Hi, my name is Alan and on this blog I’m proving that a journey into oneself often begins a dozen or so metres above the ground, with the wind in your hair and your phone tucked away deep in your rucksack. Being offline is a luxury throughout Poland these days. Instead of chasing after yet another destination on the map of foreign resorts, I’ll take you to places that are free, wild and relaxing, proving that regional tourism in Greater Poland holds extraordinary potential. I have put together a personal guide to spots where the perspective changes completely, and Greater Poland delights anew. I invite you to experience the open spaces, the rustling of the trees and a deep breath together, because outdoor recreation is my greatest passion.

Why is it worth exploring Greater Poland from the vantage point of observation towers?

Climbing above the treetops allows you to disconnect from the overstimulated world. At a height of several dozen metres, the city noise is replaced by the sound of the wind, and your sense of distance changes. It’s a great mindfulness exercise and the reason why I value the local observation towers so much. Wielkopolska has a great deal to offer in this respect. Instead of staring at a screen, you watch the light dancing across the fields and forests, feeling the coolness of the steel railing or the texture of the wood beneath your fingers. Such a mini-adventure, bypassing Wielkopolska’s most crowded tourist attractions, costs nothing yet provides a powerful endorphin rush.

Standing at the top, you realise just how flat yet diverse our region is – the Wielkopolska Province has much more to offer than just lowland landscapes. You see clear boundaries between the mosaic of fields, dense forests and expanses of lakes, which, from ground level, merge into a single landscape. This is exactly what Wielkopolska’s best observation towers and other natural vantage points offer. Seen from above, Wielkopolska takes on a whole new perspective.

Where can I find an up-to-date map of all the observation towers in Greater Poland?

You can find current locations on the State Forests website and on the wielkopolska.travel portal. There is no single, comprehensive and fully up-to-date tourist map, nor are there any comprehensive maps of Wielkopolska’s observation towers available in print, so I recommend creating your own waypoints in apps with forest maps. I myself use lists saved on my phone, where I mark interesting vantage points. Greater Poland has quite a few of them, so it’s easy to navigate offline if needed.

It is also worth keeping an eye on announcements from local forest districts. They are the first to provide information about structural renovations, temporary closures of sites or changes to opening hours.

Where are the most interesting observation towers in Greater Poland? My subjective TOP 5 ranking

Extraordinary places are often just around the corner, and the numerous observation towers in Greater Poland only confirm this. Rather than dry facts, I’ve focused on the emotions and what you can experience at the top. This is my personal list, tested at various times of the year, which often involve quite varied weather conditions.

1. The observation tower on Dziewicza Góra in the Zielonka Forest

The famous Dziewicza Góra observation tower near Czerwonak is an absolute classic and a great destination for a first trip. It is mainly used by foresters to watch out for fires, but it is also always open to tourists. As you climb, you feel the horizon widening with every step, and on a cloudless day, the visibility and range of the view are truly impressive. I recommend visiting in early autumn, when the Zielonka Forest glows with gold and red.

How many steps do you have to climb to reach the top of the tower on Dziewicza Góra?

A winding staircase leads to the main terrace – the number of steps, exactly 171, may seem daunting at first. However, the staircase is fully enclosed within the reinforced concrete tower, so as you climb, you don’t see an empty space beneath your feet. This is a great help for those with a fear of heights. I guarantee that the incredible sense of satisfaction at the top makes up for this small effort.

What attractions await visitors at the observation tower and in the surrounding area?

At the foot of the tower, there is a designated bonfire area, ample free parking facilities, and the start of numerous Nordic walking trails. Several-kilometre-long walking loops also start here, with the main aim being nature education through information boards – it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday with the whole family away from the city.

2. The treetop walk and tower in Owińsk

This new attraction is a superb example of modern architecture that has been sensitively integrated into the natural surroundings. The wooden footbridge in Owińsk gently winds its way through the trees, leading to the summit without the need for a tiring climb up stairs, functioning much like the popular treetop walkway near Poznań.

How do you get to the observation tower and the treetop walkway in Owińsk?

You can reach Owińsk by train on the Koleje Wielkopolskie line from Poznań Główny in 20 minutes, which is a great, extremely eco-friendly option. By car, follow provincial road No. 196 towards Wągrowiec. You’ll easily find car parks near the former Cistercian convent.

3. The observation tower in Mosina (Pożegowo) and the viewing points of the Wielkopolski National Park

It is a real treat for lovers of varied terrain, post-glacial hills and forest lakes, which abound in the Wielkopolski National Park. Pożegowo and the surrounding hills sometimes give the impression of lower mountain ranges rather than the flat centre of the lowlands, a setting into which the wooden observation tower in Mosina fitted perfectly until recently.

What can you see from the viewing point in Mosina in good weather?

From the hill (and formerly from the tower’s terrace, which was a splendid example of how charming a natural viewing platform in Greater Poland can look), you can see the entire panorama of the Warta river basin, a mosaic of fields and the outlines of forests. On a clear day, especially on a frosty winter’s day, you can easily spot the church spires in the neighbouring towns. Please note: the tower is currently closed, but the hill itself still offers beautiful views.

