What to see in the Bieszczady Mountains - a guide to the most important places

The Bieszczady Mountains are the southeasternmost corner of Poland—a land where mountains meet wildlife, and traces of ancient inhabitants hide in the shade of beech trees. The region lies in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, bordering Slovakia and Ukraine. Here are some places to start exploring these mountains.

Połoniny – the showcase of the Bieszczady Mountains

The most recognizable feature of the Bieszczady Mountains is the mountain pastures —treeless, grassy ridges in the higher reaches of the mountains. Their character was shaped by centuries of sheep and cattle grazing. The most popular destinations are Połonina Wetlińska , with its iconic Chatka Puchatka mountain hut, and Połonina Caryńska (1,297 m). From the ridges, vast, treeless panoramas unfold—a rarity in Polish mountains.

Tarnica - the roof of the Polish Bieszczady Mountains

Tarnica (1,346 m above sea level) is the highest peak in the Polish part of the Bieszczady Mountains. A metal cross stands at the summit, and on a clear day, you can see further mountain ranges stretching to the horizon. The shortest approach is from Wołosate. The peak lies within the boundaries of the Bieszczady National Park, so entrance fees are required and you must follow marked trails only.

Solina and Lake Solina

The Solina Dam is the largest dam in Poland—its crest rises over 80 meters above the valley floor. The dammed waters of the San and Solinka rivers have created Lake Solina , the largest artificial reservoir in the country. In summer, passenger ships ply the lake, and the shores in Solina and Polańczyk are teeming with life.

Bieszczady Forest Railway

The historic Bieszczady Forest Railway departs from Majdan near Cisna—a narrow -gauge railway that once served as a timber transporter and now transports tourists through the forest. It's one of the best attractions for families with children.

Wooden Orthodox churches and the Boyko-Lemko culture

Before the war, the Bieszczady Mountains were inhabited by the Boykos and Lemkos. Wooden Orthodox churches , chapels, and cemeteries remain from the former villages, and these can still be found in the San and Osława river valleys. They are an important part of the identity of these mountains.

Dark sky

The Bieszczady Mountains lie in the heart of the Starry Sky Park —one of the darkest areas in this part of Europe. On moonless nights, far from city lights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. It's a dream destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

The Bieszczady Mountains reward those who give them the time. Plan a few days, choose one mountain pasture a day, throw in a cruise on Lake Solina and an evening under the stars—and you'll be back again and again.