6 Most Picturesque Trekking Routes in the Bieszczady Mountains
April 11, 2025
The Bieszczady Mountains are a magical land, where nature delights with its wild beauty and mountain trails tempt you with the promise of unforgettable views and adventures. In this article, we will take you on a journey through six of the most scenic trekking routes that will delight both experienced hikers and families with children. Each of these routes offers a unique experience, allowing you to discover the diversity of the Bieszczady landscape - from vast highlands to mysterious forests and rushing streams. Get ready to hike through the heart of one of Poland's most beautiful regions, where every step brings new impressions and every turn of the path reveals another breathtaking view. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging route, the Bieszczady Mountains have something to offer for every mountain hiker. We invite you to discover these unique trails that will stay in your memory for a long time.
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Wetlinskaya Polonina and Yellow Hiking Trail
Start our Bieszczady adventure from one of the most iconic places in the region - Połonina Wetlinska. Rising 1,255 meters above sea level, this majestic mountain offers unforgettable views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The route to Polonina Vetlinskaya is accessible all year round, but the best time to hike is from May to October, when the weather is most favorable.
How to get there: The easiest way to get here is from the village of Wetlina or from the Vyshna Pass. A yellow trail leads from Wetlina, which is relatively mild and ideal for families with children. The route takes about 1.5-2 hours one way.
The Yellow Hiking Trail is one of the most popular and easiest trails leading to Połonina Wetlinska. It begins at the Vyšné Pass, where there is a parking lot (paid, about 30-40 PLN per day). The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making it ideal even for novice hikers.
Walking time: About 1 hour one way. Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate. Route length: Approximately 2.5 kilometers one way.
Along the way, beautiful views of the expansive Poloniny Mountains and surrounding peaks await you. At the summit there is a shelter 'Chatka Puchatka', where you can rest and eat before returning. It is worth remembering that it can be windy at the summit, so be sure to bring warmer clothing.
For families with children: the route is suitable for children over 6 years old. It is advisable to bring water, snacks, UV sunscreen and headgear. There are no water sources on the trail, so be sure to bring enough water.
Attractions in the area: After descending from Polonina, it is worth visiting the Sine Wiry Nature Reserve, located in the valley of the Wetlinka River. This is a picturesque place where you can admire unique rock formations and the rapid current of the river. The reserve is accessible all year round, and the best time to visit is from May to September.
How to get to the Sine Wiry Reserve: From Wetlina, take the road toward Polanki. There is a small parking lot at the entrance to the reserve. The route through the reserve is about 5 km long and is relatively easy, ideal for a family walk.
Let's remember that both on Połonina Wetlinska and in the Sine Wiry Reserve we are on the territory of the Bieszczady National Park. Let's take care of nature, don't go off the trails and take all the trash with us. Admission to the park is paid, tickets can be purchased at information desks or through the mobile app.
The two trails offer a great introduction to the beauty of the Bieszczady Mountains, combining a variety of landscapes - from the vast expanses of the highlands to the mysterious forest backwoods and picturesque river valleys. These are ideal suggestions for starting a Bieszczady adventure, and are sure to encourage further exploration of this magical region.
The Nature Trail of Terka Enclosure and Szepit Waterfall
Continuing our journey through the most beautiful trails of the Bieszczady, we can't leave out two unique places that will delight both nature lovers and seekers of quiet, scenic routes. We are talking about the Terka Nature Trail and the Szepit Waterfall on the Hylaty stream.
The Otaczarnia Terka Nature Path is a real gem for those who appreciate peaceful walks surrounded by lush nature. Located in the village of Terka (38-610), this path offers not only beautiful views, but also the opportunity for close contact with nature.
How to get there: Terka is easiest to reach by car. From the main road leading through the village, turn towards the forest, where the beginning of the path is located. Free, ample parking awaits you on site.
Route characteristics:
- Length: about 3 km
- Walking time: 1-1.5 hours
- Degree of difficulty: easy, suitable for families with children and the elderly
- Accessibility: the route is available all year round, the best period is May-October
The path leads along the picturesque Solinka stream, offering numerous points where you can get down by the water and rest. Along the way, you will encounter information boards that provide an interesting introduction to the flora and fauna of the Bieszczady Mountains. This is an excellent opportunity for nature education for the youngest.
Amenities:
- Free toilet at the parking lot
- A shelter with a place for a bonfire or barbecue
- Numerous benches along the route
Be sure to bring comfortable footwear, even in summer, as some sections can be wet. For families with children, we recommend bringing snacks and drinks - a picnic on the banks of the creek will be a great diversion.
