Mountains in Poland. The most beautiful Polish ranges and peaks!
Carpathians
The Carpathians are the youngest, and at the same time the highest chain in Poland. It is very popular with tourists.
Tatras
The Tatras are the highest mountain range in Poland and the Carpathians. Delightfully beautiful! They are located on the border of Poland and Slovakia. These are the only mountains in our country with an alpine character, with breathtaking views. Anyone who once sees the Tatras will want to come back here forever. Within the borders of Poland, the Western Tatras rise - lower, with numerous caves and the fabulously beautiful High Tatras, built of crystalline rocks, where water stays on the surface, in the form of wonderful lakes.
The highest peak of the Tatras on the Polish side is Rysy, with a height of 2499 m above sea level. However, it is easier to climb it from the Slovak side. Other popular Tatra peaks are, of course, Giewont (1894 m above sea level), a sleeping knight, or Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m above sea level), which you can reach by a cable car. Amateurs of extreme impressions are attracted by Orla Perć - the most difficult red trail in the Tatras, leading through 2,000 sqm. On this trail you will meet Zawrat Pass (2159 m above sea level), Grenades (2225-2240 m above sea level) or Kozi Wierch (2291 m above sea level). It is the highest mountain entirely within the borders of Poland.
The Kościeliska Valley, accessible even for wheelchairs, or the Chochołowska Valley, famous for its crocuses in the spring, will be ideal for families with children. The base in the Tatra Mountains is usually Zakopane - the winter capital of Poland. But if you don't like crowds, you can also choose other, quieter towns in the area, such as Gliczarów Górny.
Pieniny
The Pieniny Mountains are a beautiful, very peculiar mountain range, famous for its rocky turns. The highest peak here is theHigh1050 m above sea level, but it is not the one that impresses tourists the most. The symbol of the Pieniny Mountains is a dwarf pine growing on the lookout peak of Sokolica (747 m above sea level), although already broken, it still looks beautiful against the background of the Tatra Mountains. The second symbolic peak here is theThree Crowns (982 m above sea level), and between them the Dunajec winds, creating an extremely picturesque breakthrough here, used for rafting or pontoon rafting.
The capital of the Pieniny is Szczawnica. It is a wonderful spa resort with beautiful, historic buildings and a nice promenade over Grajcarek, which leads to the cable car to Palenica (722 m above sea level).
Bieszczady Mountains
The Bieszczady Mountains are considered by some to be the most beautiful mountains in Poland. Although there is no shortage of tourists here, you can still find wild and secluded peaks. The highest peak in the Bieszczady Mountains is Tarnica (1346 m above sea level), the following are also popular: Halicz (1333 m above sea level) or Wielka Rawka (1304 m above sea level). Caryńska (1297 m above sea level) and Wetlińska (1255 m above sea level) are, however, the most popular. They are located in the Bieszczady National Park and offer fantastic panoramas. But the Bieszczady Mountains, shrouded in fog and immersed in clouds, have an equally amazing character and magical power of attraction. This is how we admired them, many years ago.
While in these parts, it is also worth anchoring at the beautiful Lake Solina, over which a modern gondola has been transporting tourists since 2022.
Beskid Żywiecki
The Żywiec Beskids are the highest mountains in Poland after the Tatra Mountains. The culminating peak here is Babia Góra reaching 1725 m above sea level, which, together with the Babia Góra National Park created here, provides tourists with an unforgettable experience. It is the only mountain in the Beskids reminiscent of alpine climbing. She can be really dangerous, especially in winter, and capricious. Often, there are breaks in the weather in a very short time. It is not without reason that Babia Góra is called Diablak.
Another interesting peak in the Żywiec Beskids is Pilsko (1557 m above sea level), whose north-western slopes in the winter season become a real paradise for amateurs of white madness. Numerous lifts and downhill runs will meet the expectations of even demanding skiers. For a quiet hike offering beautiful views, the so-called Raczański Bag with the Great Racz (1236 m above sea level) and other peaks, stretching from Zwardoń to the Great Knight (1226 m above sea level), is suitable. The most difficult route of the Żywiec Beskids and the entire Beskids is the yellow-marked Perć Akademików with a Tatra character, leading to the top of Babia Góra.
Gorce
Gorce is a beautiful mountain range located in the Western Beskids, above Ochotnica. They border, among others, the Wyspowy Beskids and the Sądecki Beskids. These are magical mountains, not yet trampled, devoid of commerce, and offering secluded and wildly charming places.
