ŚNIEŻKA (1603 m.a.s.l.)

Śnieżka is made of granite and its peak is made of tough rocks called hornfels. The slopes are covered with debris, often wrongly called a stone run. Very severe weather conditions prevail here for most of the year, they are similar to the conditions in the Arctic Circle: low temperature, gusty winds and heavy rain and snow. Characteristic feature is fog which occurs 300 days a year.

In nice weather, the top of Śnieżka is a great vantage point from which a vast view can be admired. Under favourable conditions you can see up to 200 km. 

Śnieżka towering over the Giant Mountains has intrigued people for a long time and attracted attention of interesting hikers form all over the world. The first ascent was done probably in 15th century. In the following centuries, Śnieżka was becoming more popular. In 18th century it was the most visited mountain in Europe. In August 1800 John Quincy Adams, future president of the United States climbed the mountain as well as many other tourists. The construction of the St. Lawrence's Chapel (Kaplica św. Wawrzyńca) was the reason of increased tourist traffic. It was financed by count Krzysztof Leopold Schaffgotsch in order to emphasise his rights to these lands. The Chapel was consecrated on 10 August 1681. Today this date is celebrated as the day of mountain guides and mountain people. Every year a service is performed on the top of the mountain attracting crowds. 

A disc-shaped  High-Mountain Meteorological Observatory called 'flying saucers' is a symbol of Śnieżka. It is one of two High-Mountain Meteorological Observatories (together with the one on Kapsrowy Wierch) in Poland. Systematic observations of meteorological parameters have continued uninterrupted since 1880. 

The Meteorological Observatory is not open  to visitors sightseeing. The restaurant is also closed. The nearest mountain huts providing catering and accommodation services are Silesian House (Dom Śląski), Academic Thatch (Strzecha Akademicka) and Samotnia and on the Czech side it is Jelenka and Luczni Bouda.