Quick Winter Hike to Owl Mountains — Just 1.5 Hours from Wroclaw!

Sundays are for chilling and staying in bed for as long as you prefer! But, there are Sundays to step out of your comfort zone and seek a good adventure; trudging through piles of snow; finding your foothold and soaking in white-washed views. The Owl Mountains near Wroclaw are gifted with such cool traits. Yet another reason to love Wroclaw 🙂

Sudetes are the keepers of hidden gems, neighbouring towns worth visiting, making an ideal day trip from Wroclaw. These quaint towns and picturesque hamlets are obscure, thrilling, yet enchanting in every way. Bielawa, located in the Owl Mountains near Wroclaw, is a sweet nature paradise 65 km away! A tempting proportion for me, and you too!

Getting to Bielawa: Gateway to the Owl Mountains Near Wroclaw

My first impression of Bielawa was, “What a lovely place to live!”. With all those alluring old-fashioned buildings, Bielawa Town had my curiosity. The fancy mountain huts and hotels, and even the government buildings, had the charm of Disneyland.

Walking through this place gives abandoned town vibes! There were too few souls around, or maybe it was just a Sunday morning! Those heated houses in subzero conditions would be a waste if residents ventured out on the street.

Bielawa rests in the foothills of the oldest mountains in Europe. The Owl Mountains draw tourists and locals in large numbers during peak winters. Bielawa has a lake reservoir, which can be spotted immediately after getting down from the train.

Moreover, this place offers exciting activities around the lake region with all the beach sand and outdoor sports infrastructure. Additionally, there are 500 kilometres of MTB routes, hiking, ski lifts and amazing hiking trails.

Bielawa is accessible from other nearby towns by rail and road. Koleje Dolnośląskie trains and Polbus connect Bielawa with major cities in Lower Silesia like Wroclaw and Wałbrzych.

Owl Mountains Hiking Route: From Bielawa to Kalenica Lookout

Yellow Trail: Bielawa Zachodnia – Three Beeches – Cold Glade
Red Trail: Cold Glade – Zygmuntówek Shelter
Green Trail: Zygmuntówek Shelter – Jugów – Molke Museum – Ludwikowice Kłodzkie, railway station

The trail is 18 km long. It took us around 7 hours to complete the hike, which excludes all the drinks, snacks, and photography breaks.

A hike in the Owl Mountains near Wrocław

Tempting as it sounds, Park Krajobrazowy Gór Sowich is nothing less than a winter wonderland during winter in Poland. For everyone planning a trip to Poland in winter, this hike can be a great addition to your itinerary. Spare a day to explore the best of Owl Mountains.

As you walk across the modest suburb of Bielawa, trudging past the fancy-looking neighbourhood with antique buildings and picturesque cottages, you’ll soon hit steep upslopes, and that indicates your entry into the nature park. The slopes are gradual for most of the route, except for a few sharp ones that are considerably demanding.

While you will be whipping out heaps of snow with your boots, making way through the mystical forest, don’t forget to treat yourself to the stunning mountain views. That is what a winter wonderland looks like! All said and done, don’t forget to clothe yourself adequately before you choose to venture into the nature park. Once there, you will know that Owl Mountains Landscape Park is as good as Zakopane in winter, if not better.

My reason is: it has equally fascinating views and scenic trails, if not less, and snow is plenty. As a top winter destination, Zakopane is invaded by tourists during peak winter. Those who get there end up overwhelmed by long traffic jams during the peak season. In my opinion, look for quiet, charming places, which will leave you stunned!

Upon reaching the Zygmuntówek Shelter, you will find plenty of enchanting views around with plenty of skiers on the slope. And this is the place to grab a quick bite, grill some sausages by the fire and relish the warm tea. It’s so refreshing! As you go further, you’ll encounter some slippery slopes and a picture-postcard village.

By the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with a great experience, unforgettable views and some sore muscles.

So… Take my crucial advice and you will come back more satisfied!

Tips for hiking to the Owl Mountains near Wrocław

1. I would suggest a warmer and a moderately thick jacket, cap, balaclava, and gloves.
Hiking boots with a good grip or some additional spikes on them.

2. Don’t forget to stock up your day pack with plenty of juice, chocolates, some hot tea, and sandwiches. Depends on what you fancy!

3. Stretch well before you set out for the hike, or you’ll be nursing an ailing hip, just like I did.

And that will be all from me!

Inspired to explore the snowy trails of the Owl Mountains? Share your winter hiking experiences or tips in the comments below!

Read more: Best Places Near Wrocław For Everyone Planning A Quick Escape From The City