The highest peak here is Turbacz with an altitudeof 1310 m above sea level. You can reach it on the red trail from Rabka Zdrój, passing Maciejowa (837 m above sea level) with a cottage and Stare Wierchy (971 m above sea level) on the way. Recently, observation towers have become a big attraction in Gorce, standing on slightly less popular peaks in 2015, offering magnificent, wide panoramas of the Gorce, Pieniny, Beskid Sądecki and even the Tatra Mountains. You will find them in Gorce (1228 m above sea level), Lubań (1225 m above sea level) and Magurki (1108 m above sea level).
Near this last peak you will also find a curiosity - a monument in the form of a plane wreck. It stands at the site of the crash of the American B-24 Liberator bomber named "California Rocket". The tragedy took place on December 18, 1944.
Island Beskids
The Beskid Wyspowy is a very specific range, and at the same time extremely endearing. There is a lot of space here, and only here and there do individual domes grow, like islands. Hence its name. Apparently, it was given by Kazimierz Sosnowski - a pioneer of mountain tourism. When he saw a sea of fog in the morning, rounded peaks appeared above him, resembling mysterious islands.
The highest mountain of the Island Beskids is Mogielica (1170 m above sea level), which can be easily reached by a green trail from Chyszówki. Since 2022, there has been a metal observation tower on it offering a charming panorama.
Beskid Sądecki
Beskid Sądecki is a charming corner of the Polish Beskids. It is not very popular among tourists, so you will not experience crowds here. It lies between the Dunajec in the west and the Kamienica, Mochnaczki, Muszynki and Tylick Pass valleys (688 m) in the east. There are some interesting peaks,wonderful views and wonderful family attractions waiting for you here.
The highest point of the Beskid Sądecki is Radziejowa, reaching 1266 m above sea level. Rarely, tourists stand on top of it, as it is much more popular in the vicinity of Jaworzyna Krynicka, known for its gondola and ski trails. It is also a well-prepared area for mountain bikers. A lot of cool routes start from Krynica Zdrój, including one of them to Parkowa Mountain, where tourists are also taken by the revitalized railroad. It is also worth visiting the tower with a treetop path in Krynica.
Silesian Beskids
The Silesian Beskids are a very popular and well-liked range located in the western part of the Polish Beskids. The most famous peaks of the Silesian Beskids are Skrzyczne from the Crown of the Polish Mountains at an altitude of 1257 m above sea level, rising above Szczyrk, and Barania Góra (1220 m above sea level) - the "neighbor" of the Vistula.
While the visually beautiful Queen of the band - Aries is quite difficult to reach, you can easily and quickly get to Skrzyczne thanks to the year-round cable car. This part of the Polish mountains is a favorite region for Silesians, who often go here for weekend trips, both in summer and in winter, when there are plenty of ski resorts. In recent years, sightseeing benches have become fashionable here, including in Cieńków.
Beskid Mały
Beskid Mały is an interesting region located on the border of the Silesian and Lesser Poland Voivodeships. It stretches between the Soła River in the west and the Skawa River in the east. Although the peaks of the Little Beskids, as the name suggests, may not impress with their height, the highest mountains do not reach 1000 meters above sea level, but the range is eagerly visited by mountain hikers, because it is very charming. It offers lovely views and is still quiet in many places.
Czupel(933 m above sea level) is the culmination here, but Mount Żar attracts the most visitors. This famous peak is very scenic, it is also famous for its paragliders and gliders, and you will get to it very quickly and easily thanks to the off-road railway. At the foot of the Żar Mountain, the Międzybrodzie Lake spills over, offering interesting beaches and water equipment.
Beskid Makowski
One of the least visited corners of the Beskids is certainly the Makowski Beskids. Here you can enjoy the mountains almost in complete silence. The highest peak of the range isLubomir with an altitude of 904 m above sea level, sometimes included in the Island Beskids. The second peak is Mędralowa (1169 m above sea level).
However, if you like wonderful views and you do not want to or cannot hike in the mountains, I recommend Koskowa here. You can drive your car almost to the very top on the asphalt, and there are really nice views here!
Low Beskids
The Low Beskids border the Bieszczady Mountains and the Sądecki Beskids. This is the most mysterious part of the Carpathians, where trails can get lost and lead hikers "into the field". It is worth remembering this when going here on trails and using applications, e.g. mapy.cz.
