K艂odzka G贸ra and the Observation Tower - trail from the town of Bardo


max 748 m min 274 m
straighten 9.4km
timer 4h 8min
north_east 714m
south_east 240m
Medium - For young hikers, steep sections possible
terrain  The slope of the terrain
train  Access by train possible

K艂odzka G贸ra (757 meters above sea level) with its high observation tower (34.5 meters) is one of the peaks of the Crown of Polish Mountains, offering a fantastic panorama. The route from the town of Bardo also allows us to visit the Bardzki Landslide, which is the largest rock landslide in the Sudetes, providing an incredible view of the city. We mostly follow the blue trail, briefly turning onto the green trail to reach the viewpoint overlooking the landslide.

  • You can reach Bardo by train, the name of the railway station is Bardo 艢l膮skie.
  • The route is long and sometimes steep.
  • From K艂odzka G贸ra, we can descend to the town of K艂odzko using the yellow trail.
Table of Contents

Bardo - Golden Gateway to the K艂odzko Valley

Bardo is a picturesque town located on the Nysa K艂odzka River gorge, also known as the Golden Gateway to the K艂odzko Valley. Interestingly, its history dates back to the beginnings of our country. It is believed that after the annexation of Silesia to Poland by Duke Mieszko I, a fortified border stronghold was established here on the Nysa K艂odzka gorge.

Bardo - view from the Bardzki Landslide
Bardo - view from the Bardzki Landslide

In the town and its surroundings, you will find many religious buildings and a miraculous figurine of the Virgin Mary, which is why it is also referred to as the city of miracles.

Bardo
Bardo

Getting there and parking

We start the blue trail to K艂odzka G贸ra from a large parking lot near the Bardo 艢l膮skie railway station.

Parking by the trail and near the railway station
Parking by the trail and near the railway station

Kalwaria Mountain

The first 2.5 km of the trail is a climb to Kalwaria Mountain (575 meters above sea level), where a chapel is located. The trail itself is also a Stations of the Cross and Rosary path with stations and beautifully painted chapels. Two interesting places on this section are a spring and the Bardzki Landslide, the largest rock landslide in the Sudetes.

Initial section of the trail to Kalwaria and K艂odzka G贸ra
Initial section of the trail to Kalwaria and K艂odzka G贸ra

Studzienka Marii (Mary's Well)

The local spring is said to have healing properties. In 1893, it was enclosed with a stone chapel. The painting on the gable depicts Jesus and the Samaritan woman. It is said that a miraculous healing took place at the spring when a young Czech regained his eyesight after washing his eyes with the water. The benches and the coolness of the dense forest make this place perfect for a first rest.

Studzienka Marii
Studzienka Marii
Studzienka Marii
Studzienka Marii
Steep ascent between the spring and the landslide using stone steps
Steep ascent between the spring and the landslide using stone steps

Bardzki Landslide

The landslide was formed on August 24, 1598, after prolonged rainfall. The Nysa K艂odzka eroded the Bardza Mountain, threatening to flood the city. Monk Mateusz and children prayed in front of a statue of Mary, which, according to legend, miraculously redirected the river, saving the city. The Bardzki Landslide, the largest rock landslide in the Sudetes, is an essential stop on this route, although it requires an additional 500 meters of walking and leaving the blue trail. However, the view from the Bardzki Landslide of the city, Bardzki Gorge, and the Western Ridge of the Bardzkie Mountains will enchant everyone!

Trail junction - green trail to the landslide, blue trail bypasses the landslide
Trail junction - green trail to the landslide, blue trail bypasses the landslide
Viewpoint above the landslide
Viewpoint above the landslide
Bardo - view from the Bardzki Landslide
Bardo - view from the Bardzki Landslide

ATTENTION: The green and blue trails do not converge, and to return to the blue trail, 300 meters after the landslide, we turn right as indicated by the sign for the mountain chapel.

Location where we turn right from the green trail to return to the blue trail
Location where we turn right from the green trail to return to the blue trail

Chapel on the summit

Before reaching the summit, the trail becomes steeper and rocky, but it also starts to reveal more beautiful views.

Viewpoint with a bench
Viewpoint with a bench
Ascent to Kalwaria Mountain
Ascent to Kalwaria Mountain

At the summit, there is a chapel of the Weeping Madonna from 1619 and several benches. This place is associated with another miracle of Bardo. In the early 15th century, the Virgin Mary appeared sitting on a stone, weeping over the human suffering in the impending war. Traces of feet and hands were left on the rock after the apparitions.

Chapel of the Weeping Madonna on Kalwaria Mountain
Chapel of the Weeping Madonna on Kalwaria Mountain

Between Kalwaria and Ostra G贸ra

After the chapel, we have some descent and a longer section mainly through the forest with few viewpoints. The section is pleasant but does not have any particular features.

Between Kalwaria and Ostra G贸ra
Between Kalwaria and Ostra G贸ra
Between Kalwaria and Ostra G贸ra
Between Kalwaria and Ostra G贸ra
Between Kalwaria and Ostra G贸ra
Between Kalwaria and Ostra G贸ra

Ostra G贸ra

The name itself, Ostra G贸ra (Sharp Mountain), indicates that it won't be easy! When it starts to get really steep and our heart rate increases, it means we are approaching its forested summit, which is 751 meters above sea level.

Ascent to Ostra G贸ra
Ascent to Ostra G贸ra
Ostra G贸ra
Ostra G贸ra

K艂odzka G贸ra and the Observation Tower

It is interesting to note the mistake of considering K艂odzka G贸ra as the highest peak of the Bardzkie Mountains and including it in the Crown of Polish Mountains. In reality, this place belongs to its neighbor, Szeroka G贸ra, which is about 8 meters higher. However, there is no trail leading to its summit.

The Observation Tower on K艂odzka G贸ra is impressive! It is a tall structure that we ascend using spiral stairs. The tower has several levels with observation decks. The highest terrace is located at a height of 30 meters. From there, you can see the 艢nie偶nik Massif, the Orlickie Mountains, Bardzkie Mountains, and Sowie Mountains. On a clear day, you can even spot the Karkonosze Mountains and Wroc艂aw.

View of the observation tower from the blue trail
View of the observation tower from the blue trail
K艂odzka G贸ra - tower and stamp booth of the Crown of Polish Mountains
K艂odzka G贸ra - tower and stamp booth of the Crown of Polish Mountains
View of Ostra G贸ra from the tower on K艂odzka G贸ra
View of Ostra G贸ra from the tower on K艂odzka G贸ra
Observation tower on K艂odzka G贸ra
Observation tower on K艂odzka G贸ra
View from the observation tower on K艂odzka G贸ra
View from the observation tower on K艂odzka G贸ra

From K艂odzka G贸ra, we can also descend to K艂odzko using the yellow trail:

From K艂odzko to K艂odzka G贸ra - Yellow trail: Natural beauty and a viewing tower

Medium
directions_walk

From K艂odzko to K艂odzka G贸ra - Yellow trail: Natural beauty and a viewing tower

max 749 m min 288 m
straighten 9.0km
timer 3h 35min
north_east 534m
south_east 84m
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Last Updated: 2023-09-20
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