Wondering about the best things to do in Bieszczady Mountains? You’re in the right place! This guide covers the top spots and experiences this beautiful region has in store.
Bieszczady has so much to discover — from scenic hikes on mountain trails and peaceful moments by Lake Solina to unforgettable encounters with wild nature. There’s something here for everyone!
I hope this guide inspires you to choose Bieszczady as your next adventure. Ready to dive into the top things to do in Bieszczady? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Take in the Stunning Views: One of the Best Things to Do in the Bieszczady
One of the best things to do in Bieszczady Mountains is to soak in the picturesque landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a painting.
This amazing mountain range, part of the Carpathians, is packed with awe-inspiring scenery, showcasing wild and enchanting nature all year round.
With its majestic mountains, lush forests, winding rivers, and vibrant meadows, Bieszczady offers a magical backdrop that really makes it stand out from other mountains in Poland.
Honestly, I think it’s one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country.
You can enjoy the best views from both the hiking trails and the cozy cabins, which I’ll get into more below.
2. Try out the Awesome Local Cuisine
A trip to the Bieszczady Mountains isn’t just about soaking in those stunning views; it’s also a total feast for your taste buds!
The regional cuisine is bound to please everyone, from vegetarians to meat lovers.
You absolutely have to try the local treats like yummy fuczki—pancakes made from sauerkraut, hreczanyki—cutlets made with buckwheat and minced meat, and pierogi stuffed with buckwheat and bryndza cheese.
This area is also famous for its amazing cheeses, natural syrups, and delicious honeys, along with some fantastic mushrooms. And don’t forget about the wild garlic and flavorful herbs!
I definitely recommend stopping by Chata Wędrowca in Wetlina.
It’s a legendary spot in the Bieszczady where you can enjoy giant pancakes—perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails!
3. Hike the Scenic Trails: One of the Top Things to Do in the Bieszczady
One of the best things to do in the Bieszczady is hit the beautiful mountain trails. You’ve got a bunch of options, so you can set off and explore some stunning scenery.
I definitely recommend checking out Połonina Wetlińska and Połonina Caryńska.
These trails give you amazing views of the mountains and valleys, which are perfect for snapping some awesome photos.
Make sure to climb Tarnica, the highest peak in the Bieszczady—it’s got incredible views waiting for you at the top!
Another great spot is Bukowe Berdo, famous for its beautiful landscapes and interesting wildlife.
To really enjoy the charm of each trail, try to get going early in the morning or visit during the off-season to dodge the big crowds.
4. Take a Ride on the Bieszczady Forest Railway
Another awesome thing to do in the Bieszczady is ride the Bieszczadzka Kolejka Leśna—one of the prettiest narrow–gauge railways in Europe!
The cute station and charming little carriages will definitely catch your eye, and the ride through the Bieszczady forest makes you feel like you’re escaping into nature.
Trains leave from Majdan, and you can pick between two routes: a 2-hour round trip to Balnica or a 1 hour and 20-minute round trip to Dołżyca.
I recommend the first route so you can soak in those views a bit longer. Tickets cost between 34 and 42 PLN, but it’s totally worth it—it’s a great experience for all ages!
5. Soak in the Night Sky
The Bieszczady Mountains are one of the best places in Europe for stargazing. With dark nights and no artificial light, the views of the stars are totally unforgettable.
To really enjoy it, consider camping out or just hanging out in nature. The Starry Sky Park also hosts cool astronomy shows that help keep the darkness intact, making your stargazing even better.
Fun fact: The Bieszczady Starry Sky Park is one of the largest dark sky protection areas in Central Europe, covering an impressive 113,000 hectares (about 279,000 acres)!
People from all over Poland flock here to soak in the amazing, star-filled sky.
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6. Visit Charming Temples and Churches
If you’re into history, Bieszczady has tons to keep you fascinated. This unique region of Poland is packed with Orthodox churches that reflect its rich cultural diversity.
These stunning wooden structures are powerful reminders of the different ethnic groups that once called this area home.
You can explore these amazing landmarks by hiking the “Szlak Ikon” (Icon Trail) or driving along the “Szlak Architektury Drewnianej” (Wooden Architecture Trail).
In Bieszczady, you’ll uncover charming treasures, including the oldest wooden Orthodox church in Polana, which has been around for over 230 years!
You’ll also find other impressive churches in spots like Równia near Ustrzyki Dolne, Smolnik near San, and Turzańsk.
7. Spot the Amazing Wildlife: One of the Most Unique Things to Do in Bieszczady
Bieszczady is an amazing spot with vast forests and a low population, making it a perfect home for all sorts of fascinating wildlife.
