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<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nTravel <\/mark>blog<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n Standing atop \u015anie\u017cka, it's hard to miss them. The three distinctive, silvery shapes look as if someone had erected a section of a futuristic space station on the highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains. It's no wonder, then, that the disks on \u015anie\u017cka have piqued the curiosity of tourists for years, often jokingly dubbed the "UFO building." Where did this unusual design come from? Was it truly inspired by spaceships? Learn the history of one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Karkonosze Mountains.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/strong><\/a>Discs on \u015anie\u017cka \u2013 what exactly is it?<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \u015anie\u017cka has long been a key tourist destination in the Karkonosze Mountains. The highest peak in the Sudetes attracts attention not only with the opportunity to climb 1,603 meters above sea level, but also with its unique atmosphere. Here, nature reveals its harsh face \u2013 strong winds, rapidly changing weather, and views stretching far beyond Poland's borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Against the backdrop of the rugged mountain landscape, another element stands out, hard to miss \u2013 the futuristic meteorological observatory, which has been one of the symbols of \u015anie\u017cka for years. The three interconnected discs resemble mysterious structures known from science fiction films. One thing is certain \u2013 the discs on \u015anie\u017cka are something that definitely stands out against the mountain landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climbing \u015anie\u017cka is often just one of many highlights of a mountain trip. Therefore, it's worth choosing accommodation that will allow you to conveniently plan your next few days \u2013 both on the trail and while exploring Karpacz and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wonder Home Apartments<\/a><\/strong> is a proposition for anyone who values independence, space, and comfort during their vacation. Thanks to convenient locations<\/strong><\/a> you can easily plan both a trip to \u015anie\u017cka and a visit to the most popular attractions of Karpacz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a day spent on the trail, when your legs remind you that the mountains offer not only beautiful views but also a substantial dose of exercise, it's good to return to a place where you can truly regenerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We offer comfortable apartments perfect for a short weekend, a family vacation, a romantic getaway for two, or a longer stay combined with remote work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During peak season, finding a parking space in Karpacz can be challenging, especially near popular attractions and trails. Therefore, a major convenience for Wonder Home guests is the free parking spaces, allowing them to start their stay without the added expense and stress of searching for a parking space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The apartments offer, among others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mountains can be exhausting in the best possible way. That's why, upon returning, you appreciate the space, silence, and comfort so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An apartment with a garden, sauna, or a view of the Karkonosze Mountains? Get inspired and choose the perfect place for your needs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/a>The history of the observatory on \u015anie\u017cka \u2013 a building that was ahead of its time<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The distinctive discs on \u015anie\u017cka have become such a part of the mountain landscape that it's hard to imagine the highest point in the Karkonosze Mountains without them. However, their history goes back much further than the futuristic structure itself \u2013 before the famous observatory building was built, weather observations were conducted here for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As early as the 19th century, \u015anie\u017cka was recognized as an excellent location for monitoring atmospheric conditions. However, this was no easy task \u2013 strong winds, fog, and rapidly changing conditions meant that meteorologists' work required a properly prepared facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For years, measurements were conducted in an older wooden observatory, which eventually no longer met the scientists' needs. The idea then arose to create a modern structure that would withstand the conditions of the Karkonosze Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project was entrusted to architects from the Wroc\u0142aw University of Science and Technology, Witold Lipi\u0144ski and Waldemar Wawrzyniak. Their bold vision resulted in a building resembling a spaceship rather than a traditional mountain structure. Construction began in 1966, and since 1975, regular meteorological measurements have been conducted at the observatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Why does the observatory look like a UFO?<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n This is a question almost every tourist asks themselves upon first seeing the distinctive shapes at the top. The answer is simpler than it might seem \u2013 the building's shape stems primarily from the architects' vision and the intended function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the 1950s and 1960s, fascination with space flight and modern technology was immense. Futuristic forms appeared in architecture around the world, and designers increasingly moved away from classical forms. Architect Witold Lipi\u0144ski was inspired by precisely this modern aesthetic. Instead of concealing the building within the landscape, he created a structure that was intended to be expressive and memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The result? A structure composed of three distinctive discs emerged, which remains remarkably original to this day. However, this is no mere decorative element. Every element of the building was designed with the harsh conditions of \u015anie\u017cka in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/a>What is found in the characteristic discs on \u015anie\u017cka?