High Mountain Meteorological Observatory on Śnieżka

The New High Mountain Observatory on Śnieżka, built between 1966 and 1974, is an example of modernist architecture. Its designers, Witold Lipiński and Waldemar Wawrzyniak, gained recognition for the building's futuristic shape in the form of three interconnected disks, inspired by the contemporary fascination with unidentified flying objects. The facility gained international acclaim for its original, sun-reflecting appearance due to its aluminum cladding, which unfortunately deteriorated quickly, prompting modifications to the building. The observatory serves a meteorological function on the highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains and also houses a restaurant and an Environmental Education Center. From a historical perspective, the initial observations on Śnieżka date back to 1824, and the old observatory building, which began operations in 1900, survived both World War I and World War II before being demolished in 1989. Interestingly, the facility has repeatedly faced structural problems, including disasters that led to evacuations and reconstructions. The observatory, one of two Polish IMGW (Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) stations in the high-mountain network, conducts important meteorological measurements. The average annual temperature is just above 0°C, with record winds reaching speeds of up to 80 m/s. Additionally, the building has become a cultural symbol, representing a modern approach to architecture in the region, despite controversies regarding its appearance in the context of mountain aesthetics.