Borowa Mountain from Wałbrzych via Zamkowa Mountain – the yellow trail
Nearby: Wałbrzychbeach_access Route in the shade
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
train Access by train possible
Borowa is the highest peak of the Wałbrzych Mountains, and one of the most distinctive viewing towers in the Sudetes stands on its summit. It is worth combining a trip from Wałbrzych with a climb up Zamkowa Mountain, where the ruins of the former Nowy Dwór Castle have been preserved. This means the route is not limited to a forest ascent and also offers an interesting historical element. However, it is important to remember that both Zamkowa Mountain and Borowa have steep approaches. That is why, in addition to the main option, we also describe gentler alternatives.
Starting point of the route
We begin the route by a historic railway viaduct dating from 1880, which forms part of the picturesque railway line from Wałbrzych to Kłodzko. Several trails start here, and we follow the yellow markings.
The area around the start of the route can be reached by city bus or train, getting off at Wałbrzych Główny station. Before setting out, it is worth checking the current timetable and preparing comfortable hiking footwear.
Initially, the route runs through less attractive urban surroundings, but after a while we leave the built-up area and head towards the castle hill.
At one point, the yellow trail turns right onto a narrow path. It is worth staying alert so as not to miss this spot. If we continue straight along Nowy Dom Street, we will bypass Zamkowa Mountain, but later rejoin the yellow trail behind the hill.
Zamkowa Mountain and the ruins of Nowy Dwór Castle
The ascent to the castle ruins is a good test before the even longer and steeper climb up Borowa. The incline is considerable, and the rocky surface may be slippery, especially after rain, but on dry days it provides solid footing.
Zamkowa Mountain rises to approximately 616 m above sea level. Its conical shape and steep slopes favoured defence, so in the Middle Ages the Świdnica-Jawor Piasts built Nowy Dwór Castle here.
After the death of Bolko II, the castle came under Bohemian rule and later changed owners many times. For a period, it also served as the seat of knight-robbers who attacked merchant caravans.
In 1581, the castle was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning strike. After this event, it was never rebuilt and gradually fell into ruin.
Quite a lot has survived to this day: a Gothic gate, remnants of the walls, towers and residential buildings.
The hill itself does not offer a wide panorama, but several dozen metres farther on, beyond a stone wall, there is a viewpoint. From here, you can look out over the surrounding hills.
The descent from Zamkowa Mountain is also steep, although less demanding than the ascent we took to get up.
Further on, a pleasant forest path leads to Kozia Pass. This section has no particularly notable attractions, but it allows you to rest after the steep ascent. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk.
Kozia Pass
At Kozia Pass, the yellow trail joins the black trail, which leads to Borowa by the shortest route. However, shortest does not mean easiest or fastest. It is worth considering going around the summit on the other side and taking the gentler approach.
The Road of Torment
The final section of the black trail to Borowa is colloquially known as the “Road of Torment”. It is a very steep and, given its gradient, long ascent. It requires good fitness, but the difficulty is not limited to the physical effort. In places, you also need to place your feet carefully, as it is easy to slip on the steep slope.
We do not recommend this option in rain, icy conditions or when snow is lying on the ground. Beginners and families with small children should be especially careful. Roots and rocks provide good footing in fine weather, but there are also plenty of loose stones, leaves and soil, so place each step carefully.
Alternative approaches
Before showing you the summit, we will briefly mention how you can avoid the “Road of Torment”:
an option with a gentler approach from the other side of Borowa, but still with a very steep section at the beginning
There is also a short but highly scenic section of the ascent, so it is worth looking back.
the gentlest option, which allows you to avoid steep approaches both to Zamkowa Mountain and to Borowa.
This option allows you to avoid the steepest sections. You still need to be reasonably fit, however, as the route is somewhat longer and leads to the highest peak of the Wałbrzych Mountains. In the mountains, a gentler trail often simply means more kilometres, not a complete absence of climbs.
Borowa – the highest peak of the Wałbrzych Mountains
Borowa is 853.3 m above sea level and is the highest peak of the Wałbrzych Mountains. The summit lies in a forest, so there is no extensive panorama directly from the trail. The summit’s greatest attraction is a steel viewing tower with a distinctive, modern design.
The tower is approximately 16.5 m high, and the viewing platform is about 15.3 m above the ground. Openwork stairs lead to the top, so it is worth taking care, especially when the structure is wet or icy.
A broad panorama of the Sudetes opens up from the platform. In good visibility, you can see, among other places, the Wałbrzych Basin, Chełmiec, the Owl Mountains, the Stone Mountains, the Janowice Rudawy, the Karkonosze with Śnieżka, and the Ślęża Massif. It is the view from the tower that rewards the tiring ascent and makes Borowa one of the more interesting destinations for a day trip in the area around Wałbrzych.
In addition to other peaks and ranges, you can also see at least three other viewing towers.
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