The observation tower on Modyń is one of the newest and most important tourist attractions in the region. This wooden structure, 27 meters high, was officially opened in August 2021 and quickly became a popular excursion destination. Its viewing terrace, located over 20 meters above the ground, allows visitors to safely enjoy the panorama—even those who usually avoid great heights.
The solid wooden silhouette of the tower rises above the tree line. The design somewhat resembles a pillar-style watchtower, with an overhanging guardroom section whose form blends harmoniously into the mountain landscape. Covered stairs lead up to the viewing terrace, providing comfort for tourists regardless of weather conditions.
Topography and naming of Modyń
Modyń, rising to 1,028.5 meters above sea level, has a distinctive topographical layout with three ridges extending in different directions. This makes it unlike the typical “island” peaks of the Beskid Wyspowy, resembling instead the broader Gorce massif, with its gentle southern slopes and steep northern faces. The summit has two peaks, separated by a small pass.
An interesting detail lies in the name itself. In the local dialect, Modyń has retained the feminine form—“ta Modyń”—similar to other peaks in the region (such as Mogielica). This reflects the influence of local speech and the traditional way of referring to mountains, which were often seen as “mothers” dominating the landscape.
From triangula to Patryja - an unusual name change
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, wooden triangulation towers appeared on the peaks of the Beskid Wyspowy as part of the geodetic network. These lattice structures were erected on summits to allow precise measurements to be taken with theodolites. Such triangulation points formed the foundation of modern cartography—a kind of “GPS of the past.”
Modyń also had such a tower. Locals began to say they were going “na Patryję” (“to Patryja”), as these triangulation constructions were called in the local dialect. Over time, the name became attached to the entire mountain and for decades functioned alongside the official name “Modyń.” When the wooden tower finally collapsed in the 1980s, the term “Patryja” began to fade from use. Today, the original name of the peak has returned to favor—retained in the feminine form, in line with local linguistic tradition.
Panorama and infrastructure around the tower
Accessibility and access routes
The easiest route to the summit is the blue trail from the Cisowy Dział Pass. The ascent takes about 45 minutes, with a distance of 2.5 km one way. At the pass, there are free parking spaces, which makes the trail accessible for families with children as well as those looking for a shorter walk.
Tourist significance
The observation tower on Modyń complements the tourist offer of the Beskid Wyspowy, which for years has been developing through the creation of new trails and the promotion of local attractions. Here, modern infrastructure is combined with the history of the former triangulation tower and the name “Patryja.” Today, Modyń is also known as the “Mountain of Lovers”—a popular destination for walks and sightseeing trips.
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