The highest peak on the Polish side is Lackowa (997 m). The heart of the range is the Magura National Park. Interestingly, there are several health resorts in the Low Beskids: Rymanów-Zdrój, Iwonicz-Zdrój and Wysowa-Zdrój.
Map of the most popular Carpathian peaks
Below is a map with the marked peaks listed in the article.
Sudetenland
The Sudetenland is the most diverse mountain range in Poland
Karkonosze Mountains
The beautiful Giant Mountains are located in the Western Sudetes and border the Jizera Mountains to the west, and the Stone Mountains to the east. It is the highest range of the Sudetes with the culmination of the extremely popular Śnieżka (1603 m above sea level). We managed to reach this peak of the Crown of Polish Mountains in beautiful weather, which does not happen very often.
Śnieżnik Massif
The Śnieżnik massif is the highest mountain range in the Polish part of the Eastern Sudetes, on both sides of the Polish-Czech border, southeast of Kłodzko, rising above the picturesque Kłodzko Valley. The central point here is Śnieżnik (1423 m above sea level) - the highest peak of the entire massif, popular and eagerly visited, with a new observation tower. Other interesting mountains of this Massif are the Spire Mountain (845 m) with a sanctuary or the Black Mountain (1205 m above sea level).
Table Mountains
The Table Mountains is one of the most beautiful and attractive mountain ranges in Poland, with unique, flat tops, extremely interesting outcrops and tight labyrinths among them. It stretches from the valley of Bystrzyca Dusznicka in the northwest to the area of Mieroszów and Krzeszów. The highest point of these mountains isSzczeliniec Wielki (919 m). Be sure to take the paid route at the top. It is also worth going through the Erratic Rocks and rocks in the vicinity of Karłów. On the Czech side, the rock city of Adrspach delights.
Jizera Mountains
The Jizera Mountains are original, though not high mountains, rich in interesting trails and minerals. They lie on the border of Poland and the Czech Republic, with the highest peak on Wysokie Kopie (1126 m). You will also find rocks on the trails, and the famous Sky Walk tower in Świeradów.
Kaczawskie Mountains
Not far from Jelenia Góra there are the Kaczawskie Mountains, a small range that forms, together with the surrounding area, the Land of Extinct Volcanoes. Already this name electrifies and rightly suggests that these are old mountains with interesting geology. The Crown of the Polish Mountains includes here Skopiec with a height of 724 m. According to new measurements, however, Okole is the highest here, and Skopiec is the third highest peak.
Rudawy Janowickie
Rudawy Janowickie is a captivating range hiding interesting palaces in the valleys, such as Wojanów, and above the ruins of Bolczów Castle. The north-western part of the Janowice Ore Mountains consists of the Sokole Mountains with rocks, and the eastern part of the Karpniki Hills. Of course, the famous and charming colorful lakes are also noteworthy here. Above the Ore Mountains, there is Ostra Mała (945 m) - the south-western peak of Skalnik.
Wałbrzych Mountains
The Wałbrzych Mountains rise picturesquely near Wałbrzych. Although in the Crown of the Polish Mountains there is Chełmiec with a height of 850 m, this is a mistake, because this height was measured on the observation tower, and Borowa 853 m has an advantage over Chełmiec. It offers a new tower from which the views are beautiful, especially at sunset.
Stone Mountains
They rise in the Central Sudetes and are characterized by mountains in the form of cones, built of old sedimentary rocks - sandstones, conglomerates and slates, and volcanic - porphyries and melaphyres. The highest point here is Waligóra with an altitude of 936 m above sea level.
Owl Mountains
The Sowie Mountains, located in the Central Sudetes, are one of the oldest mountains in this chain. They are built by Precambrian gneisses. Although they are not high, the highestGreat Owl exceeds 1000 meters, and is exactly 1015 meters above sea level.
Bardzkie Mountains
It is not a very high extension of the Owl Mountains, also built of old rocks. The highest mountain here is Kłodzka Góra (757 m), inscribed in the Crown of the Polish Mountains. New measurements have shown, however, that the higher one is located near Szeroka Góra. (765 m). However, it is on Kłodzko G. that there is an observation tower, which freezes the blood in the veins of many tourists.
