Perched on the summit of Śnieżka (1602 m a.s.l.) — the highest peak in the Karkonosze range and the entire Sudetes — this iconic flying-saucer-shaped observatory is one of the most unforgettable sights in Polish mountain hiking. Three stacked disc-shaped structures gleam above the clouds, and the views from up here are simply extraordinary.

The panorama from Śnieżka rewards you in every season. On clear summer days you can see across the Jelenia Góra valley, the Czech Karkonosze, and distant mountain ridges. In winter the summit transforms into an Arctic world — snow covers the peak for roughly half the year and winds can reach hurricane force (a record 234 km/h was recorded here). The summit is shrouded in mist more than 300 days a year, so a clear day truly feels like a gift.

• Karpacz (Wilcza Poręba) — blue trail via Śląski Dom, approx. 2.5–3 h, difficulty: moderate to demanding
• Szrenica — red trail (Polish-Czech Friendship Road) along the main ridge, approx. 2–3 h, difficulty: moderate
• Czech side (Pec pod Sněžkou) — a great option for a cross-border loop hike

• The observatory building is a listed heritage monument (since 2020)
• An ecological education point with meteorological instruments is open to visitors
• Best photo conditions: early morning before convective clouds build up
• Warm, windproof clothing is essential — even in summer, conditions can turn harsh quickly
• Polish-side trails may be closed in winter for safety reasons — check locally before setting out

The observatory has recorded weather data continuously since 1975 and is one of only two Polish high-altitude stations in the WMO global network. Its bold modernist design was showcased at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City — proof that a weather station can also be a work of art.