While you’re exploring these stunning mountains, you might just spot some incredible animals like bears, lynxes, wildcats, European bison, and deer.
One cool fact about the Bieszczady National Park is that it has the largest population of lynxes in Poland, making these sleek predators a true symbol of the area.
If you really want to boost your chances of seeing these wild critters, think about joining a guided night walk. The experts will take you to the best spots for animal watching.
Seeing these animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience that will definitely make your trip to Bieszczady even more special.
8. Explore the Picturesque Waterfalls
Bieszczady is known for its picturesque meadows and charming landmarks, but not many people realize it’s home to some stunning waterfalls too.
One of the prettiest is Wodospad Szepit, the largest waterfall in the region. It stands 8 meters tall (about 26 feet) and is located on the Hylaty stream near the village of Zatwarnica.
It’s super easy to get to, making it a great spot for the whole family. The viewing platform gives you the best views of the cascades.
Plus, don’t miss the waterfalls along the Hulski stream either, which are especially enchanting in spring when the surrounding nature comes to life.
9. Dive into Water Fun
Bieszczady is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves hanging out by the water. You’ve got beautiful lakes like Solińskie and Myczkowskie, perfect for all sorts of water sports.
In the middle of it all, you’ll find the Solina Dam, which is the biggest dam in Poland.
It creates a huge lake that’s about 22 km² (approximately 8.5 square miles)! You can check out the dam and take in some really awesome views from the observation decks.
If you’re looking for some fun, you can rent kayaks or pedal boats. But if you’d rather chill, why not take a scenic boat ride on the lake?
Whatever you pick, Bieszczady is sure to give you some unforgettable adventures in a gorgeous setting.
10. Unwind at a Local Spa: One of the Favorite Things to Do in Bieszczady
Lastly, if you’re looking for top things to do in Bieszczady, definitely check out the local spa centers.
This area has tons of spots where you can relax and take care of yourself while surrounded by nature—perfect for taking a break from the daily grind.
One awesome choice is Hotel Arłamów. It’s a luxury place with a great wellness program, a pool, and a chill spa area. You can treat yourself to massages, facial therapies, saunas, and steam baths that’ll help you unwind.
Another great spot is Caryńska Resort & SPA, where you can find a bunch of relaxing and beauty treatments. They offer everything from massages to body treatments and special spa rituals.
So, if you’re dreaming of some downtime in the mountains, don’t hesitate—pack your bags and make your way to Bieszczady!
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Bieszczady Mountains?
The Bieszczady Mountains are stunning all year round, but I think the best times to visit are in spring and autumn.
In spring, everything starts to bloom and turn green, while autumn offers beautiful colors that are hard to resist.
Plus, during these seasons, prices for accommodation and food are usually lower. I went in spring and enjoyed sunny weather without the usual crowds.
Just a tip: try to steer clear of holidays and long weekends since popular trails can get pretty crowded, and prices at restaurants and hotels often skyrocket.
Where to Stay in Bieszczady Mountains?
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy spot to stay in the Bieszczady with stunning views, you’ve got to check out Domki 4 Nad Ranem.
Nestled in the charming village of Smerk, it’s conveniently close to two beautiful landscape parks and great hiking trails.
These cabins are super well-equipped, boasting a fireplace, a comfy seating area, a dining space, and a cozy bedroom—perfect for a relaxing getaway!
From the cottages’ terraces, you can soak in the breathtaking views of Połonina Wetlińska. It’s a fantastic spot to get close to nature and enjoy the stunning night sky!
I stayed there myself and still cherish those moments, especially the cozy times by the fireplace and the misty mornings on the terrace.
Where to Go When in Bieszczady Mountains?
In the Bieszczady Mountains, you’ll find many attractive places worth visiting, like Ustrzyki Górne, Wetlina, Polańczyk, and Cisna.
Ustrzyki Górne offers a variety of accommodations and attractions. Wetlina is a charming village with cozy guesthouses, perfect for nature lovers.
Polańczyk and Myczkowce boast breathtaking views, while Cisna is a peaceful spot ideal for relaxing in harmony with nature.
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10 Unmissable Things to Do in Bieszczady Mountains: Summary
The Bieszczady Mountains are an absolute gem in Poland that you shouldn’t miss.
Whether you’re a food lover, a hiking enthusiast, or just someone looking to unwind in nature, this place has it all.
No matter what you’re into, Bieszczady has something unique to offer, paired with breathtaking views.
You can soak in the stunning night sky, explore historic churches, and immerse yourself in the local wildlife.
I hope this list of top things to do in Bieszczady has inspired you to explore this stunning region of Poland.
If it has, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Feel free to share it with your friends, too.
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