Wieża widokowa na Biskupiej Kopie

The Biskupia Kopa observation tower is the highest viewing point in the Opava Mountains and one of the oldest structures of its kind in the region. It stands right next to the Polish-Czech border, on the Czech side, at the summit of a peak 889 m above sea level. The Polish town of Głuchołazy lies at the foot of the mountain and is the most convenient starting point for the hike.

Where exactly is the tower?

Biskupia Kopa (Czech: Biskupská kupa) rises along the ridge of the Opava Mountains in the Eastern Sudetes. It is the highest peak of the Polish part of the range and the highest point in Opole Voivodeship, and it belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains. The state border runs over the summit, so the tower stands beside the border line, on the Czech side. Visitors from Poland arrive on foot and cross the border along the way, which in the Schengen area is an ordinary detail of the route.

When and why was it built?

The first marked trails to the summit were laid out at the end of the 19th century, when the mountain began to be developed for visitors. The tower was built in 1898 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's reign, and the Moravian-Silesian Sudeten Mountain Association was behind the project. It is about 18 metres tall and is regarded as the oldest observation tower in the Eastern Sudetes. It still serves hikers today, so a history reaching back to the second half of the 19th century remains very much alive here.

Why does the mountain have such a rich history?

For centuries the mountain has marked boundaries. From 1229 it separated the bishoprics of Wrocław and Olomouc, later it divided the lands of different states, and today the border between Poland and the Czech Republic runs across it. The tower is therefore not only a viewpoint but also a witness to the borderland history of this place.

How do you get to the tower?

The most popular base is Głuchołazy. Hiking trails lead from there to the summit, and route descriptions on outdoor platforms give roughly nine kilometres, depending on the variant, rated as demanding. Plan a full day, and bring water, sturdy boots and an extra layer, because at almost 900 m it is cooler than in the valley.

What can you see from the top?

The tower offers a panorama of the Opava Mountains and surrounding ranges. A clear day gives the best views, ideally in the morning when the air is crisp. Climbing the tower is a fitting finish to the hike, and the structure itself makes a good backdrop for a group photo against the mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Is the tower in Poland or the Czech Republic? On the Czech side, right by the border that runs over the summit of Biskupia Kopa.

How high is Biskupia Kopa? It reaches 889 m above sea level and is the highest peak of the Polish part of the Opava Mountains and of Opole Voivodeship.

When was the tower built? In 1898, for the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I's reign.

Where is the best place to start? In Głuchołazy, at the foot of the mountain.

Is the peak part of the Crown of Polish Mountains? Yes, Biskupia Kopa is one of its summits.

Is the tower open? Yes, it still serves visitors as a viewpoint.