The Main Beskid Trail in Podkarpackie A Step-by-Step Guide

The Main Beskid Trail - Poland's Longest Mountain Hiking Route 

The Main Beskid Trail is the longest marked hiking trail in Poland and one of the country's greatest challenges for mountain enthusiasts. Stretching for approximately 500 kilometres, it connects Wołosate in the Bieszczady Mountains with Ustroń in the Silesian Beskids. Walking the trail offers an extraordinary journey through the diverse landscapes of the Polish Carpathians, from the vast alpine meadows of the Bieszczady to the peaceful forests of the Low Beskids and the scenic ridges of the Sądecki, Żywiecki and Silesian Beskids.

Completing the entire route usually takes between three and four weeks, although many hikers prefer to explore it in shorter sections over several trips. Whichever option you choose, the Main Beskid Trail rewards you with sweeping mountain views, historical landmarks and traces of the multicultural heritage that has shaped the Carpathian region for centuries.

Bieszczady, photo by Gabriela Joniec

A Trail with story

The idea of creating the Main Beskid Trail dates back to the 1920s. It was conceived by Kazimierz Sosnowski, a distinguished teacher, geographer and passionate mountain lover, who dreamed of a single red-marked trail linking the most beautiful mountain ranges of the Beskids. His vision gradually became reality, and today the GSB is regarded as the symbol of long-distance hiking in Poland.

Although the route has changed over the decades, mainly due to post-war border shifts, its original purpose remains the same: to guide hikers through some of the most remarkable landscapes of the Polish Carpathians.

The Beginning of a Great Adventure - Wołosate 

The first red trail marker stands in Wołosate, the southernmost permanently inhabited village in Poland. For most hikers, this is where the adventure begins and where they experience the beauty of the Bieszczady Mountains for the very first time.

The opening stage immediately reveals what makes this region so special. The trail crosses Bieszczady National Park, leading through vast mountain meadows known as połoniny and pristine wilderness. Along the way, hikers climb Rozsypaniec and Halicz, while a short detour from the main route leads to Tarnica (1,346 m), the highest peak in the Polish Bieszczady. From the summit, visitors are rewarded with magnificent views stretching across the Polish and Ukrainian Carpathians.

For many hikers, this is also their first encounter with the true character of the Bieszczady: wide-open ridges, endless horizons and a sense of tranquillity rarely found in Poland's more crowded mountain ranges. It is no surprise that this section is considered one of the most memorable parts of the entire Main Beskid Trail.

Połoniny, photo by Krystian Kłysewicz

Across the Mountain Meadows That Define the Bieszczady

The next stages pass through landscapes that have become synonymous with the Bieszczady Mountains. Połonina Caryńska impresses with its rolling ridges and far-reaching panoramas, while on clear days even the distant Tatra Mountains can be seen on the horizon.

Soon afterwards, hikers reach Połonina Wetlińska, home to the modern Chatka Puchatka II Mountain Shelter, one of the region's most recognisable landmarks.

A little farther on lies Smerek, the final expansive viewpoint before the trail descends into the forested landscapes of the Low Beskids. From here, hikers enjoy one last panoramic view of the iconic mountain meadows that have become the symbol of the Bieszczady and an essential highlight of any journey through this remarkable region.

From Wild Bieszczady to the Peaceful Low Beskid

Beyond Smerek, the scenery gradually begins to change. The Main Beskid Trail crosses the quieter ranges of Fereczata, Jasło and Małe Jasło, where hikers are often more likely to encounter tracks left by wolves, deer or even bears than large numbers of fellow walkers.

After reaching Cisna, the trail continues towards Komańcza. Along the way, it is worth stopping at the Duszatyn Lakes, unique landslide lakes formed after a massive landslide in 1907. Local folklore adds another layer of mystery to this remarkable place. According to legend, the earth suddenly opened up and swallowed part of the forest, creating the lakes that remain today. Locals still say that on calm, windless days the submerged trees can be heard creaking beneath the water's surface.

