The lookout tower in Wisła is now operational! The wooden structure with an extended path leading above the treetops in Skolnite was opened on 2 December and from the first hours attracted many visitors, becoming the biggest attraction in the Silesian Beskid.
The lookout tower in Wisła – location and characteristics
The tower was built at the upper station of the Skolnity chairlift in the centre of Wisła. The height of the building is 38 metres, and its core is made of acacia robinia wood. A nearly one-kilometre-long route leads to the lookout point via a gradually rising footbridge. The structure of the building is made up of six levels and 14 supporting towers. The tallest of these rises 25 metres above the ground and takes the form of a huge hand with separate balconies on each finger. The platform offers a wide panoramic view of the city, the Beskydy Mountains and Těšín Silesia. Under favourable conditions, it is also possible to see the Tatra Mountains and the urbanised areas of Upper Silesia.
The process of building the tower in Wisła
Construction work started in October 2023. Projects of this scale rarely make full use of acacia wood. The material was imported from abroad, where it is sourced due to the expansiveness of this species. Each element was tailored with great precision and care for the future effect. The facility was designed to be accessible all year round and prepared for people with different needs. As such, there are no stairs along the route and the slope of the path allows for wheelchairs and the elderly.
Viewing tower in Wisła: a route in the treetops
The path leading up to the tower contains a set of interactive installations. They introduce the history of the region, the culture of the Silesian highlanders, local music and the structure of the Beskydy Mountains. Visitors can use the curiosity boards and extended materials available by scanning QR codes. Hidden letters are also placed along the route, allowing visitors to discover the name of a prepared slogan at the top of the structure.
Vistula – other attractions next to the tower
There is an inn with regional cuisine and a pizza oven next to the structure. In summer there is a Bike Park, and in winter the area turns into the Skolnity Ski and Bike Station. There is also a brine graduation tower, a playground, an animal enclosure and a large car park at the lower station of the railway. The extensive terrace at the top of the tower is around 300 sq m. It is also an event space with a spectacular view of the centre of Vistula. The facility is available from 9am to 3pm, with the last entry taking place one hour before closing. In the future, the range of hours is to be extended to include tours after dark.
Viewing tower in Wisła: prices
Ticket prices depend on the range of attractions that visitors wish to combine in one entry. A package including a visit to the viewing tower, use of the graduation tower and a round trip on the chairlift costs from PLN 1 for the youngest to PLN 109 in the reduced option and PLN 125 in the regular version. The entrance to the tower itself is available from PLN 1 to PLN 79 in the concessionary tariff and PLN 99 in the regular tariff. A ticket including the ascent or descent by rail together with the entrance to the tower costs from PLN 1 to PLN 90 and PLN 110 respectively. Those interested only in the ascent or descent by rail will pay from 1 zł to 45 zł or 59 zł. The return trip is offered at a price from 1 zloty to 50 zloty for those entitled to a concession and 69 zloty for other visitors.
Viewing tower on the Skolnity Peak
The tower on the Skolnity Peak has quickly become a place visited by those seeking spectacular panoramas and peaceful walks high above the ground. Its unique form, large scale and carefully designed path make it one of the most interesting suggestions for tourists visiting Wisła and the surrounding area.
Source: wisla.pl
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