Kawcza Góra

Kawcza Góra is a picturesque natural height rising 61 meters above sea level on Wolin Island. Located in the eastern part of the popular resort of Międzyzdroje, this peak is one of the most spectacular points of the Baltic cliff in Wolin National Park. It is not just a hill, but a magnificent viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Pomeranian Bay and the endless expanse of the Baltic Sea.

Kawcza Góra. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The summit offers a panorama that will take your breath away: you will see the city beaches and the famous pier, and on a clear day, the port of Świnoujście and even German seaside resorts are visible to the west. Surrounded by a dense oak and beech forest, the mountain in Poland attracts travelers with its peaceful atmosphere and unique landscape.

A special highlight of this place is the wooden stairs leading from the foot of the cliff to the very top. This is a complex engineering structure over 128 meters long, with 267 steps. Climbing them has become an essential ritual for every tourist wishing to feel the scale and power of Baltic nature.

For those planning a visit to this natural corner, it will be useful to have official information on hand. Although the site is outdoors, it is part of a national park, so its status as part of the forest management should be taken into account.

The main reason to visit the top of Kawcza Góra is contemplation. There are two observation decks at the summit. The one closer to the stairs offers the best view of the sea horizon and the coastline, which is dotted with boulders of Scandinavian origin. Here, you can spend hours watching the changing colors of the sky, making it a very popular spot for photographers, especially during sunset hours.

For active travelers, climbing the stairs is a great workout. If you prefer a more relaxed stroll, choose the route through the forest: the trail passes through shaded alleys with benches for resting. Along the way, be sure to notice the stone obelisks—silent witnesses to the history of this region, dedicated to foresters and historical figures.

A walk up the hill can be turned into a full eco-route. We recommend combining your visit with a trip to the Bison Show Farm (Pokazowa Zagroda Żubrów). This is a great opportunity to see these majestic animals in conditions as close to their natural habitat as possible, which is especially popular with families with children.

The scenic peak of Kawcza Góra is located in the eastern part of the resort town of Międzyzdroje, about 2 kilometers from the center. The most convenient way to reach the town in Poland is by train or bus from Szczecin or Świnoujście.

Once in town, you can choose one of three popular routes. The most popular walking trail starts at the eastern end of the promenade — follow the black trail, which will lead you to a distinctive entrance gate shaped like the bow of a fishing boat. The distance is only about 600 meters. Another option is to climb directly from the beach using the famous wooden stairs, which are considered the highest on the Polish coast.

If you are traveling by car, you can leave your vehicle in the parking lot off road No. 102 (leading towards Kołobrzeg). From there, a black trail also leads through the forest area past the bison enclosures. The walk from the parking lot to the observation deck takes no more than 15–20 minutes at a leisurely pace.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the development of Baltic resorts. Historically, the peak bore the German name Kaffe-Berg, which translates to "Coffee Mountain." It was once one of the most popular vacation spots for the aristocracy: the famous Werner Hahn coffee house operated here, where guests could enjoy aromatic drinks from fine porcelain while admiring the sea vistas from the observation terraces.

Later, the hill received its current name — Kawcza Góra. Foresters have traditionally considered this location a landmark site. In confirmation of this, stone obelisks are installed at the top: one commemorating the congress of German foresters in 1892, and another in honor of a meeting of Polish foresters a century later, in 1992. There is also a commemorative sign dedicated to local historical figures.

The history of the famous stairs leading to the sea is also interesting. The original structure was almost completely destroyed by a powerful storm in 1997. The modern steps we see today were officially opened only in 2013, becoming an important part of the tourist infrastructure of Wolin National Park.

For a standard visit to Kawcza Góra, most tourists find 1 to 2 hours sufficient. During this time, you can leisurely climb to the top, take panoramic photos at the observation decks, and examine the commemorative obelisks. The ascent along the gentle forest paths is not too tiring and takes about 20–30 minutes.

If you plan to have a photo session at sunset, or if you want to descend the stairs to the sea and walk back along the water's edge to Międzyzdroje, you should budget about 3 hours for the walk. Extra time will also be needed if you decide to stop by the nearby bison enclosure.

The observation deck and trails on Kawcza Góra are open to the public 24 hours a day (Open 24 hours). This allows tourists to visit at any time, from early dawn to late evening, to admire the stars over the Baltic Sea.

While access is free seven days a week, including holidays, it is recommended to plan your visit during daylight hours, as the forest trails and stairs do not have artificial lighting, which is important for your safety.

A visit to the observation deck on the cliff top can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites located within walking distance. The surrounding area is rich in both natural beauty and historical sites that make the walk more rewarding.

In just a few minutes, you can reach the remains of old defensive structures or head towards the city center to enjoy family entertainment. Below are the nearest sites to include in your itinerary: