The Polish Beskids: 12 Beautiful Places Worth the Hike

Last Updated on 8.7.2026 by Vojta

The Polish Beskids are one of Central Europe’s best-kept secrets. Just over the border from the Czech Republic, they stay refreshingly uncrowded, so you can explore trails that still feel wild and your own. We love these mountains and come back again and again, so we’ve put together 12 of the most beautiful places that show off the Polish Beskids at their very best.

Where Are the Polish Beskids?

The Polish Beskids (in Polish, Beskidy) form an extensive mountain range in the south of Poland, right on the border with the Czech Republic and Slovakia. They stretch from the area around Bielsko-Biała all the way to the Slovak frontier and belong to the great arc of the Carpathians. Don’t expect anything like the Tatras here: the Polish Beskids are about broad ridges, deep forests, mountain meadows and long, sweeping views. They are ideal for multi-day traverses, family hikes and quiet mountain weekends alike.

Where to Stay in the Polish Beskids

Tempted by the Polish Beskids? The best bases for accommodation in the Polish Beskids are the towns of Szczyrk, Wisła and Żywiec. They offer good transport links, plenty of restaurants and a wide choice of places to stay. Prices run roughly from €30 to €80 per night depending on the season and standard. If you are planning a multi-day traverse, you can rely on the PTTK mountain huts — a network of simple shelters run by the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society. In high season, book ahead.

TIP: For a long weekend with friends, look for one of the pretty cabins tucked away by the forest. Many are surprisingly modern and beautiful, and quite a few even come with a hot tub.

When to Go

The best season for hiking is May to October. Summer brings the most settled weather, while autumn means fewer tourists and gorgeous colours. In winter the Beskids are great for skiing, but the ridges can be windy and icy. Mountain weather changes fast here, so always check the latest forecast before you set off.

Getting There and Practical Tips

The easiest way to reach the region is by car. You can usually park near the trailheads for a small fee, and the larger towns are also served by trains. For the mountains themselves, the usual advice applies: sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water (and a snack, of course) and layered clothing. Most mountain huts take both cash and card, but the signal isn’t always reliable up on the ridges, so play it safe and keep some cash on you just in case.

The Polish Beskids: 12 Places Worth the Hike

The beauty of the Polish Beskids lies in their excellent waymarking, the dense network of mountain huts, prices lower than in the Tatras and far smaller crowds. So here are our 12 favourite spots in the Polish Beskids, along with everything you need to know if you decide to head out.

Babia Góra (1,725 m) – Queen of the Polish Beskids

Babia Góra is the highest mountain in the Polish Beskids and stands above the village of Zawoja in Babia Góra National Park. The most popular ascent follows the red trail from the Przełęcz Krowiarki pass.

The route is roughly 5 km one way with about 650 metres of elevation gain. The climb takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. The upper section is rocky and demanding in bad weather, and the wind can be fierce. There is an entry fee for the national park. The summit rewards you with spectacular views of the Tatras, the Orava region and the mountains of Slovakia.

Pilsko (1,557 m) – A Broad Ridge on the Border

Pilsko rises near the village of Korbielów, close to the Slovak border. The most common ascent follows the green trail from the Korbielów Kamienna area.

The route is about 6 km with around 750 metres of ascent. The climb takes roughly 3 hours. Forested stretches alternate with open sections and fine views — great when you want to enjoy the scenery along the way rather than walk through dense forest the whole time. The summit is grassy and expansive, and in winter this is an important ski area.

Skrzyczne (1,257 m) – The Peak Above Szczyrk

Skrzyczne is the highest peak of the Silesian Beskids and towers over the town of Szczyrk. The walk up the green trail is about 5.5 km with roughly 650 metres of ascent, and takes around 2.5 hours. There is also a cable car that cuts the effort dramatically (though you’ll probably skip it — you want to earn it on foot, right?). At the top you’ll find a PTTK mountain hut and a transmitter mast.

TIP: Szczyrk is a popular spot for stag and hen weekends, so if you base yourself here for a few nights, don’t be surprised to stumble across a proper party.

Where to Stay in Szczyrk

Szczyrk is one of the most popular places in the Polish Beskids and a springboard for dozens of hikes, so it’s well worth booking your accommodation here via Booking, ideally well in advance, because it genuinely fills up. The area is dotted with lovely little cafés perfect for a rest (or some remote work), plenty of wellness and spa options, and, of course, beautiful nature all around.

