Sky Walk Observation Tower
When I heard that the tallest viewing tower in Poland was built in Świeradów-Zdrój, I immediately knew I had to visit. Four years earlier, I had experienced a walk in the treetops in the Czech town of Janské Lázně. That previous visit inspired me to compare both towers to see which one offers better views and how each structure fares in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities.
Preparing for the Viewing Tower Visit
In preparation for the trip, I explored the information available on the official website of the viewing tower. My priority was to check the accessibility features for wheelchair users. Unfortunately, the available details were limited and only mentioned a parking space for people with disabilities, which raised concerns about the full accessibility of the site.
Returning to Świeradów-Zdrój After Years
I first visited Świeradów-Zdrój in 2010 when the gondola lift to Stóg Izerski opened. Since then, the town has developed a bit – new hotels and guesthouses have appeared, but it has retained its charm, nestled picturesquely at the foot of the Izera Mountains.
As we headed towards our destination, the Sky Walk viewing tower, we encountered a "No entry for vehicles" sign. This was a big surprise, knowing there was a designated parking space for disabled drivers at the top. Possessing a parking permit does not authorize ignoring the sign, but we were forced to commit an infraction to reach the intended destination. Pushing an adult wheelchair user from the nearby parking lot to the viewing tower or using an electric wheelchair is practically impossible due to the steep slope. Placing a no-entry sign here instead of a no-through-traffic sign is a significant misunderstanding!
When we arrived near our destination, we could not find any blue handicapped parking space to park the car. Even a taxi driver didn't know where it was but informed us we could face a 1500 PLN fine for breaking the entry restriction. Feeling uncertain, we decided to ask the tower staff about the disabled parking. The ticket clerk pointed out an unassuming spot near the entrance to the viewing tower, which was not painted blue but was paved with a barely noticeable wheelchair symbol.
Entering the Viewing Tower
After purchasing tickets and entering this latest tourist attraction in Świeradów-Zdrój, my first impression was very positive. The structure is impressive in size and design. However, I quickly noticed that the gaps between the planks leading to the top are quite wide, requiring caution to avoid catching wheelchair wheels in them. In some places, it was necessary to zigzag to avoid sinking into the gaps between the steps.
The path upward is mostly gentle, and one person can easily push a wheelchair user with quadriplegia to the top. Along the way, we enjoyed increasingly beautiful views. After 850 meters, we reached the top of the viewing tower. The height of the structure and its location give the impression of being much higher than 62 meters. The expansive view is worth all obstacles, and with good weather, we could see towns located tens of kilometers from Świeradów-Zdrój.
Attractions at the Top of the Viewing Tower
There are two attractions at the top of the viewing tower. One is a spider web net over a chasm, which is not accessible to wheelchair users, similar to the slide located one level below. The other is a glass viewing platform, accessible to people with limited mobility, where one can feel as if floating in the air. The view from this platform is unforgettable and provides a unique experience.
Limited Dining Options
After spending about an hour at the top of the viewing tower, we decided to try the eatery near the tower. The dining options around this highly advertised tourist attraction are quite limited. As a delightful compensation for the small food selection, a flock of sheep descended from the mountain, fearlessly moving between tables and chairs in search of scraps. For a city dweller, encountering these cute animals, such as lambs and young sheep, was a truly pleasant experience.
Summary of the Visit to the Viewing Tower in Świeradów-Zdrój
Despite the challenges with accessibility for wheelchair users, the trip to the viewing tower in Świeradów-Zdrój was a valuable experience. The views are breathtaking, and the tower itself is a recommended attraction in the region. In my opinion, the Sky Walk viewing tower ranks just behind the gondola lift to Stóg Izerski, which is better adapted for people with disabilities, and the ride to the summit and the view from it provide slightly more excitement.