Is there free parking at the observation tower in Mosina?

Yes, at the foot of Glinianki in Pożegowo there is a free, unpaved forest car park, and access to the tower itself was simply on a ‘free entry’ basis. From there, it’s just a gentle, five-minute walk uphill to the railings.

4. Observation towers in the Barycz Valley on the Greater Poland side

The extraordinary Barycz Valley is absolutely unique on a European scale. In the Greater Poland part of this reserve (near Odolanów and Przygodzice), you’ll find distinctive wooden observation huts nestled deep within the reed beds. Here, nobody is in a hurry. You sit on a bench, quietly gaze at the water and simply listen to the concert of thousands of birds.

Which observation towers in Greater Poland are best for birdwatching?

The best for this are the covered towers located at the Przygodzice Ponds. They have narrow, long observation slits through which birdwatching takes on a whole new dimension. They allow amateur photographers and ornithologists to observe herons, cormorants or rare white-tailed eagles without startling them. Be sure to bring a good pair of binoculars.

5. Towers and viewing points along the Piast Trail

Travelling along the Piast Trail is like taking a living history lesson in the field. The cultural landscape of the charming surroundings of Gniezno, Lednica and Pobiedziska looks, from a bird’s-eye view, like a colourful patchwork quilt, densely interwoven with ancient hillforts and the blue of clear lakes.

Which observation tower offers the best view of the city of Poznań?

The 40-metre tower on Dziewicza Góra definitely offers the best view, from which the spectacular panorama of Poznań looks exceptionally impressive. An alternative right in the city centre is the terrace on the tower of the rebuilt Przemysł Castle, from which you can see the grid of streets in the Old Town and the main channel of the Warta River very clearly.

How to plan a trip along the trail of Greater Poland’s observation towers? A practical guide

Improvisation is, of course, a great thing, but a bit of planning always helps to avoid unnecessary stress, especially if you want to weave Wielkopolska’s walking trails and observation towers into a longer weekend trip. In this case, however, it’s worth keeping the logistics to a minimum so that you can focus entirely on what matters most – the experience itself.

What are the opening hours for the observation towers and is there an admission fee?

Most of the open, forest-based towers are accessible to the public 24 hours a day and all year round, completely free of charge – excellent examples include the Siekowo observation tower, popular in the region, and the Święta Góra observation tower, which towers over the Gostyń area. The exception on this list is Dziewicza Góra, where during the peak tourist season you need to buy a token contribution at the small ticket office at the foot of the tower.

Remember one thing: night-time, solitary climbs up these forest structures are truly magical experiences every time, but they invariably require a powerful head torch and a good dose of common sense.

Which observation towers in Greater Poland offer free admission to tourists?

Free admission currently applies to the incredibly photogenic tower in Szachty, Poznań, and to practically all the observation towers in the Barycz Valley (the tower in Mosina, though also free, is currently closed due to its technical condition). This is wonderful proof that a satisfying day in nature doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

How to plan a cycling trip along the observation tower trail in Greater Poland?

Given the flat terrain, cycling is the perfect way to explore the region at a leisurely pace. I highly recommend the designated route linking the urban Wartostrada with the wild forests along the Warta River – in a single long day, you can easily visit Szachty and then safely reach the WPN area via country lanes. Pack the essentials into your panniers, fill a large thermos with hot coffee, and just set off.

Which mobile app makes it easier to navigate to the region’s observation towers?

When it comes to tried-and-tested mobile apps for tourists, I definitely recommend the free mBDL (Mobile Forest Data Bank) and the extremely accurate Czech Mapy.cz. Both show tiny, unmarked forest paths and contour lines, which are usually missing from traditional, free navigation apps, and they work phenomenally well and reliably in offline mode.

Where to eat and stay? Local food and accommodation near the observation towers

After all, every journey also brings new flavours and traditional hospitality. Instead of wolfing down a hastily prepared sandwich in a hot car, it’s worth taking the time to sample the local cuisine, as local produce and regional cuisine can often be a very pleasant surprise. Here are my tried-and-tested recommendations for food and accommodation in this fascinating region.

Where can you enjoy a regional meal after visiting a viewing tower near Pobiedziska?

Traditional, thick black soup, potatoes with cottage cheese served with chives, or a superbly roasted duck with apples are served by numerous roadside inns located near the A5 national road. Many of them rely heavily on old, revived recipes, offering the warm, nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional inn at every turn.

Where can you find accommodation near the most beautiful observation towers in Greater Poland?

Look for charming, small farms situated on the eastern edge of the Zielonka Forest or directly within the buffer zone of the Wielkopolska National Park, as it is precisely these tried-and-tested agritourism accommodations that usually guarantee the greatest peace and quiet. Hosts are increasingly offering accommodation in stunningly renovated wooden barns or cosy cottages completely devoid of televisions – these are simply ideal, intimate conditions for a lasting reset of an overstimulated mind.

