in the mountains during a longer stay, our accommodation and catering base is open. A wide range of hotels and guesthouses will satisfy all expectations. A varied standard, a wide range of prices, numerous facilities for guests and exceptional cuisine will make your stay in Zieleniec the quintessence of pleasure, relaxation and rest in the open air. The full list of accommodation facilities is at this link.

Hiking on the Great Rain is a combination of adventure, nature and amazing views. Whether you choose to take a longer walk or assist yourself with a cable car, the prize will be a panorama of the Sudetenland and a moment of respite at the top. Take advantage of Zieleniec's extensive accommodation and catering base and plan your trip today — because the best experiences are closer than you think.