Barania Góra (1,220 m) – Source of the Vistula

Barania Góra sits above the town of Wisła, and the most popular route starts near the Wisła Czarne reservoir. The climb is about 8 km one way with roughly 600 metres of elevation gain. The trail runs mostly through forest and is technically easy. On the summit stands a lookout tower with views over the treetops. It’s a great choice even for less experienced hikers — and this is where the Vistula, Poland’s longest river, has its source.

Czantoria Wielka (995 m) – Views into the Czech Republic

Czantoria Wielka rises above the town of Ustroń, right by the Czech border. The walk up is about 4 km with around 500 metres of ascent and takes 1.5 to 2 hours; a cable car is available too. At the top you’ll find a lookout tower and a mountain hut. The panorama takes in both the Polish and Czech sides of the Beskids. If you’re after a shorter way to explore the Polish Beskids, this is a lovely little route.

Wielka Racza (1,236 m) – A Classic Ridge Walk

Wielka Racza lies on the border with Slovakia. The usual starting point is the village of Rycerka Górna, and the route is about 6 km with around 700 metres of ascent. The climb takes roughly 3 hours. Forested stretches give way to open ridges, and at the top there’s a mountain hut serving refreshments and a viewing platform.

Rysianka (1,322 m)

Rysianka is a much-loved viewpoint peak in the Żywiec Beskids. The most common approach starts from the village of Złatna Huta, and the route is about 7 km with roughly 800 metres of ascent. The climb takes around 3 hours. Above the treeline the views open up towards the Tatras, and there’s a mountain hut just below the summit.

Stożek Wielki (978 m) – The Polish Beskids at Their Most Peaceful

Stożek Wielki lies near Wisła, close to the Czech border. The ascent from Wisła Łabajów is about 5 km with around 450 metres of elevation gain. The hike takes roughly 2 hours. The trail is forested and undemanding, and at the top stands a historic PTTK mountain hut. It’s a great spot for families and quieter days out, so you can enjoy the Polish Beskids at a relaxed pace.

Klimczok (1,117 m)

Klimczok lies between the towns of Bielsko-Biała and Szczyrk. The climb from Szczyrk is about 4.5 km with around 550 metres of ascent, and takes roughly 2 hours. The path is well waymarked and runs mostly through forest. The summit rewards you with a mountain hut and beautiful views far and wide.

Magurka Wilkowicka (909 m) – The Perfect Shorter Hike

Magurka Wilkowicka sits near the town of Bielsko-Biała. The walk up from the village of Wilkowice is about 3.5 km with around 400 metres of ascent. It takes roughly 1.5 hours and is manageable even if you only hit the mountains a few times a year. It’s more of a pleasant stroll, so you can even bring children who are happy to walk a little on their own. At the top there’s a mountain hut with a terrace.

Sopotnia Wielka – The Highest Waterfall in the Beskids

Did you know the Polish Beskids hide a waterfall too? The falls in the village of Sopotnia Wielka are around 10 metres high. Getting there is easy — it’s less than 500 metres from the village centre with almost no elevation gain. They’re at their most beautiful after rain or in spring, when the snow is melting. The surroundings can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.

Główny Szlak Beskidzki – Poland’s Longest Mountain Trail

The Główny Szlak Beskidzki (the Main Beskid Trail) runs for roughly 500 km and is the longest mountain trail in Poland. It crosses the Beskids from end to end, linking the region’s most important peaks. Daily stages are typically 20 to 30 km with 800 to 1,200 metres of ascent, and the full traverse takes two to three weeks. The trail is waymarked in red and requires some planning around overnight stops.

The Polish Beskids with Kids: Where to Go as a Family

The Polish Beskids are absolutely ideal for a family holiday. You’ll find a great balance between easy walks and modern cable cars — a lifesaver when you know the kids simply won’t manage more than a few hundred metres. Most trails are well waymarked and manageable even for occasional hikers, and bases like Wisła and Szczyrk offer plenty to do beyond the hiking. So where should you head in the Polish Beskids with children?

• Czantoria Wielka and Skrzyczne – a comfortable ride up by cable car followed by easy ridge walks.
• Magurka Wilkowicka – a short climb with excellent food in the hut at the top.
• Sopotnia Wielka waterfall – a fascinating sight just a few metres from the car park.
• The pilgrimage site in Szczyrk – gentle strolls nearby, with cafés to stop at.
• The Miniature Park in Wisła – a great, restful stop between mountain hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)