Observation towers in Greater Poland for everyone – accessibility and special information

I really want the inspiration I’ve gathered to be useful to everyone, regardless of their circumstances: families with children, active seniors or people who often travel with their dogs. Fortunately, modern, functional tourist architecture is slowly becoming more open and accessible.

Which observation towers in Greater Poland are family-friendly?

The facilities at Szachty in Poznań and the long footbridge in Owińsk are extremely safe, especially when the group includes the youngest visitors, and families with children on a stroll genuinely appreciate them for their exceptionally dense railings and properly constructed steps. What’s more, their level surroundings are perfectly suited to comfortable walks with a modern pushchair.

Are there educational trails near the observation towers in Greater Poland?

Yes, the vast majority of these structures are no longer just narrow viewing points, but sometimes entire, well-designed educational complexes. Directly below Dziewicza Góra and at the aforementioned Szachty, there are long rows of information boards describing the forest’s life cycle or local history, which at every turn brilliantly engage lively children in natural learning through play.

Are there any observation towers in Greater Poland equipped with lifts or ramps?

Tall forest towers built outside residential areas usually still lack standard lifts for purely technical reasons. An interesting exception that makes access easier – particularly where full accessibility for people with disabilities and for adults travelling with large pushchairs is a priority – is the superbly designed path in Owińsk, accessed via a gentle, step-free wooden ramp.

Which observation towers in the Wielkopolska Province can you visit with a dog?

The vast majority of open, free and unfenced forest towers can be accessed without major problems, provided you plan ahead for a safe visit with your dog on a short, sturdy lead. An important point I’ve made repeatedly from experience: hollow, openwork steel staircases can cause painful injuries to a dog’s sensitive paws and very often trigger significant anxiety. Much better and more pleasant for our four-legged friends are more stable structures with completely solid, safe steps.

Where in Greater Poland are the best spots for photographing the region’s panoramas?

For those whose main passion in life is professional landscape photography, the most beautiful, soft-focused shots await at Glinianki in Mosina during the so-called golden hour, when the low-hanging sun bathes the tall treetops of the WPN in abundant warm light. Another incredibly photogenic sight not to be missed is the Shafts shrouded in deep mist, especially in late autumn, when the water, gently steaming in the morning, creates an unforgettable, almost mystical atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Wielkopolska observation towers

Here are concise answers to the most common, tricky technical questions I constantly receive from you. I sincerely hope they will make your preparations much easier.

What is the tallest observation tower in Greater Poland?

Currently, the absolute highest observation tower in Greater Poland is the structure built on Dziewicza Góra. The total, impressive height of this structure, including the antennas mounted on the roof, is exactly 40 metres, and the observation deck itself, intended for tourists, is situated safely at 30 metres, which effectively ensures a fantastic, unobstructed view for a good few dozen kilometres in all directions.

Location	Height of the structure (approx.)	Structural material	Free access
Dziewicza Góra	40 m	Reinforced concrete	Depending on the season
Shafts (Poznań)	25 m	Steel and composite	Yes
Mosina (Glinianki)	17 m	Wood	Yes (currently closed)
Owińska (footbridge)	Smooth change in height	Wood	Yes

What are the most popular observation towers in the Greater Poland region made of?

In today’s modern landscape architecture, practical hybrid structures clearly dominate. Both timber and steel are used as the primary building materials – the load-bearing steel core (main support columns and wide staircases) consistently guarantees strength and durability, whilst the careful, aesthetic finish of heavily treated timber ensures that the austere tower blends harmoniously into the green, fully forested landscape.

When were the oldest observation towers for tourists built in Greater Poland?

The brief yet very dynamic history of the construction of the first modern, typically tourist-oriented towers began in earnest in this region shortly after 2010, becoming a reality largely thanks to readily available EU funding. Long before that, keen tourists would occasionally make use of the forgotten fire towers erected by State Forest officials in the 1990s, which, for legal reasons, were only made available sporadically and subject to certain conditions.

What are the safety rules for using observation towers in the forests?

Mutually guaranteed safety and the local regulations, always displayed at the bottom, are based on very simple rules: under no circumstances lean over the outer railings; to be on the safe side, keep running children close to you at all times and strictly observe the set upper limit on the number of people allowed on the upper, rather cramped terrace at any one time (clear information on the applicable maximum load can always be found on a small metal plaque right by the entrance).

• Move calmly, without running on the steps.
• Do not throw any objects onto the ground.
• Give way to those coming down if the staircase is narrow.

Are observation towers closed during strong winds or storms?

Of course they are. The officially posted regulations for every wooden tower strictly prohibit climbing it during even the slightest storm, fairly strong gusty winds, and during winter icy conditions. In the event of worrying national weather alerts, prudent foresters very often immediately lock the lower entrance gates with a heavy padlock for everyone’s safety.

If, after reading this entire lengthy text, you feel like quickly packing your light rucksack today and setting off once more on an unknown path – do it straight away. True, immersive journeys into the depths of your own self do not always immediately require expensive, pre-booked flight tickets. Let me know straight away in the comments below which wild spot you’ve chosen as your dream weekend getaway. I’m eagerly awaiting your private message!