Where to go to the mountains? This question often arises every time a longer vacation approaches. Our Polish Beskids mountains never fail to enchant tourists from Poland and abroad. While undoubtedly most people come here for winter holidays and summer vacations, the Beskids have much to offer in the spring and autumn as well.
For a long time, mountains have been associated with active leisure, while the sea with lazing on the beach. So, when choosing the direction of travel to southern Poland, we prepare our backpack and comfortable shoes to admire beautiful mountain views.
Beskids - the youngest mountains in Poland
The Beskids are a group of mountain ranges in the Carpathian Mountains, stretching from the Czech Republic to Ukraine, with a length of 600 km and a width of 50-70 km. Like the entire Carpathians, the Beskids were formed in the final phase of Alpine orogenic movements, about 20 million years ago, which means they are the youngest mountains in Poland.
The Beskids are divided into Western, Central, and Eastern sections. The Western section includes the Silesian Beskids (with the Skrzyczne peak at 1257 m) and the Żywiec Beskids (with Babia Góra peak at 1725 m). Eleven national parks were established in the Beskids. On the Polish side, there are four of them: Babiogórski National Park, Gorczański National Park, Magurski National Park, and Bieszczadzki National Park. When hiking in the mountains, you can spot various wildlife, including the golden eagle, buzzard, red deer, or Eurasian lynx. Along the trails, you might also encounter the fire salamander, adder, and crested newt. In mountain streams, a keen eye can spot carp, roach, or trout.
The Beskids in spring - mountains without crowds
People who value peace and want to hike amid the beautiful, awakening nature can choose the springtime for their mountain getaway. There are even more advantages to consider. Spring is considered a low season, which means that accommodations and hotel rooms are cheaper than during summer vacations or winter holidays. Spring is an excellent choice for those who find the summer heat a hindrance to their hiking trips. The days are already long enough to fit in longer hikes. This period also offers plenty of other attractions, such as travel festivals, herbal markets, or spring festivals.
Summer vacation and holidays in the mountains
Mountains in the summer are practically the only option for parents of school-aged children. Summer is often chosen for holidays due to the predictability of weather and lower rainfall. Understandably, not everyone wants to pack a raincoat and walk for several days in the rain. During the summer vacation, thanks to higher temperatures, there is also the possibility to enjoy more outdoor activities, such as an outdoor swimming pool or outdoor children's animations. From June to August, many interesting events take place. In the middle of the summer, enthusiasts of mountain folklore gather in Wisła, Żywiec, Maków Podhalański, or Szczyrk to participate in the Beskid Culture Week.
Golden Polish autumn in the Beskids
Is there anything more beautiful than experiencing the autumn atmosphere in the mountains? The beautifully colored vegetation, the beech tree turning golden amid evergreen spruce forests. And that characteristic scent of dried leaves rustling between each step. Considering that the beginnings of autumn are getting warmer from year to year, many people choose the autumn season for their trip to the Beskids.
Where to go to the mountains during holidays and winter vacations?
Another favorite period for vacationers is winter. Spending Christmas or New Year's Eve in a snowy setting. Riding in a sleigh pulled gracefully by a pair of horses, and after that, warming your hands by the fireplace while watching the crackling firewood. The mountains are a fairy-tale setting to spend Christmas and winter vacations.
Hotel in the Beskids
The Beskids charm throughout the year. Therefore, if possible, it's worth visiting the mountains in spring and autumn as well. Where to stay and which hotel to choose in that case?
A good starting point for hiking is the Vestina Hotel, located in the picturesque Malinka valley in Wisła. Wisła boasts numerous hiking and cycling trails. In the winter season, there are also ski slopes. The Vestina Hotel is situated directly next to the ski slopes. The largest ski resort "Cieńków" has a cable car, artificial snowmaking, and lighting.
The Vestina Hotel has 80 newly renovated rooms with comfortable mattresses and private bathrooms. If you are looking for a hotel with a jacuzzi in Wisła, you have come to the right place. In addition, in the wellness area, you can relax in a dry sauna, a salt cave, or during a massage. People looking for packages with accommodation and meals will also find something for themselves, regardless of the season they choose for their visit to the Beskids.
When to go to the Polish mountains? We encourage you to visit the Beskids at any time of the year. Fresh and healthy air, mountain climate, walks among tall trees and swiftly flowing streams - it's beautiful! Hikers won't experience the crowds known from Tatra trails here. Without haste, at your own pace, it's worth coming to the Beskids for a weekend, and certainly for a longer vacation.