Near Komańcza, the Eastern Carpathians come to an end and the Low Beskids begin. The open mountain meadows give way to peaceful forests, long ridges and quiet valleys where history remains present at every turn.

From the Bieszczady to the Low Beskid

For many hikers, Komańcza is the perfect place to take a break or to begin a new stage of the journey. Surrounded by forests and rolling hills, this peaceful village has preserved its traditional mountain atmosphere. A walk through the area reveals historic wooden Orthodox churches, the Convent of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, and traces of the Lemko and Boyko cultures that once flourished here. It is one of those places where it is worth slowing down before continuing deeper into the Low Beskids.

Leaving Komańcza behind, the character of the Main Beskid Trail changes noticeably. The open alpine meadows of the Bieszczady gradually disappear, replaced by forest-covered ridges, quiet valleys and remote villages. Empty paths, abandoned settlements and centuries-old Orthodox churches create a landscape where history and nature exist side by side.

The route from Komańcza to Rymanów-Zdrój follows the scenic ridges of Wahalowski Wierch and Tokarnia. This is a section where there is no need to rush. Along the way, hikers pass the remains of former Lemko villages, including Przybyszów, with its old cemetery and the remains of an Orthodox church, as well as the Kamień nad Rzepedzią Nature Reserve, known for its striking sandstone rock formations. Near the villages of Puławy and Wisłoczek, traces of the vanished settlement of Tarnawka can still be found. Overgrown orchards, stone foundations and roadside crosses quietly tell the story of the people who once lived here.

Unlike the Bieszczady, the Low Beskids impress visitors in a more subtle way. Their charm lies in silence, authenticity and history rather than dramatic mountain scenery. These are mountains best explored slowly, listening to the sounds of the forest while discovering the hidden traces of communities that shaped this landscape for generations.

One of the most picturesque places along this section is the Wisłok River Gorge, where the river cuts through densely forested hills, creating beautiful scenery that is particularly impressive during the autumn months. The day ends in Rymanów-Zdrój, one of the region's best-known spa towns, famous for its mineral springs, elegant wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Spa Towns and Scenic Peaks

The next stage leads through Rymanów-Zdrój and Iwonicz-Zdrój, two historic spa resorts that have welcomed visitors for well over a century. Rymanów-Zdrój became renowned as one of Poland's leading health resorts for children, while Iwonicz-Zdrój, one of the country's oldest spa towns, is admired for its elegant villas, traditional wooden architecture and beautifully preserved spa park.

This part of the journey offers a welcome opportunity to slow down. Walking beneath centuries-old trees, relaxing in the spa gardens or tasting the local mineral waters provides the perfect break before returning to the mountain trail.

The next highlight is Cergowa, one of the most distinctive peaks of the Low Beskids, affectionately known by many hikers as the "Beautiful Mountain." A modern observation tower on its summit offers panoramic views across the Low Beskids, the Carpathian Foothills and, on exceptionally clear days, as far as the Bieszczady Mountains and the Tatra range.

Cergowa has much more to offer than spectacular views. Its slopes are protected as a nature reserve preserving valuable Carpathian beech forests, while a small cave hidden near the trail carries the intriguing name "Where the Plane Crashed." Local stories connect this place with events from the Second World War, adding another layer of mystery to the mountain.

Descending from Cergowa, hikers can visit the nearby Hermitage of St. John of Dukla, a peaceful place associated with the patron saint of the region. Surrounded by woodland and natural springs believed for centuries to possess healing properties, it offers a quiet moment of reflection before continuing the journey.

Trough Magura National Park

The final section of the Main Beskid Trail within the Podkarpackie region passes through Magura National Park, one of Poland's youngest national parks. It is celebrated for its extensive beech and fir forests, remarkable biodiversity and exceptionally well-preserved natural ecosystems. The park's symbol is the Lesser Spotted Eagle, although hikers may also come across tracks left by wolves, lynx or even brown bears.