<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Although the observatory's exterior resembles a futuristic spaceship, its interior is primarily dedicated to science. The building consists of three interconnected sections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lowest and largest structure housed spaces intended for visitors. This included accommodations for tourists, a restaurant, and a rest area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This part of the building was intended for observatory employees and the facilities needed to conduct measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The highest part of the building is the workspace of meteorologists. From here, observations and measurements of temperature, precipitation, and wind speed are conducted. The \u015anie\u017cka Observatory is one of the most important high-altitude meteorological stations in Poland and is part of the international weather observation system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/a>\u015anie\u017cka \u2013 extreme conditions for people and buildings<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Constructing such an unusual building on \u015anie\u017cka was no easy task. The highest peak in the Karkonosze Mountains can reveal its harsh side \u2013 strong winds, low temperatures, and rapidly changing weather are commonplace here. Therefore, the observatory had to be not only unique but above all resistant to exceptionally demanding conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For years, this place has been a reminder that mountains have their own rules. \u015anie\u017cka is shrouded in fog for much of the year, and in winter, its rugged landscape evokes the far north, not one of Poland's most popular peaks. Perhaps this is why the distinctive discs have become so deeply etched in the \u015anie\u017cka landscape. Although they were created by humans, today they are one of the most recognizable symbols of this place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Download our free guides to Karpacz and \u015awierad\u00f3w-Zdr\u00f3j!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/a>How to climb \u015anie\u017cka and see the observatory?<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n There are several popular routes to climb \u015anie\u017cka from Karpacz. Each has a different character \u2013 some are shorter and easier, others more demanding, but all lead to the same destination. The most popular options are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the most beautiful trails through the Karkonosze Mountains. Along the way, you can see, among others, the Wang Church, Samotnia, and Strzecha Akademicka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Completion time:<\/strong> about 3.5\u20134 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who want to shorten the approach, a good solution is to take the cable car up to Kopa, then hike the section to the Silesian House and then to the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking time from the Silesian House:<\/strong> about 40\u201360 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a more demanding route for those in good physical condition. The rewards are exceptional views and a more rugged trail. Before setting out, it's worth checking the current weather conditions \u2013 even in summer, \u015anie\u017cka can be chilly and windy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Completion time:<\/strong> about 3\u20133.5 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to check out our previous posts about Karpacz:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are the discs on \u015anie\u017cka worth seeing? Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Is \u015anie\u017cka worth visiting? Absolutely. It's a place where mountain adventure, extraordinary views, and history hidden within one of the Karkonosze Mountains' most iconic structures meet. Even those not normally interested in architecture will find their gaze drawn to the three silver discs that stand out against the stark mountain landscape. That's why \u015anie\u017cka is one of those places you want to return to\u2014both for the views and the stories engraved within its landscape. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Author:<\/strong> Eliza Tomaka<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources: Twisted Realm from Gdansk, Poland, CC BY 2.0 https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":8637,"template":"","categories":[33],"class_list":["post-8630","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-karpacz"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wonderhome.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kwiat-Zdjecie-Cytat-Wiosna-Facebook-Zdjecie-w-Tle-9-1024x323.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nContents:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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An extraordinary symbol of the Karkonosze Mountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accommodation at Wonder Home \u2013 a convenient base for trips to \u015anie\u017cka<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
A comfortable stay in Karpacz with Wonder Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Free parking and convenient amenities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nFrom the first measurements to futuristic disks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wonderhome.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sniezka_Old_02_3x4-1-768x1024.jpg\")
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Lower disc \u2013 part accessible to tourists<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Middle disk \u2013 technical support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The upper disk \u2013 the heart of the observatory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nThrough the Wang Temple and Solitude<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Through Kopa and the Silesian House<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Through the \u0141omniczka Cauldron<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nFind out more!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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