The Bieszczady Mountains hide places that seem to be taken straight out of romantic novels. One such corner is the Szepit Waterfall on the Hylaty stream, located near Zatwarnica. This gem of Bieszczady nature delights with its natural beauty and mysterious atmosphere. The name 'Shepit' comes from the Ukrainian word meaning 'whisper', which perfectly reflects the character of this place - water flowing down the rocky thresholds makes a gentle, soothing sound reminiscent of whispered words. The waterfall is about 5 meters high and is surrounded by lush vegetation, which creates the perfect backdrop for romantic photographs.

According to local legends, the water from the waterfall has magical properties - a couple that dips their hands in it together will stay together forever. Although this is just a folk tale, it is hard to resist the charm of this place. The best time to visit Sheppit is in spring or after heavy rains, when the stream is at its most brisk. In winter, on the other hand, the waterfall sometimes freezes, creating fairy-tale ice formations. Getting to the waterfall is relatively easy - there is a marked trail leading to it, which requires no special fitness preparation, making it accessible even to less experienced tourists.

Nearby, in the valley of the Wetlinka River, is the Sine Wiry Nature Reserve - a place where nature has created a real spectacle for the senses. The name of the reserve comes from the characteristic water whirlpools that form in the current of the river flowing through the rocky thresholds. On sunny days the water turns an intense blue color, hence the term 'sine'. The history of the place is as fascinating as its nature. Before World War II, there was a village called Zawoy in the area, which was completely destroyed during fighting with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Today, all that remains of the settlement are the foundations of houses and old orchards, which bloom with white flowers in spring, creating a nostalgic but beautiful landscape.

The Sine Wiry Nature Reserve is not only a picturesque sight, but also home to many rare plant and animal species. Walking along the river, you may come across beaver tracks and, if you're lucky, observe a kingfisher - a small but extremely colorful bird. For couples seeking tranquility and contact with wildlife, Sine Wiry offers several secluded spots where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic to the sound of flowing water. It is worth remembering that the reserve looks most beautiful in early autumn, when the surrounding forests shimmer with all shades of gold and red.

The third treasure of Bieszczady nature is Koziniec Nature Reserve, located near Bóbrka. This place is much less known to tourists, making it ideal for couples seeking solitude. The reserve encompasses a section of old beech forest, which in autumn turns into a veritable gallery of colors. Wandering along the forest paths, you can come across impressive specimens of beech trees more than 150 years old. Koziniec is also a place associated with the history of the region - during World War II it served as a hideout for partisans, and in the thickets of the forest you can still find remnants of their encampments.

The Koziniec Nature Reserve stands out from other Bieszczady attractions for its year-round accessibility and diversity of landscapes. In spring it delights with a carpel of blooming anemones and bear garlic, in summer it offers shelter from the heat in the shade of centuries-old trees, in autumn it charms with a fever of colors, and in winter, when the branches of the trees bend under the weight of snow, it turns into a real fairyland. For romantic couples, I especially recommend a visit at dawn, when the first rays of the sun break through the crowns of the trees, creating a magical, almost mystical atmosphere.

When we talk about romantic places in the Bieszczady Mountains, it is impossible to omit Połonina Wetlinska - one of the most beautiful Bieszczady mountain meadows, which offers breathtaking views. This vast mountain meadow located at an altitude of about 1,255 meters above sea level has a remarkable history. As recently as the 19th century, the Poloniny was used extensively by the Boykos and Lemkos as pastures for sheep and cattle. After the population was displaced in Operation 'Vistula' in 1947, nature gradually reclaimed the area. Today, Połonina Wetlinska is part of the Bieszczady National Park and is under strict protection.

For couples in love, the Wetlinskaya Polonina offers something special - the opportunity to spend the night in the Chatka Puchatka shelter, the highest located shelter in the Bieszczady Mountains. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the shelter's terrace is an experience that remains in the memory for a long time. According to local legends, a couple who sees the sunrise together on the mountain lodge will enjoy a long and happy relationship. Although this is just folk wisdom, it is hard to find a more romantic setting for shared moments.

The Wetlinskaya Polonina is accessible all year round, but each season offers different attractions. In spring the Polonina is covered with a carpet of crocuses and anemones, in summer it impresses with its intense greenery and variety of herbs, in autumn it shimmers with all shades of red and gold, and in winter, covered with snow, it resembles the Arctic wilderness. For couples who prefer active recreation, Połonina Wetlinska is an excellent starting point for other trails, including the highest peak in the Polish Bieszczady Mountains - Tarnica.

The Bieszczady National Park, established in 1973, is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The park encompasses the most valuable natural areas of the Bieszczady Mountains, including the Polonnas, beech forests and peat bogs. It is here that you can meet animals symbolic of the Bieszczady Mountains - bison, bears, wolves or lynx. The history of the park is closely linked to the dramatic fate of the region. After the displacement of people in the 1940s, nature began to reclaim areas previously inhabited and cultivated by humans. Today, traces of ancient villages, cemeteries and Orthodox churches can be found here, bearing witness to the turbulent history of these lands.

