The best hiking routes in Ostoja Nietoperzy Gór Sowich

Ostoja Nietoperzy Gór Sowich is a protected area in the Owl Mountains, defined by its dense beech and spruce forests growing over steep, rocky slopes. Unlike flatter woodland reserves, walking here involves steady climbing on stony forest tracks and dirt paths that can be uneven with exposed tree roots. The landscape is shaped by its underlying geology and historical mining, which created the subterranean cavities and old shafts that now serve as crucial winter shelters for various bat species.

As you walk, you will notice the transition from managed coniferous stands to older, more natural beech stands where deadwood is left to decay on the forest floor. The ground underfoot is predominantly a mix of packed earth, shale, and loose stones, requiring sturdy footwear. You will not find open wetlands, boardwalks, or wide sandy heaths here; the terrain is consistently forested, hilly, and enclosed by the canopy.

In October, the beech leaves turn a deep copper, contrasting sharply with the dark green spruce and the grey rock outcrops. While the main ridges of the Owl Mountains attract more foot traffic, the deeper forested valleys of this bat habitat are often quieter, offering a more secluded walking experience focused on the details of the woodland floor and the steep valley sides.