Main Beskid Trail (Główny Szlak Beskidzki)

The hike starts from the town of Ustroń, ascending steeply into the Silesian Beskids. After leaving the town, the trail climbs to Mała Czantoria and then continues past Czantoria Wielka’s slopes, offering panoramic views, before traversing along the ridge towards Soszów Wielki. The section ends at the mountain hut on Stożek Wielki, a popular rest spot for trekkers.

From Stożek Wielki, the route follows undulating ridgelines, descending through wooded slopes to Kubalonka Pass, then heading through Stecówka and the picturesque valleys of the Silesian Beskids. It passes the remote Barania Góra peak, the source of the Vistula River, and contours downwards until reaching Węgierska Górka.

This section offers impressive mountain scenery, beginning with a steady ascent into the Żywiec Beskids. Hikers pass through Złatna and enter increasingly remote forests, approaching the open alpine meadows known as the Hala Rysianka, where a mountain hut awaits. Sweeping views over the Beskids and Tatra Mountains can be enjoyed here.

Continuing through the Żywiec Beskids, the trail traverses forested ridgelines, gradually ascending to one of the highest and best-known peaks in the region—Babia Góra. This stage includes significant elevation gain, culminating at Markowe Szczawiny Shelter, the traditional base for climbing the summit itself.

From Markowe Szczawiny, the GSB ascends directly to the peak of Babia Góra (1,725m), the highest point on the route, before descending through open ridges and thick forests to Krowiarki Pass. This section is physically demanding but highly rewarding for its panoramic vistas.

Departing from Krowiarki Pass, the route winds through the wooded foothills and crosses rolling peaks before reaching the small village of Kiczora, marking a transition between the more challenging mountain stretches and the gentler landscapes ahead.

This day leads through mixed forests and highland meadows of the Żywiec and Gorce borderlands. The trail threads above villages and gradually descends toward the spa town of Rabka-Zdrój, known for its mineral waters and access to the Gorce Mountains.

Departing Rabka-Zdrój, the GSB climbs into the Gorce Mountains, winding through thick spruce forests and open glades, eventually reaching Turbacz, the highest point in the Gorce. The popular mountain hut at Turbacz is a welcome resting place with impressive views.

This section traverses the heart of the Gorce, with undulating ridges and forested slopes providing a wild and tranquil experience for most of the route. The descent is gradual, eventually reaching the town of Krościenko nad Dunajcem on the Dunajec River.

Starting from Krościenko, the trail enters the Sącz Beskids, climbing toward Dzwonkówka and Prehyba. The final ascent leads to the ridge and the mountain hut near Radziejowa, the highest peak in the range.

The trek from Radziejowa follows high ridges, then descends through thick primeval forests and mountain streams to the village of Rytro, located at the base of the Sącz Beskids.

Leaving Rytro, the GSB ascends steadily through forests and mountain glades toward Hala Łabowska. The landscape becomes more remote and wild, with fewer settlements and expansive views over the surrounding lowlands.

The route from Hala Łabowska threads through hilly terrain, crossing forested peaks and traversing meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer. The final stretch descends toward the spa town of Krynica-Zdrój, a major resort and resupply point.

After leaving Krynica, the GSB passes through the rolling forested terrain of the Beskid Niski, a region characterized by solitude and historical Lemko villages. The section is slightly less mountainous, ending near the hamlet of Huta Wysowska.

This stage draws hikers deeper into the Low Beskids, an area known for vast woodlands, gentle ridges, and wartime cemeteries. Few facilities exist, and the path occasionally becomes faint before reaching the hamlet of Kąty.

Leaving Kąty, the trail traverses isolated hills and rural landscapes, winding through villages and meadows, ultimately arriving in the spa town of Iwonicz-Zdrój. This stage offers gentle walking with hints of the Carpathians’ cultural heritage.

An easier day with rolling terrain through the protected landscapes of the Low Beskids, connecting two famous spa towns: Iwonicz-Zdrój and Rymanów-Zdrój. The stage is marked by beech forests and tranquil valleys.

Continuing east, the route meanders through rural highlands, forgotten villages, and relics of wooden architecture. The trail gets wilder as it approaches Komańcza, gateway to the Bieszczady region.

Departing the village of Komańcza, the trail now enters the remote wilderness of the Bieszczady Mountains. Vast forests, open ridges, and occasional remote huts mark the route as it travels to the trekking center of Cisna.

This is one of the most iconic stretches, with the hike traversing the main scenic ridges of the Bieszczady, including the famous Połonina Wetlińska and Połonina Caryńska. Open meadows, forested slopes, and panoramic views dominate before descending to Ustrzyki Górne.

On the final day, the GSB climbs to Tarnica (1,346m), the highest summit in the Bieszczady, before descending the last ridges to the remote end point at Wołosate, marking the finish of Poland’s longest marked mountain route.