Polczakówka Observation Tower in Rabka-Zdrój

The wooden Polczakówka observation tower stands in Rabka-Zdrój on Królewska Góra (588 m above sea level), about 3 kilometres north of the town centre. Its name comes from the ski lift by which it was built. The 2011 structure is 25 metres tall, and around 100 steps lead to the upper terrace.

Views from the terrace

From the upper platform you can see the Gorce, the Island Beskids and Babia Góra, and in clear air also the Tatras. The tower stands at an altitude of slightly over 500 m, so the approach requires no mountain experience and the site is accessible for families with children as well. By the upper station of the lift stands the chapel of Our Lady of Tears.

How to get there

The blue trail leads to the tower from Kościuszki Street in the centre of Rabka. An alternative is the approach along the ski slope from the side of Rabka-Zaryte, near the lower station of the Polczakówka lift. The site is accessible around the clock, and the short walk combines well with exploring the spa town.

A spa famous for its brine springs

Rabka-Zdrój is a spa town in the Raba valley basin, in Nowy Targ county, situated at 500–560 m above sea level. The local brine springs were already mentioned by Jan Długosz, citing a document of Bolesław Wstydliwy from 1254. It is worth combining the trip with a visit to the spa park and the town's water drinking halls.