The trail crosses Grzywacka Góra, Hałbowska Pass and Magura, offering numerous viewpoints and long stretches of unspoilt wilderness. Here, the pace of the mountains slows naturally, inviting hikers to appreciate the tranquillity and untouched beauty that define the Low Beskids.

Walking through Magura National Park is also a journey into the region's multicultural past. Hidden among the valleys are old cemeteries, roadside crosses and the remains of Orthodox churches, silent reminders of the Lemko communities that once inhabited these lands. Along the trail stands the eighteenth-century wooden church in Chyrowa, while nearby Kotań is home to the historic Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian and an unusual lapidarium displaying centuries-old stone crosses. Not far away lies Świątkowa Wielka, whose beautifully decorated wooden church is regarded as one of the finest examples of sacred architecture in the Low Beskids.

This section of the Main Beskid Trail reveals a very different face of the Carpathians. Instead of dramatic peaks and sweeping panoramas, it offers quiet valleys where history blends seamlessly with nature. For many hikers, this becomes the most atmospheric and memorable part of the entire journey.

What Should You Know Before Setting Off?

The entire Main Beskid Trail stretches for approximately 500 kilometres. It can be completed in one continuous journey or explored in shorter stages, depending on your experience, fitness level and available time. Along the route, hikers will find mountain huts, guesthouses, campsites and villages where it is easy to restock food and water supplies.

The trail is marked with the characteristic red signs and is generally well maintained. However, in the quieter parts of the Low Beskids, trail markings may occasionally be less visible, making a reliable map or hiking app highly recommended. Planning your daily stages in advance will make the journey both easier and more enjoyable.

Part of the trail passes through Bieszczady National Park and Magura National Park, where entrance fees apply. As sections of the route run close to Poland's borders with Slovakia and Ukraine, hikers should carry a valid identity document. Mobile phones may automatically connect to foreign networks in border areas, so it is advisable to check your roaming settings before setting off to avoid unexpected charges.

Before starting your hike, download an up-to-date trail map or navigation app to help with route planning, accommodation and orientation. It is also good practice to let family or friends know your planned itinerary, overnight stops and expected arrival times, particularly when hiking remote sections where mobile phone coverage may be limited.

Mountain weather can change rapidly, even during the summer months. Checking the forecast, carrying a fully charged phone and bringing a power bank are simple precautions that can make your journey both safer and more comfortable.

Why Explore the Podkarpackie Section of the Main Beskid Trail? 

The Podkarpackie section of the Main Beskid Trail is far more than simply the beginning of Poland's longest hiking route. It is a journey through some of the country's most diverse mountain landscapes, where every day brings a completely different experience.

One day you walk across the vast alpine meadows of the Bieszczady, admiring endless mountain panoramas. The next, you find yourself wandering through the peaceful forests of the Low Beskids, where wooden Orthodox churches, roadside crosses and forgotten cemeteries emerge quietly from between the trees.

These landscapes preserve the legacy of the Lemko and Boyko communities, whose traditions shaped this region for centuries. Hidden among the valleys are abandoned orchards, stone foundations and the remains of villages that disappeared from the map after the Second World War, offering a moving glimpse into the area's complex history.

The diversity of the route is one of its greatest strengths. Along the way, hikers climb Tarnica, cross the famous mountain meadows of Połonina Caryńska and Połonina Wetlińska, visit the mysterious Duszatyn Lakes, relax in the spa towns of Rymanów-Zdrój and Iwonicz-Zdrój, reach the summit of Cergowa, and finally immerse themselves in the ancient forests of Magura National Park. Every stage tells a different story and reveals another face of the Polish Carpathians.

Whether you decide to complete the entire Main Beskid Trail or simply explore its Podkarpackie section, the experience is certain to leave a lasting impression. It is a place where nature still sets the rhythm of everyday life, where history quietly accompanies every step, and where every new horizon offers another reason to return.