The next point of our hike is the picturesque Sheppit Waterfall on the Hylaty Creek. This is one of the most charming places in the Bieszczady Mountains, which impresses with its natural beauty and tranquility.
How to get there: The waterfall is located in the village of Zatwarnica (38-713). The best way to get here is by car, parking in a small parking lot by the road, a few hundred meters before the waterfall.
Route characteristics:
- Length: about 1 km from the parking lot to the waterfall
- Access time: 15-20 minutes at a leisurely pace
- Degree of difficulty: easy, accessible to everyone
- Accessibility: the route is available all year round, it looks most beautiful in spring and autumn
The waterfall itself, although small (about 3 meters high), is stunning in its surroundings. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it creates a magical atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and contemplating nature. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or photo session.
Tips for visitors:
- We recommend bringing waterproof footwear, especially after the rain
- It is advisable to bring a camera - the waterfall and its surroundings are extremely photogenic
- There is no tourist infrastructure nearby, so take everything you need with you
Both the Terka Enclosure Nature Trail and the Sheptit Waterfall are places that allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of Bieszczady nature. These trails are ideal for those looking for peace and closeness to nature, while not wanting to undertake overly demanding hikes. These are excellent suggestions for family outings or relaxing walks surrounded by wildlife.
Let's remember that we are in the Bieszczady National Park. Let's respect nature, don't go off the designated paths and don't leave trash behind. In this way, future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of these unique places.
Bieszczady National Park -. Heart of Wild Nature
At the end of our journey through the most beautiful trails of the Bieszczady Mountains, we must not leave out the heart of this region - the Bieszczady National Park. This is a place that embodies everything that is best about the Bieszczady nature: wild forests, vast grasslands, crystal streams and an abundance of flora and fauna.
The Bieszczady National Park, established in 1973, encompasses the most naturally valuable areas of the Bieszczady Mountains. Its headquarters are located in Ustrzyki Górne (38-713), where the park's main information center is also located.
How to get there: Ustrzyki Górne can be reached by car or bus from larger cities in the region, such as Sanok and Lesko. There are also buses from Krakow and Rzeszow during the summer season.
The most popular trails in the Bieszczady National Park:
- Tarnica (1346 m) - the highest peak in the Polish Bieszczady Mountains.
- Route length: about 8 km (both ways)
- Walking time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty level: medium
- the Great Rawka and the Small Rawka
- Route length: about 12 km (loop)
- Walking time: 4-5 hours
- Degree of difficulty: medium
- Połonina Caryńska
- Route length: about 7 km (both ways)
- Walking time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty level: easy to medium
All of these routes offer incredible views of the Bieszczady highlands and surrounding peaks. They are accessible from late spring to early autumn, with the best time being July-September, when the weather is most stable.
For families with children, we recommend easier trails, such as the 'Javorníky' nature trail in Ustrzyki Gorne or the Terebovec valley walk. These are shorter and less demanding routes, ideal for introducing children to the world of mountain hiking.
Important information:
- Admission to the park is paid. Tickets can be purchased at information desks or through the mobile application.
- During high season (July-August), the trails can be crowded. Consider going out on the trail early in the morning.
- The weather in the Bieszczady can be changeable. Always bring warm and waterproof clothing, even in summer.
- Camping outside designated areas is prohibited in the park.
Attractions in the area:
- BdPN Natural History Museum in Ustrzyki Dolne - an excellent place to learn more about the nature of the Bieszczady Mountains.
- Bieszczady Forest Railway - an attraction for the whole family, offering a ride through picturesque areas.
- Bison Demonstration Homestead in Muczny - a chance to see these majestic animals up close.
Bieszczady National Park is not only about beautiful views and hiking trails. It is also home to many rare species of plants and animals. While hiking, we can meet (from a safe distance) bears, wolves, lynx or bison. Let's remember that we are guests in their home and behave accordingly.
Hiking in the Bieszczady National Park is an unforgettable experience for any nature and mountain lover. Whether you choose an ambitious route to Tarnica or a quiet walk through the valley, you are sure to be enchanted by the beauty and wildness of this unique place.
To sum up our journey through the six most scenic trekking routes in the Bieszczady, it is worth noting that each of them offers something unique. From the sweeping vistas of the Wetlinskaya Polonina, to the tranquil paths of the Terka Enclosure, to the wild trails of the Bieszczady National Park, each route allows you to discover a different aspect of this magical region. Bieszczady is a place to feel, experience and love. It is a land that stays in your heart forever, encouraging you to return and rediscover it on each visit.
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