Start our Bieszczady adventure with a visit to the heart of this picturesque region - the Bieszczady National Park. This is a place where nature presents itself at its most beautiful, offering countless opportunities for active recreation for the whole family.

How to get there: The park is located in the southeastern part of the Podkarpackie province. The headquarters of the park's management is located in Ustrzyki Górne (38-713). The best way to get here is by car or using local bus connections from larger towns such as Sanok or Lesko.

Accessibility: the park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed in winter for safety reasons. Always check up-to-date information on the park's official website (http://www.bdpn.pl/) before planning a visit.

Attractions for families:

1. hiking trails: the park offers many trails of varying difficulty. For families with children, we recommend easier trails, such as the nature trail 'Jaworniki' or the trail to Połonina Caryńska (a gentler approach from Ustrzyki Górne).

2. the Information and Tourist Education Center in Lutowiska: This is a great place to start your adventure with the park. Here you'll find interactive exhibitions and educational materials tailored for the youngest.

3 Wildlife Observation: The park is famous for its abundance of fauna. You may have a chance to see deer, roe deer and even wolves or bears (from a safe distance, of course). It's worth taking binoculars with you!

Practical information:

• Entrance tickets: Adults - PLN 8, children and teenagers up to 18 years - PLN 4 (prices current as of 2023, always check on the official website).
• Parking: Paid parking lots are available at the main entrances to the park (about 20-30 PLN per day)
• Guides: It is possible to hire a licensed guide (booking in advance)

Tips for families:

• Bring comfortable trekking shoes, even for the little ones
• Prepare a supply of water and snacks
• Don't forget UV sunscreen and headgear
• Take a basic first aid kit with you

Bieszczady National Park is not only about beautiful sights, but most importantly about learning about nature in practice. Children will be delighted to observe wild animals in their natural habitat, and parents will appreciate the fresh air and tranquility that the Bieszczady forests offer. This is the perfect place to start your Bieszczady adventure and instill in your little ones a love of nature and an active lifestyle.

After learning about the charms of the Bieszczady National Park, it's time to discover other fascinating places that will make your family trip full of unforgettable experiences.

1. Połonina Wetlinska - Paradise for Little Hikers

One of the most picturesque places in the Bieszczady Mountains is undoubtedly Połonina Wetlinska. It is an ideal place for a family trip, offering amazing views and relatively easy trails.

How to get there: The best starting point is the parking lot in Brzegi Górne. You can get here by car or use seasonal buses that run from Ustrzyki Górne.

Route: The trail to Połonina Wetlinska is well marked and relatively easy. The entire crossing takes about 1.5-2 hours one way, depending on your pace and frequency of stops.

Attractions: At the summit, the shelter 'Chatka Puchatka' awaits you, where you can rest and eat before returning. The views from the Polonina are absolutely breathtaking and will certainly compensate for the difficulty of the hike.

Tips: Bring warm sweatshirts, even on warm days, as it can be windy on the summit. Don't forget your camera - the views are phenomenal!

2. bison show enclosure - Meeting the King of the Forest

This is a place that is sure to delight not only the youngest. The bison show enclosure in Muczny is a chance for a close encounter with these majestic animals.

Location: Muczne 1A, 38-713 Muczne How to get there: The best way to get there is by car. The homestead is located by the provincial road No. 897.

Opening hours: Daily from dawn to dusk Admission: Free of charge

Attractions:

• Bison observation from specially prepared viewing platforms
• Educational path with information boards
• Possibility of picnicking on nearby grounds

Tips: It's best to visit the enclosure early in the morning or late afternoon, when the bison are most active. Remember to keep quiet so as not to frighten the animals.

3rd Bieszczady Forest Railway - Journey in Time

This is an attraction that will take you back in time and allow you to discover the Bieszczady Mountains from a completely different perspective.

Location: starting station in Majdan (Majdan 17, 38-607). How to get there: By car or bus from Cisna

Timetable and prices: You can find up-to-date information at http://kolejka.bieszczady.pl/ (Prices in 2023: adults about 40 PLN, children 30 PLN - always check current rates)

Routes:

• Majdan - Przysłup (shorter, about 1.5 hours)
• Majdan - Balnica (longer, about 2.5 hours)

Attractions:

• A ride on a historic narrow-gauge railroad
• Beautiful views of the Bieszczady forests
• Possibility of barbecue at the terminal station

Tips: Book tickets in advance, especially during the summer season. Bring warm clothes, as it can be chilly in the carriages.

The three attractions - Połonina Wetlinska, the Bison Farm and the Bieszczady Forest Railway - offer a variety of experiences that are sure to appeal to both children and adults. They combine elements of education, adventure and contact with nature, making them ideal for families looking for an active vacation in the Bieszczady Mountains. Remember to adapt the plan to your kids' abilities and interests, taking appropriate breaks between attractions. This way you will create unforgettable memories, while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of Bieszczady nature.

At the end of your Bieszczady adventure, we suggest a visit to one of the most famous and beloved places in the region - Lake Solina. This is not only an opportunity to relax after an active vacation, but also a chance for additional attractions that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Solina Dam - Engineering Wonder and Viewpoint

Location: 38-610 Solina How to get there: By car or bus from larger towns in the area (e.g. Lesko, Ustrzyki Dolne)

The Solina Dam is not only an impressive structure, but also a great vantage point for viewing Lake Solina and the surrounding mountains.

Attractions:

1. walk on the crown of the dam: You can walk along the 664-meter crown of the dam, enjoying the views of the lake and the surrounding area. This is a great opportunity to take souvenir photos.

2. gondola railroad: A modern gondola railroad has recently been operating here, taking you to the top of Mount Javor. At the top is a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the entire Solina Lake. Prices (current as of 2023): Adults - about 49 PLN, children - about 39 PLN (always check current prices on site or on the official website).

3 - Boat cruises: This is a great way to experience Lake Solina from the water. Cruises last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route chosen. Prices: Depends on the length of the cruise, average 30-60 PLN per person.

4 Beaches and swimming areas: There are many developed beaches and swimming areas around the lake. This is an ideal place to relax and cool off on warm days.

5. Water equipment rentals: For the more active, there are rentals of kayaks, pedal boats or SUP boards.

Practical information:

• Parking: There are several parking lots in the vicinity of the dam, with prices ranging from 3 to 5 zloty per hour.
• Gastronomy: During the season there are many bars, restaurants and food trucks offering a variety of meals
• Accommodations: Solina and the surrounding area offer a wide range of accommodations, from campgrounds to luxury hotels

Tips for families:

• Bring UV sunscreen and headgear - it's easy to get sunburned on the waterfront
• If you plan to swim, don't forget towels and bathing suits
• It's a good idea to carry cash - not all attractions and food outlets accept payment cards
• Consider buying a waterproof phone case if you plan water activities

Lake Solinskie and the surrounding area is the perfect place to end your Bieszczady adventure. It combines opportunities for relaxation with a range of attractions that will appeal to both children and adults. It's also a good base for visiting other interesting places in the Bieszczady Mountains, should you decide to extend your stay.

All in all, the Bieszczady Mountains offer countless opportunities for active recreation for families with children. From the scenic trails of the Bieszczady National Park, to fascinating encounters with wildlife at the Bison Homestead, to relaxing on Lake Solina, each day can be full of new and exciting experiences. Remember to adjust the pace and intensity of the attractions to the capabilities of the youngest family members. The Bieszczady Mountains is a place where time passes more slowly, so take your time - savor every moment spent in this magical land. Whether you are a fan of active recreation or simply looking for peace and contact with nature, Bieszczady will certainly meet your expectations and leave unforgettable memories for years to come.