The park offers many less frequented trails, ideal for couples seeking solitude and intimate contact with nature. One such place is the valley of the Terebowiec stream, where you can come across the remains of the former village of Berehy Górne. While wandering along these paths, it is advisable to keep quiet - not only out of respect for nature, but also because it increases your chances of observing wild animals. Bieszczady National Park is also part of the International Biosphere Reserve 'Eastern Carpathians', established by UNESCO in 1991, which emphasizes the unique natural value of the area.

For couples looking for unforgettable views, Terka - the viewpoint is a real gem. Located on a hill above the now-defunct village of Terka, it offers a panoramic view of Lake Solina and the surrounding mountains. The history of the place is as fascinating as the views. The village of Terka, founded in the 16th century, was inhabited mainly by Boykos and Lemkos. After World War II, as a result of fighting with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and subsequent displacement, the village ceased to exist. Today, only remnants of house foundations and an old cemetery with distinctive crosses bear witness to its presence.

The vantage point in Terka is particularly picturesque at sunset, when the last rays are reflected in the surface of the lake, creating romantic scenery. According to local stories, on sunny nights you can hear the echo of songs sung by former villagers here. Although this is probably just a legend, it adds to the mystery and nostalgic charm of the place. For couples who appreciate peace and quiet and the opportunity for contemplation, Terka offers benches on which to sit and enjoy the sweeping view. It's also the perfect place for a proposal - the panorama of the Bieszczady Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for that special moment.

The last of our seven treasures of the Bieszczady Mountains is Studenne - a viewpoint located near Polanczyk. This place, although less well-known than other Bieszczady attractions, offers equally spectacular views of Lake Solina and the surrounding mountains. The name 'Studenne' comes from the now-defunct village that was located here before World War II. The history of the area is marked by dramatic events - the village was burned down during fighting with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), and its inhabitants were displaced. Today, only old fruit orchards, which in spring are covered with white blossoms of apple and pear trees, remind us of the former settlement.

The Studenne viewpoint stands out from other Bieszczady attractions for its intimate atmosphere. Rarely visited by tourists, it offers an intimate space for couples seeking peace and quiet and the opportunity to contemplate the beauty of nature. It is particularly charming at sunrise, when the first rays illuminate the surface of the lake, creating a magical, almost mystical atmosphere. According to local legends, near the vantage point you can meet 'White Xenia' - the apparition of a young girl who died of longing for her beloved. Although this is only a legend, it adds to the romantic, if somewhat melancholy, character of the place.

When comparing all seven hidden gems of the Bieszczady Mountains, it is worth noting their accessibility and character. Szepit Waterfall and Sine Wiry and Koziniec Reserves are relatively easy to access and do not require special fitness preparation, making them ideal for couples who prefer leisurely walks. Połonina Wetlinska and the trails of the Bieszczady National Park are suggestions for more active couples who appreciate hiking and are not afraid of physical exertion. Viewpoints in Terka and Studennem, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views without long hikes.

In terms of the best time to visit, each of these places has its optimal season. Waterfalls and preserves look most beautiful in spring and early autumn - in spring because of the lush vegetation and rapid streams, in autumn because of the feasts of colors. The Polonnas are most charming in summer, when they are covered with a carpet of flowers, and in autumn, when they turn golden and red. Viewpoints, on the other hand, offer spectacular vistas all year round, although access to them can be difficult in winter due to weather conditions.

The Bieszczady Mountains are not only beautiful scenery, but also rich in culture and history. The region was inhabited for centuries by various ethnic groups - Poles, Ukrainians, Lemkos, Boykos, Jews and Roma. This multiculturalism has left behind numerous traces that can be discovered during romantic wanderings. Of particular interest are the remains of ancient villages, Orthodox churches and cemeteries, which bear witness to the turbulent history of these lands. Also worth noting are the local legends and stories that add mystery and magic to the Bieszczady Mountains.

When planning a romantic weekend in the Bieszczady Mountains, it is worth remembering a few practical points. First of all, the region is characterized by changeable weather, so even in summer you should bring warmer clothes and rainwear. It's also a good idea to get a map and compass, as cell phone coverage can be limited in some places. For couples looking for accommodation, the Bieszczady Mountains offer a variety of options - from luxury guesthouses and spa hotels, to agritourism and mountain huts. Each of these options has its own charm and allows you to experience the Bieszczady Mountains in a different way.

With its wildlife, turbulent history and mysterious atmosphere, the Bieszczady Mountains are the perfect setting for a romantic weekend. The seven hidden gems I have featured are places where nature and history intertwine to create unforgettable experiences for couples in love. Whether you prefer active recreation or quiet contemplation of nature's beauty, the Bieszczady Mountains have something to offer. These mountains, described by poets and painters, invariably inspire and delight, creating the perfect backdrop for romantic moments and memories that will stay with you for years to come.