Bystrzyckie Mountains
This band is not very popular. Strongly forested and sparsely populated, it is an ideal area for people looking for peace and escape from the crowds on the trails. The highest peak of the Bystrzyckie Mountains according to the Crown of the Polish Mountains is Jagodna (977 m), but in fact the higher is an unnamed peak with a height of 985 m above sea level (incorrectly marked as Sasanka on some maps).
Orlicke Mountains
The range is located in Poland and the Czech Republic. The vast majority of the peaks lie on the Czech side, along with the highest point - Wielka Desztna (1115 m). In the Polish part, the highest peak is Orlica with a height of 1084 m, above Duszniki Zdrój.
Bialskie Mountains
Considered part of the Golden Mountains, or incorporated into the Śnieżnik Massif, they rise above the Silesian Party to the village of Bielice. The highest point here is Rudawiec (1106 m above sea level).
Golden Mountains
The Golden Mountains, which already belong to the Eastern Sudetes, are one of the longer Sudeten ranges. It is 55 km long, most of which is on the Polish side. The highest peak in Poland in the area of these mountains is Stawna with a height of 1117 meters, but in KGP there is Anvil (989 m above sea level).
Ślęży Massif
It is a very characteristic mountain range, visible from a distance as a clear dome. You will notice it while driving along the motorway, near Wrocław. The climax of the massif is the popular Ślęża, 718 m above sea level.
Opava Mountains
The Opawskie Mountains are the easternmost fragment of the Sudetes in Poland. Located in the Opole Voivodeship, they are part of the Jeseníky Mountains. The highest point here is Biskupia Kopa with a height of 889 m above sea level. There is a characteristic tower on it, and for another, even more interesting observation structure, it is worth going to the Border Hill with a low height of 541 meters.
Map of Sudetenland peaks
Below is a map with the marked peaks listed above.
Świętokrzyskie Mountains - the oldest mountain chain in Poland
The mountains associated with the Holy Cross, or more precisely the relics of the Holy Cross tree, located on the Bald Mountain (595 m), are the only mountains in Poland located in the central part of the country. Apart from the Sudetes and the Carpathians. The oldest in Poland! The longest, because for millions of years it has been destroyed by many processes, eroded by wind, water and snow. Therefore, they are the lowest. The culmination here is Lysica and it reaches only 614 meters! It rises above the village of Święta Katarzyna. A characteristic element are the so-called gołoborza, i.e. patches of piled stones and boulders of various sizes. They are perfectly visible, for example, from the observation platform on the Holy Cross (Bald Mountain).
In the Świętokrzyskie Mountains you will find countless attractions, often characteristic of this area and rarely found elsewhere. Due to its age, the region is unique, which is why it is a paradise for geologists. It is not without reason that the Paradise Cave is called - the most beautiful in Poland together with the Bear in Kletno.
Fun fact - Pepper Mountains
The Pepper Mountains, popularly called "Peppermills", is a geological and natural reserve, located at the eastern end of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, within the city limits of Sandomierz. It is a small area, but very picturesque, with a wonderful view of the Vistula River and the Old Town. I recommend a walk from Sandomierz along the Vistula embankment, which will take you several dozen minutes along the red trail.
These specific hills reveal unimaginably old Cambrian rocks, hundreds of millions of years old. It is worth seeing them, because it is the only such position in Europe. In the area of about 1 km, along the steep edge of the Vistula valley, there are outcrops of Cambrian shells, intersected by a network of cracks and faults. You can even touch them, just go down towards the river. Once, these mountains were tall and soaring, but erosion has done its job for millions of years. Either way, the paths are so routed that they climb up, they go down, so you can still get tired here and feel like in the mountains.
Crown of the Polish Mountains
The Crown of the Polish Mountains is a list of 28 peaks, which are the highest peaks of individual ranges in Poland. The Crown of the Polish Mountains was created in 1997 by the magazine "Get to know your country". At that time, the Club of Conquerors of the Crown of the Polish Mountains was also established, which quickly began to gather subsequent conquerors of the crown, i.e. the specified peaks. The Crown of the Polish Mountains has become an inspiring destination for mountaineers. It was created mainly to promote less popular bands, often as beautiful as the most famous and crowded ones.
See also our trekking to the highest peak of Wales - Snowdon and the highest peak of England - Scafell Pike.
How to dress in the mountains and what equipment to take?
