8 Kolobrzeska, Bydgoszcz, Poland
The Bieszczady Mountains belong to the Eastern Beskids, being the westernmost part of the Eastern Carpathians. They are situated south of the San valley and east of the Osława valley, between the Łupkowska and Użocka passes. They are divided into the Western Bieszczady, which are located on both the Polish and Ukrainian side, and the Eastern Bieszczady, which are located only on the Ukrainian side. The highest peak of the Bieszczady Mountains in Poland is Tarnica (1346 m above sea level), and in Ukraine it is Pikuj (1405 m above sea level). The greatest natural attraction of the Bieszczady Mountains are alpine meadows, i.e. Połoniny. The main „Połoniny” include: Caryńska, Wetlińska and Bukowska. All off them lie within the Bieszczady National Park and are strictly protected. At its top of Połonina Wetlińska, there is the highest located tourist shelter in the Bieszczady Mountains - Chatka Puchatka. The Bieszczady National Park is the third largest national park in Poland. 80 percent its surface is covered with forests where wolves, lynxes, bears and eagles hunt, and bison and elks seek peace. The Bieszczady Mountains are very popular and are very eagerly visited by tourists, especially those who love wild nature and hiking and mountain hiking. The list of attractions in the Bieszczady Mountains is quite impressive. It is a very tourist-friendly region.
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The Bieszczady Mountains are a group of two mountain ranges in the Carpathian Mountains. They are located between the Wyszkow Pass and the Łupkowska Pass, in the south-eastern part of the Podkarpackie Province, literally at the very edge of Poland. They are divided into the Western Bieszczady, which are located on both the Polish and Ukrainian side, and the Eastern Bieszczady, which are located only on the Ukrainian side. The highest peak of the Bieszczady Mountains in Poland is Tarnica (1346 m above sea level), and in Ukraine it is Pikuj (1405 m above sea level).
The climate of the Bieszczady Mountains is not high-mountain, but it is described as moderate, warm, transitional. Properties of the continental climate prevail in it. There is a large annual temperature range in this area. The weather in the Bieszczady Mountains is usually quite patchy. The summers are hot and the winters are cool.
The flora and fauna of the Bieszczady Mountains is very rich in various species, including those that do not occur in other parts of Poland. Among the very rich vegetation of this area, one can find many types of vascular flora, as well as mosses and lichens, as well as many different ones. Primary beech forests provide favorable opportunities for many types of animals. These include creatures that prefer warmth, such as the Aesculapian snake. There are also bisons, bears, wolves, wildcats, lynxes, Carpathian deer, golden eagles, black storks and Polish ponies.
The Bieszczady Mountains are very popular and are very eagerly visited by tourists, especially those who love wild nature and hiking and mountain hiking. It is worth going here at any time of the year. The list of attractions in the Bieszczady Mountains is quite impressive. It is a very tourist-friendly region.
The most interesting hiking trails
The Bieszczady Mountains are, above all, beautiful and wonderful mountains. They are the greatest attraction of this area. Most of the most interesting peaks are over 1000 m above sea level. The highest hill is Tarnica, included in the Crown of Polish Mountains. Apart from it, the main hills are: Połoniny - Wetlińska and Caryńska, Wielka Rawka, Krzemieniec, Bukowe Berdo and Halicz.
Tarnica, apart from being the largest peak, is also the most attractive vantage point. Two routes lead here: red and blue. The fastest route is from Wołosate. Climbing the top will take just over two hours, and descending about one and a half. At the top there is a steel cross that commemorates the visit of Karol Wojtyła in 1953.
The route to Tarnica can be extended to include Halicz and Rozsypaniec. Halicz (1333m above sea level) is the third largest peak in the Polish part of the Bieszczady Mountains. The top of Halicz is located at the end of the Main Beskid Trail, which runs here from Ustrzyki Górne and ends in Wołosat.
Tourists who do not want to climb larger peaks most often choose Połoniny. The possibility of admiring unusual landscapes, meeting positive people on the trail and communing with nature so close that it is at your fingertips, captivate and attract at any time of the year. The alpine grasslands covering the upper parts of the Bieszczady peaks give them a specific character, in early summer they create a lush green carpet, and in autumn they turn reddish-brown. The main „Połoniny” include: Caryńska, Wetlińska and Bukowska. Połonina Caryńska is situated between the Prowcza and Wołosate valleys. It is 4 km long and has 4 peaks. The most popular is Połonina Wetlińska. It is twice as long as Połonina Caryńska. Until 1945, it was used as a pasture. Today, like Połonina Caryńska, it is located within the Bieszczady National Park and is under strict protection. At its top, there is the highest located tourist shelter in the Bieszczady Mountains - Chatka Puchatka.
Solińskie Lake
Solińskie Lake is the hallmark of the Bieszczady Mountains. Together with the dam built here, it is one of the greatest attractions of the region. The dam in Solina is 81.8 m high and 664 m long and is the highest dam in Poland. An interesting proposition, especially for those interested in construction, is to visit the dam itself. Fashionable towns with extensive recreational facilities have developed around the lake: Polańczyk and Solina, and many smaller ones. You can go sailing, boating, canoeing or a tourist boat here.
Szepit waterfall
The Szepit Waterfall is the largest waterfall in the Bieszczady Mountains. It is located in the San Valley, near the village of Zatwarnica, and it is about 8 meters high. The "Hylaty" historical and natural path leads to the waterfall. Stairs lead to the viewing platform, which offers the best view of the cascades. By the road above the waterfall, tables, information boards and garbage cans have been set up. A trip to the waterfall is not difficult, and it can arouse admiration.
The Bieszczady Forest Railway
The Bieszczady Forest Railway was established in the 19th century and initially performed transport functions. For several decades, it has been one of the greatest tourist attractions in the Bieszczady Mountains, mainly in summer. This attraction can be a great solution for both parents and children, because apart from the transport itself, you can take advantage of the beautiful views outside the window. The journeys take place on the route Majdan - Przysłup and Majdan - Balnica. Additionally, it is worth visiting the open-air museum located at the Majdan station.
Demonstration Bison Farm
The demonstration bison farm is located in the Muczne forestry, by the Stuposiany - Tarnawa Niżna road, approximatly 2 km before the Muczne village. On an area of approximately 7 hectares, a space has been created where you can observe the bison in their natural habitat. Here, there are Bison of the Białowieża-Caucasian race, originating from Switzerland and France. It is worth coming here while the animals are being fed at 7:30 - 8:30 or 13:00 -14:00.
What else is worth visiting while in the Bieszczady Mountains? A million interesting places! Particularly noteworthy are:
- sacred architecture buildings,
- Miniature Park of the Ecumenical Culture Center,
- Boyko Culture Museum in Myczków,
- Ruins of the Fortified Monastery of Discalced Carmelites,
- Duszatyńskie Lakes,
- The Great Bieszczady Loop,
- Open-air Charcoal Firing Museum in Lutowiska,
- Ride on a Bicycle Trolley in Uherce Mineralne,
An interesting fact about the Bieszczady Mountains is that the extremely famous Polish series Wataha, produced by HBO, was filmed in this area. The series shows mainly the work of the officers of the Bieszczady Border Guard Department. Scenes for this series were recorded in places that are quite easy to find on the map and go there. These can be, among others: the Headquarters of the Border Guard in Ustrzyki Dolne, the Solina Dam, the bridge in Huzelach, the Bukowska Pass and many, many others.
