Paradise for naturalists

Many hiking trails lead to the top of Mt Barania Góra (1220m) and other higher peaks in the Beskid Śląski; Poland’s largest river, the Vistula, has its headwaters on the slopes of Mt Barania Góra. The Beskid Śląski is well-known for its scenic trails, cultural attractions (folk art and crafts centres of lace-making and wooden sculpture at Istebna and Koniaków), and mineral water springs.

Hikers with rucksacks on their backs are very fond of trekking in the Beskid Żywiecki, separated from the Beski Śląski by River Soła. The best starting points are located at Zwardoń, Rajcza and Zawoja. Tourist trails run through magnificent forests and glades from which enfolds a fascinating view over the Tatras and even the remote Little Fatra in Slovakia. The range is dominated by Mt Babia Góra (1725m) with slopes covered with rock-waste and overgrown with dwarf mountain pine. A choice of tours is really rich, but very attractive five-day trip of moderate difficulty starts at Zwardoń and leads via Wielka Racza, Przegibek, Wielka Rycerzowa and Krawców Wierch to Rajcza. In summer many experienced trekkers can be met on the broad ridges and numerous glades of the so-called Raczański Bag.

The annual Culture Festival of Beskid Region is held at Żywiec, the capital city of the region, in August. Lake Żywieckie attracts many sailors who enjoy sailing amidst the mountains.