Kalenica Observation Tower

Kalenica (964 m) is the third-highest peak of the Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie), after Wielka Sowa (1,015 m) and Mała Sowa (972 m). Its summit is forested, so the views come only from a steel observation tower from the 1930s, one of the symbols of the range. Since its modernisation in 2022 you can once again climb it safely and look out over Bielawa, Jugów and the surrounding ridges.

History of the tower

The tower was built on the initiative of the Owl Mountains Society (Eulengebirgsverein) from Bielawa. The structure was made in Bielawa in 1932 and assembled on the summit in 1933. It was originally meant to stand on Popielak, where two wooden towers had stood before, but Kalenica was chosen instead – land belonging to Count Adolf Seidlitz-Sandretzky of Roztocznik. It was named the Hindenburgturm in honour of Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg.

For decades the tower deteriorated. In May 2022 the Municipality of Bielawa signed a contract for its modernisation, and the technical handover took place on 14 November 2022. The foundation slab was reinforced, the structure was cleaned of rust and protected against corrosion, new railings were added on the stairs and landings, and the walkway surfaces were replaced. The work cost over PLN 330,000 and was fully funded by the municipality.

Curious facts about Kalenica

• Three names: the mountain was once called Kuhberg ("Cow Mountain"); after the tower was built the name Turmberg ("Tower Mountain") took hold and appears on pre-war maps.
• Geology: the summit consists of Precambrian gneisses and migmatites covered with rock debris; the largest outcrops in the massif are the Dzikie Skały ("Wild Rocks").
• Surveying: in the 1960s a tall, three-legged wooden triangulation tower stood next to the observation tower.
• Nature: the slopes are covered by stunted beech forest protected in the Bukowa Kalenica reserve.

How to get up

Two trails cross the summit: the red Main Sudetes Trail, which runs along the ridge of the entire Owl Mountains, and a long-distance route from Szklary to the Puchacza Pass, passing through Bielawa, Zimna Polana and Bielawska Polana, among others. The summit is wooded and the approach follows forest paths.

Tripto tips

• When: pick a clear day with good visibility; in the clouds the tower won't show you much.
• Time needed: allow about half an hour for the tower and a rest on the summit, and check the approach time on a trail map for your starting point.
• In winter: snow and ice can make the approach and the steel stairs tricky – bring microspikes.
• Safety: do not climb the metal structure in strong wind or during a thunderstorm.