At the top of Mount Żar (Góra Żar) in southern Poland there is a year-round alpine coaster (toboggan run) 500 m long (about 1,640 ft). A ride takes about 2 minutes. Children aged 3 to 8 ride together with an adult on double sleds. The track is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Polish public holidays, and it is lit in the evening. Besides the fun of the ride, you can enjoy great views of the Soła River valley with its three reservoirs and the ridges and peaks of the Little, Silesian, and Żywiec Beskids.

Mount Żar - other attractions

The summit of Mount Żar (761 m / 2,497 ft above sea level) is a viewpoint over Lake Międzybrodzkie and the fenced reservoir of the pumped-storage power plant (about 650 x 250 m). There are wide sunny meadows, beautiful views, food stands, and a junction of hiking trails. You can also go up by funicular railway. On weekends it can get quite crowded.

If you are lucky, you may see paragliders taking off and gliders flying low overhead.

In the building of the upper funicular station there is a pizzeria, and next to the alpine coaster there is a fast-food stand. Toilets (restrooms) are at the back of the station and are accessible for people with disabilities.

Author

Marta Mleczko

Redaktorka portali trasadlabobasa.pl i szpiedzywiedzy.pl; przewodniczka górska beskidzka i terenowa, w tym po Ojcowskim Parku Narodowym

Publish Date: 2012-12-30