6 most beautiful tourist trails in Bieszczady
Many people consider Bieszczady to be the one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Poland. Each season uncovers a different side of their natural charm. In summer and autumn, it amazes tourists with a pallet of living colors covering the forests. In winter, it is delightful in another way, thanks to the magical, white snow and peaceful nature. If you’re planning a trip to Bieszczady, here are 6 most interesting tourist trails.
Full day trips along the valleys or mountain tops, breathtaking views and unique atmosphere – these are the reasons why we go to Bieszczady. Let us introduce you to the most beautiful tourist trails in Bieszczady.
1.Połonina Wetlińska – 1255 meters above the sea level
This is actually the most famous połonina in Bieszczady and the icon of this part of the Polish mountains. In the summer season this place can be really crowded. Połonina Wetlińska is worth visiting in the autumn, because that’s the time when the inversion phenomena takes place at the top. It is all about the visibility expanding up to even 200 kilometers. A good observation point is the
so-called. „Winnie-the-Pooh cottage” – a mountain shelter located at the the top of the Połonina. If you’re lucky enough, you might even see the Tatra Mountains. The highest point of this mountain massif – Roh – reaches the height of 1255 meters above the sea level.
How to get to Połonina Wetlińska? For example, the red trail, which is part of the Main Beskidy
Trail, will lead you there. You can start following this trail in the town of Brzegi Górne (getting there will take approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes). The shortest trail is the yellow (approximately 1 hour one way), which leads from Przełęcz Wyżna.
2.Połonina Caryńska – 1297 meters above the sea level
Połonina Caryńska (also known as Berehowska) is a bit higher than Połonina Wetlińska. Many consider it to be Połonina Wetlińska’s natural continuation. Połonina Caryńska extends at the length of 4 kilometers and has 4 peaks, the highest of which is Kruhly Wierch (1297 meters). Although the trail is not long, it requires good condition. From the top you can admire the marvelous panorama – especially in the south-east direction. The Tarnica nest looks gorgeous from here. Meanwhile, in the south you can see the Wielka Rawka and Mała Rawka massif.
You can follow the red trail through Połonina Caryńska (which is part of the Main Beskidy Trail) from Brzegi Górne to Ustrzyki Dolne. (approx. 3.5-4 hours). Another great starting point is the village of Bereżki (approx. 2.5 hours). And the shortest way of getting to Połonina Caryńska is following the green trail from the side of Przełęcz Wyżniańska (about one hour).
3.Tarnica – 1346 meters above the sea level.
Tarnica is the highest mountain top of Bieszczady, reaching the height of 1346 meters abov the sea level. Some people say that this is the Bieszczady Mountains’ equivalent of the Giewont. There are two trails leading to Tarnica – the red one and the blue one. You can start following the first one (red) from Ustrzyki Górne (getting there takes approximately 3 hours). The journey through this route also gives you an opportunity to get up to Halicz – the third highest mountain top of the Polish side of Bieszczady.
However, the quickest way to get there is by the blue trail from Wołosaty – after 2 hours fo walknig you will get to the notch upon Tarnica, and from there it is only 15 minutes away from the top, if you walk along the yellow trail. The spectacular views, which extend from the very top, are worth any effort. The characteristic part of Tarnica is a cross situated at the top, which commemorates Karol Wojtyła’s visit in 1954.
4.The Mała Rawka and the Wielka Rawka – 1272 1307 meters above the sea level
The Mala Rawka and the Wielka Rawka are the highest points of the border mountain range, which guarantees a unique view on all the other peaks of Bieszczady. While walking through the top of the massif, you can admire the incredible panoramas, containing, among others, Połonina Wetlińska, Połonina Caryńska and Tarnica.
The quickest way to get to Rawki is by the green trail, which leads from Przełęcz Wyżniańska. Depending on the speed of the journey, it takes about 2.5 hours ot get there. Along the way, it is also worth taking a look inside the local mountain hut – the approach to this shleter is quite gentle, but the higher slopes of Mała Rawka are very steep. From the height of 1267 meters above the sea level you can admire the beautiful view at the Wielka Rawka with craggy, northern slpes, and in the distance you can also see the Tarnica nest.
You can get from Mała Rawka to Wielka Rawka (located 1307 meters above the sea level) by following the half-hour yellow trail. Similarly to the top of Mała Rawka, this top is covered with a połonina. There is a spectacular panorama extending from the top – beneath us there is the tiny town of Ustrzyki Górne, and behind them you can see the Tarnica massif.
5.Bukowe Berdo – 1311 meters above the sea level.
The route leading to Bukowe Berdo is considered one of the most beautiful mountain trails in Bieszczady. This amazing mountain massif is concluded with three mountain peaks, the highest of which reaches the height of 1311 meters above the sea level. The fastest way to get to this połonina is following the yellow trail from Muczne. You should be able to get there in about 1 hour, but you might also want to book additional 60 minutes to get to the highest culmination of the mountain ridge (going both ways take approximately 4 hours). There is also the blue trail from the village of Pszczeliny Widełki – about 2.5 hours one way.
From the top stretch some of the most beautiful views in Bieszczady, including the view on both Rawkas, Połonina Caryńska, Połonina Wetlińska and Krzemień. From the highest mountain peak you can also see the extensive view on the Ukraine area.
6.Smerek 1222 meters above the sea level.
Smerek is actually the extension of Połonina Wetlińska – the border is the Orłowicz Notch. When you’re planning your journey, you can limit yourself to only visiting the top, or decide to take the longer, although even more exciting trip thorugh the entire ridge.
You can get to Smerek by following the red trail (part of the Main Bieszczady Trail) from the village of Smerek. (about 2.5 hours of walking) The shorter route leads from Wetlina – following the yellow trail will take less than 2 hours. Smerek has two peaks, although the higher northern one is not available for tourists. From the very top you can admire the pleasant panorama on, among others, Połonina Wetlińska.