Magurki Lookout Tower

On the broad summit meadow of Magurki (1,108 m) in the Gorce Mountains stands a wooden tower from which, in clear weather, you can see not only the Tatras but also the Greater Fatra range in Slovakia. It was built in 2015, and thanks to its roofed, enclosed viewing deck, even people with a fear of heights and children can climb it.

History and design

The tower was built in 2014–2015 as part of an EU-funded project of the Ochotnica Dolna municipality, "An Active Leisure Enclave in the Heart of the Gorce". It is one of four towers built by the municipality – the others are on Lubań, Gorc and Koziarz. The wooden structure sits on a concrete foundation. The deck holds about 30 people and is enclosed, with long slits cut into the walls so that children can enjoy the view too. Four labelled panoramas are mounted on the inside walls, and webcams sit on the roof. In rain, the roofed deck doubles as a shelter.

A name from the Vlachs

The name Magurki comes from a Vlach word – Romanian măgura means a free-standing mountain massif. Ochotnica was founded by Vlach shepherds, and more such names survive in the Gorce. The summit's north-eastern slopes belong to Gorce National Park, while the south-western slopes lie outside it.

Routes and sights along the way

• The Vlach Culture Trail from the hamlet of Forędówki in Ochotnica Górna – the shortest way up, usually about 45–75 minutes. It passes Kurnytowa Koliba, a hut with the date 1839 carved on its door, regarded as the oldest surviving secular building in the Gorce.
• The "Jaszcze Stream Valley" nature path (green markings) – a loop from the car park in Jaszcze Duże via Pańska Przehybka and Magurki, about 3 hours.
• About 1.5 km from the tower, by the path in the Jaszcze valley, is the crash site of the American B-24 Liberator bomber "California Rocket", which went down on 18 December 1944. Some of the crew later hid in Kurnytowa Koliba.

Tripto tip

The tower is free to visit all year. Coming from Forędówki, leave your car at the end of the tarmac road. The path is rocky and the final stretch before the summit is steep, so wear sturdy shoes. Pick a day with clear air – only then does the panorama reach the Tatras and the Greater Fatra.