The Bieszczady Mountains

There are mountains in Poland that everyone seems to know - always have. They carry the quiet magic of a long walk. Here, for some reason, you simply want to keep going. They’re not tall, but they’re distinct enough to let you admire the next peak from the one you're on - and then set off toward it. Open meadows, wide mountain passes, and stories passed down through generations make you forget where you came from and what you planned for tomorrow. You’re here. And suddenly, all you want is to hit the trail.

The Bieszczady are also about the people. Locals divide the world into swoi - those who’ve lived here for generations - and others, which means everyone else. In these hills and villages tucked into valleys, you’ll meet people who once chose to leave the noise of the city behind. They gave up comfort for calm, fully aware of what they were trading: no malls, no beauty salons, and winters that sometimes trap homes under heavy snow for weeks. They may always be “outsiders” to some, but that doesn’t matter. They came here in love, in defiance, or in search of something real.

We love the Bieszczady for their space - and for the walks, in all conditions. In summer, when we greet the rising sun on the trail. In autumn, when colors flood the mountains and no photo could ever do it justice. But also in winter - especially then. When it’s hard to even get here. That’s when the mountains feel like they’re truly ours. We rarely meet anyone, especially in whiteout conditions. That, for us, is often the beginning. We set off in full gear, ready to bivouac in rough terrain and freezing temperatures. Always smiling.

Spring here is special. The snow is melting, the rains return, and there is… mud. Lots of mud. Waterproof boots, gaiters, and proper layers are essential - but even then, quick action is sometimes needed. We’ve slipped and slid down slopes more than once, landing in waterlogged mud basins. In a flash, everything’s wet. You try to stand, but the mud grabs at you like glue. Like a swamp that doesn’t want to let go. And that’s why we come back.

Spring also demands awareness. Everything awakens. And that includes bears. The Bieszczady are home to wolves, deer, and roe. We were especially curious how Mrok would react to this mix of wild scents. He did well - curious, nose to the ground, carefully checking every trace of something new.

Why else do we come here? For the long night hikes under the stars - or in thick fog, trusting the wind will clear the sky eventually. We always bring a large spotting scope to the Bieszczady. This is where we like to observe the night sky. We rely on a few weather apps - Ventusky and Windy are our go-to tools, not just here but around the world. Thanks to them, we know when to expect starlight - even if, just 30 minutes earlier, a blizzard limited visibility to a few meters.

Our approach to the Bieszczady, in a nutshell: – Plan for at least 7 days – Choose a solid base location for your daily hikes – Bring a lightweight tent and just start walking - in that case, a map with shelters and camping spots is a must. Your only real worry? Whether there’ll still be warm apple pie at the hut in the evening.– Let someone know where you're going and when you’ll be back - accidents here often stem from underestimating these deceptively “gentle” mountains. – We always bring a stovetop coffee maker and porcelain mugs, but you can just head out with what you have.

Warning: The Bieszczady can give beginner hikers a false sense of safety. Avalanches do happen here in winter, and poorly marked trails can disappear under snow or fog. Getting lost in these conditions can quickly turn serious.

Check our winter gear list - it’s available in the section about hiking in the Tatra Mountains. Always carry a charged phone and a good power bank. A whistle and a headlamp can make a real difference - either helping someone else in thick fog or getting out of trouble yourself.

Install the Ratunek app - it sends your GPS position directly to the local mountain rescue. Save these numbers : GOPR Bieszczady – +48 13 463 22 04 Emergency in Polish mountains – 601 100 300 And always, always let someone know your plan.

Snakes in the Bieszczady Mountains – what to do if you see one

From spring to autumn, snakes can be encountered in the Bieszczady Mountains – on trails and off them. They are usually found in sunny spots: on rocks, stones, or paths.

How to behave:

• Do not touch the snake.

• Do not shout or run.

• Walk around it calmly.

• Do not kill it.

• If you're in a group – point it out and tell others to avoid it calmly.

Species present:

• Adder (PL: żmija zygzakowata) – venomous

• Grass snake (PL: zaskroniec) – non-venomous

• Aesculapian snake (PL: wąż Eskulapa) – non-venomous

• Smooth snake (PL: gniewosz plamisty) – non-venomous
  

About 60% of adder bites are "dry bites" – no venom is injected.

If a bite occurs:

• Check for additional bites.

• Try to identify the snake (e.g. take a photo), but don’t try to catch it.

• Calm the person. Minimize their movement.

• Call emergency services. In remote areas, use the Ratunek app.

• Remove jewelry, watches, or tight clothing near the bite area.

• Rinse the wound with clean water (if available).

• Apply a dry, sterile dressing.

• Immobilize the limb. Monitor the person until help arrives. …And your Bieszczady? What are they like? Which trails do you always return to - and which ones are still waiting for you?

Write to us. We’re always happy to share stories.