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Trekking tour in the Bieszczady Mountains

The Bieszczady Mountains lie in south-eastern Poland, near the borders with Slovakia and Ukraine. They are part of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. This area is covered with unspoilt alpine pastures and forests of beech and fir which are protected within the Bieszczady National Park zone. The region offers exceptional conditions for outdoor activities, particularly hiking, horse riding, cross-country skiing, cycling, and nature photography.
Itinerary: Kraków – Sanok – Lake Solina – Wetlina – Ustrzyki Górne – Sanok – Kraków
Duration: 8 days

Trip highlights:

Scenic hikes across famous Bieszczady ridges and pastures, including Połonina Wetlińska, Wielka Rawka, and the highest peak, Tarnica (1,346 m).
Journey through the heart of Bieszczady National Park, home to wild forests, pristine lakes, and native wildlife like bisons, bears, and wolves.
Unique regional experiences: A boat trip on Lake Solina, a visit to a traditional Hucul horse stud, and an evening campfire.
Visit to the renowned open-air Museum of Folk Architecture in Sanok.

The historic wooden Orthodox church, Ulucz

Połonina Caryńska, Bieszczady Mountains

A panorama of the Bieszczady Mountains

Krasiczyn Castle, near Przemyśl

A medieval Byzantine icon depicting the crucified Christ, Bieszczady Mountains

Itinerary

Day 1: Krakow – Sanok

Afternoon: Arrival in Krakow, check-in at the accommodation. City sightseeing tour of the Old Town: the Main Market Square with Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Cathedral with famous Wit Stwosz Altar, Collegium Maius, the Royal Route.
Evening: Departure by train to Sanok. Arrival and check-in at the accommodation. Dinner.

Day 2: Sanok – Lake Solina – Wetlina

Morning: Visit to Sanok, a historic town located on the outskirts of the Bieszczady region: tour of the town's old streets before visiting the open-air museum of folk architecture. Afterwards, travel by bus to Lake Solina, a large artificial reservoir situated in the heart of the region.
Afternoon: A boat trip on the lake, followed by departure for the Bieszczady, the only area of this size in Poland where nature has largely regained its original form and balance, supporting populations of bears, European bisons, wolves, deer, goshawks, and eagles.
Evening: Arrival at the accommodation in Wetlina. Dinner.

Day 3: Trekking in Bieszczady

Morning: Departure for the trekking route: Przełęcz Wyżna (eng. pass, 872 m), Połonina Wetlińska (eng. pasture), Przełęcz Orłowicza (eng. pass, 1078 m), Mount Smerek (1222 m).
Evening: Dinner.
Hike duration: approx. 6 hours, distance: 18 km
Elevation gain: 781m, Elevation loss: -781m

Day 4: Wetlina – Ustrzyki Gorne

Morning: Check out. The group takes the luggage for the trekking to the accommodation in Ustrzyki Górne. Start in Wetlina, through Dział mountain range: Mała Rawka (1272 m), Wielka Rawka (1307 m), Kremenaros (1221 m, tri-border area) to Ustrzyki Górne.
Evening: Check-in at the accommodation. Dinner.
Hike duration: approx. 7-8 hours, distance: 22 km
Elevation gain: 912m, Elevation loss: -889m

Day 5: Trekking or cycling trip in Bieszczady

Morning: On that day, the group can take part in a cycle tour or continue their hike.
- Option I: Mountain bike ride. The route, depending on the group and the weather conditions, will be discussed at the time with your guide.
- Option II: The group continues the trekking programme: Tarnica (1346 m), Halicz (1333 m), Rozsypaniec (1280 m), Wołosate with an optional visit to the stud of the horses known as Hucul ponies.
Evening: Return to the accommodation in Ustrzyki Górne. Dinner.
Optional: A bonfire next to the hotel.
Hike duration: approx. 6 hours, distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: 198m, Elevation loss: -784m

Day 6: Bieszczady – Sanok

Morning: A half-day trekking programme: Nasiczne, Przełęcz Przysłup (eng. pass), Połonina Caryńska (eng. pasture, 1239 m). Or another alternative: visit to the Górny San Valley, which is the river’s valley at the border with Ukraine with beavers, moors, and a lot more.
Evening: Transfer to Sanok. Check-in at the accommodation. Dinner.
Hike duration: approx. 4-5 hours, distance: 11 km
Elevation gain: 641m, Elevation loss: -34m

Day 7: Sanok – Krakow

Morning: Return to Krakow. Time at leisure.
Evening: Check-in at the accommodation. Dinner.

Day 8: Krakow

Return journey.

Included Services

Services included in the price:

7 nights' accommodation with breakfast
6 x dinner (3-course meal)
Qualified English-speaking tour leader and mountain guides
Transfers in a private coach
City tours with qualified guides according to the program
Entrance fees to the scheduled attractions
Boat trip on Lake Solina

Price on request. Please complete the non-binding enquiry form below to receive your personalised offer.

FAQ

What is the best time of the year for a trekking tour in the Bieszczady Mountains?
The ideal time for trekking in the Bieszczady Mountains is from late spring (May) through autumn (October). Summer offers warm weather and fully open trails, while September and October provide stunning autumn foliage ("złota polska jesień") and clearer panoramic views from the alpine pastures (połoniny).
Is equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own gear for the hikes?
Participants are expected to bring their own personal hiking gear, including sturdy trekking boots, weather-resistant clothing layers and a small day pack. Specialized services, private transfers, guided mountain tours, and group entrance fees are fully coordinated by the tour organizer.
Can the programme content and the services provided be amended?
Yes, the programme content can be amended and tailored to your needs. An extension of your stay is also possible.

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