8 Kolobrzeska, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Babia Góra, otherwise known as Diablak, is the highest peak of the Beskid Żywiecki and the entire Polish Beskids, which is why she is often called the Queen of the Beskids. Its height is 1725 m above sea level. The origin of the name Babia Góra is explained by numerous folk legends. One of them says that it is a pile of stones poured out in front of the cottage by a giantess woman, according to another it is a robber's lover, who became petrified with grief seeing them carrying her dead beloved. According to other legends, the name of the mountain comes from the fact that the robbers hid their captives in the caves under the mountain. The name may also be related to some of the meanings of the word "baba" (a type of cake or a stone cult statue). In 1954, Babia Góra National Park was established on the Babia Góra massif. Due to the extremely valuable nature of this area and the uniqueness of the entire massif, in 1977 it additionally gained the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are many species of plants in this area. Babia Góra is densely entwined with a network of hiking trails. You can start climbing both from the Polish and the Slovak side. The entire route to Babia Góra runs through the Babia Góra National Park and is very well marked. Due to the fact that this peak is quite popular, it is worth going for a hike on a weekday, when there are slightly fewer people on the trail. While climbing, you can stay at the PTTK shelter in Markowe Szczawiny.
Please note that ITS-Poland works with groups only (10 participants and more).
