Renovation of the Śnieżka Observatory for over PLN 24 million. The iconic building will regain its former glory by 2031

The Karkonosze symbol in a new edition

Śnieżka is the highest peak of the Karkonosze and one of the most recognizable symbols of Lower Silesia. The distinctive meteorological observatory, which is also an exceptional work of architecture, will undergo a comprehensive renovation. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has already signed an agreement, and the investment is worth more than PLN 24 million.

– The Ministry of Infrastructure signs many different agreements, but some of them are special, like today’s agreement. It will benefit not only Polish science and the economy, but also tourists. There are few places in the world as distinctive and symbolic as the observatory on Śnieżka. Now we face a thorough renovation of this site – said Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure

History recorded in three disks

The building was constructed between 1966 and 1974 and for more than half a century has been an inseparable element of the Karkonosze panorama. The three distinctive disks, steel structure, reinforced concrete, aluminum and glass made the observatory an exceptionally modern and bold building from the moment it was created. Its design was presented, among other occasions, at the World Architecture Exhibition in Mexico.

Today, however, the building requires comprehensive modernization. The scope of work will include, among other things, restoring the observatory’s lower disk to use, as it has been out of service since 2015; structural reinforcement; modernization of the façades and roofs; replacement of all window frames; reconstruction of the installations; and extensive conservation work.

– The observatory on Śnieżka is an exceptional place for Polish meteorology and science, as well as one of the symbols of the Karkonosze and all of Lower Silesia. That is why this investment is doubly significant. On the one hand, we must ensure the building’s safety and functionality; on the other, preserve its unique architecture and character – added Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.

Why is the renovation necessary?

The observatory’s technical condition had been a serious challenge for years. In 2009, the entire balcony, along with part of the upper disk’s floor, was torn away under the pressure of snow. The building was partially repaired at the time. In 2015, the lower disk was taken out of service because of its technical condition and the lack of suitable installations, while in 2020 strong winds damaged the roof covering.

It is worth emphasizing that the planned work will not be a cosmetic renovation. This is a comprehensive modernization and protection of the building for the decades to come. Śnieżka presents exceptionally difficult requirements for the contractor. Strong winds, snow, low temperatures and an elevation of more than 1,600 meters above sea level mean that the work must be carried out in conditions not encountered on an ordinary construction site.

What will tourists and residents of the region gain?

The importance of the investment extends far beyond the building itself. More than two million tourists visit Śnieżka every year. At the same time, the observatory continues to perform its primary function: meteorological observations and measurements are conducted there, and the data collected are important for monitoring weather and atmospheric conditions in one of the most climatically demanding places in Poland. In addition, the building itself is now a historic monument and one of the most distinctive examples of postwar architecture in Lower Silesia.

– Our observatory on Śnieżka is one of the most important places of its kind in Europe. One interesting fact is that the highest wind speed in Poland is recorded here. Today, for more than a dozen years now, this building has been largely unused. Our role and the goal of this investment are to restore it to its former glory – concludes Prof. Dr. Habil. Robert Czerniawski.

Work will continue until 2031

The construction site is to be handed over several days after the agreement is signed. The contractor will have up to 60 months to complete the entire project, that is, until 2031. The lengthy deadline is primarily due to the specific nature of carrying out work on Śnieżka. Each year, the contractor has only a dozen or so weeks of suitable conditions for exterior work. The schedule must therefore take into account wind, snowfall, temperature and the complex logistics of transporting materials to the summit.