Rudzka Góra

Rudzka Góra is a hill 230 m above sea level at ul. Starorudzka 50 in the Górna district of Łódź, where the city has operated an 11-hectare sports and recreation complex for several decades, featuring a ski jump and a bobsleigh track. The natural part of the hill is a glacial remnant, added to with material from city construction over successive decades.

How the hill was formed

The core of the hill is a post-glacial deposit, and the recreation complex on its slopes was built in the 1960s and 1970s. The first, provisional ski jump was erected here in 1934 by local scouts, long before the present facility was constructed.

Ski jump

The modern ski jump was designed in 1965 by Edmund Borański, and work was completed in 1969. Over 250,000 tons of rubble and building waste were used in its construction, which formed the artificial part of the hill and raised its height above the natural level. The facility has two jumps, K-5 and K-15, meeting the standards of the International Ski Federation FIS, making them suitable for both training and youth competitions.

Bobsleigh track

In the 21st century, a 580-metre bobsleigh track was built at the hill, where speeds of up to 50 km/h can be achieved. Unlike the ski jump, which depends on snow and surface maintenance, the bobsleigh track operates year-round, making Rudzka Góra one of the few facilities in the region combining winter sports with year-round training facilities.

Mountain hut and views

At the foot of the hill in 2002, a wooden mountain hut was opened, built from timber brought from the Bieszczady mountains [mountain range in south-eastern Poland], serving as a shelter for visitors and a resting place after the climb to the summit. From the top, there is a view of the southern part of Łódź and towards Pabianice and Rzgów, and on days with good visibility, the chimneys of the Bełchatów Power Station, approximately 50 kilometres away, can be seen. At 230 m above sea level, Rudzka Góra remains one of the highest viewpoints within Łódź's boundaries.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Starorudzka 50, 90-219 Łódź, Górna district
• Access: on foot or by bicycle via scenic trails, parking near the facility
• Managed by: City of Łódź
• Open: the facility is accessible year-round, hours may be limited by weather conditions or maintenance work; it is worth checking availability before visiting
• What to expect: K-5 and K-15 ski jumps, a bobsleigh track open year-round, a mountain hut at the foot of the hill and a viewpoint over the Łódź area