Clothing in the mountains is a river theme, but you can rely on a few basic principles. It is worth preparing well for every climb to the top, because the weather in the mountains can change quickly and radically. Regardless of the height of the selected peak, you always need to dress appropriately in the mountains. This means comfortable footwear, preferably trekking and something outerwear, protecting against cold, wind and even rain. Even if there is beautiful, sunny weather in the valley, the peak can be windy and obscured by clouds. It's always cooler upstairs, too. This is especially important when we are hiking with children who are not very resistant to weather inconveniences. On sunny days, sunglasses with good protection against harmful radiation will also come in handy. They are even more useful in winter than in summer, because the sun bouncing off the snow hits extremely hard.
In winter, of course, there are gloves, a hat and a chimney. Jackets are better to be quite thin in the mountains, you can easily sweat in a thick one. When approaching, when the body is hot, you can take off the top layer, at the top, where it usually blows and you do not move as much, put it back on. Caps are also better for thinning, and actually it's a good idea to take an extra change when the first one sweats.
In addition, in winter you need to remember about crayfish or crayfish. In the lower parts, the crayfish will work perfectly. They definitely make hiking easier, even on ice you can walk without stress. Thus, you care about safety on the trail. In higher parts of the mountains, crampons or even ice axes may be necessary. When the snow is deep, and you want to go to areas with little traffic, it is worth thinking about snowshoes. They keep you from sinking deep into the snow every step of the way and make the hike a whole lot easier.
Speaking of walking aids, sticks have been a hit in recent years. It is not a whim or an invention, but a really cool help in wandering. All the more so because nowadays you can buy lightweight and foldable poles, which do not take up much space. We usually do not use, because we always have recording equipment in our hands, but in difficult moments on the trail we sometimes use the branches found on the spot in the forest. There's always a lot of extra fun at the same time. And where to keep it all? Of course, in a backpack. The one in the mountains is rather necessary, for a sweatshirt, jacket and, of course, water. Without it, do not set off on any trail! I still like to have chocolate with me there.
Mountain safety
Mountains, though wonderful, can also be dangerous. Always inform your loved ones where you are going on the trail. Especially when you go alone and into more difficult terrain. You can also leave this information at the hostel. Keep your mobile phone charged and follow general safety rules. Do not go off the trail unless you have to. Do not lean over the abyss, do not risk taking a photo, because health and life are the most important!
Before going to the mountains, check the weather, and in winter additionally the avalanche hazard. You can do this on the GOPR website, i.e. Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service https://www.gopr.pl/
In the event of a threat to health or life, emergency numbers to GOPR will be useful:
985 or 601-100-300
! Be sure not to occupy the line in trivial matters, because someone may need more help at the same time.
Rescue app
The free Rescue app is the only app approved by volunteers for GOPR, TOPR, MOPR, WOPR rescue services. It is attached to the official accident notification system.
What does the app give you?
- connects you to the app-integrated emergency number in the mountains (TOPR, GOPR) or on the water (WOPR, MOPR)
- during a call with a first responder (on Android) or immediately afterwards (on Windows, iOS), the emergency services receive an SMS with information about your location. Rescuers know exactly where you are to within 3 meters, even if you don't know it yourself
- when calling for help (not before), emergency services have access to data about your general health, placed by you in the Medical Booklet. Filling in the Medical Book is voluntary, you do not have to do it to be able to use the Rescue app. You can change, supplement and delete the data at any time.
- rescuers have information about the battery status on your phone
How does the Rescue app work?
- in the event of an emergency, run the rescue application
- GPS location must be enabled to run the application
- Choose your phone's operating system: Android or Apple iOS or Windows Phone
- select location: water or mountains
- call for help by pressing the button 3 times (the application automatically connects to the emergency number in the mountains 601 100 300 or over water 601 100 100)
- touch the second
time - touch the last time
- the app automatically sends it via SMS during the call. Once your location has been sent, the color of the semicircle will turn red and you will see the message "Item sent to first responders!"
- call for help by sending an SMS (an additional function, useful when the battery level in the phone is low or when the range is limited)
You can download the Rescue app here: http://www.ratunek.eu/
Do you like hiking in the mountains? Which Polish mountain ranges have you already visited? Let us know in the comment, we will be happy to follow in your footsteps, because we think that the mountain is really worth visiting and wandering around. At any time of the year, because each time they show us a different face!
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