Bieszczady National Park in Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Poland - map, photos and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-25. Check linked official notices before travel.

Bieszczady National Park protects forested mountains, open summit grasslands known as połoniny, and upper river valleys in southeastern Poland. Most visits involve a marked mountain walk. Start by choosing a trailhead: Wołosate serves Tarnica, while the passes around Ustrzyki Górne lead toward the Rawki and the two best-known połoniny.

Ridges and upper valleys

• Tarnica: the nature path from Wołosate is a mountain ascent, not a roadside viewpoint. The park lists 4.4 km and about 2 hours 5 minutes for the uphill route.
• Połonina Wetlińska: open high ground and the Chatka Puchatka shelter make this a distinct alternative to the Tarnica approach.
• Tarnawa and the upper San: nature and history paths bring a different valley setting, with route-specific conditions to check before departure.

Tickets and trail conditions

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Exposed ridges and bear country

Cancel an exposed mountain outing when storms or strong wind are forecast. Forest sections also have a falling-branch risk in high wind. Follow the park’s bear guidance: remain on marked paths, leave no food, and do not approach a bear for a photograph. If you encounter one, stay calm and withdraw without running.

Stay within the permitted routes

Pet dogs are prohibited on most trails. Exceptions include the approach from Przełęcz Wyżniańska to Bacówka Pod Małą Rawką and the other specifically listed sections. On permitted routes, dogs need a leash and muzzle; assistance dogs have a separate exception. Consult the dog access guidance before planning a walk with a pet.

Arrange the right service

Use the park’s regulations and tariffs for admission and activity arrangements. A trail ticket does not reserve parking or accommodation. Organized school hiking groups require a qualified Beskid mountain guide. Arrange educational visits and special activities with the relevant park service before arrival.

Match the entrance to the destination

The national park lies in Subcarpathian Voivodeship. The entrance list connects Wołosate with Tarnica, Przełęcz Wyżna with Połonina Wetlińska, and Przełęcz Wyżniańska with the Rawki and Połonina Caryńska. Similar pass names describe different starting points. Use the official map to plan the return as well as the ascent.

Nearby protected areas

• Ciśniańsko-Wetliński Park Krajobrazowy: the Cisna and Wetlina area provides nearby road-based alternatives west of the national park.
• Park Krajobrazowy Doliny Sanu: look toward the Lutowiska and San Valley area on the park’s northern side for a separate outing.

Choose one mountain objective

Build a day around one ridge or valley route rather than treating the named summits as quick stops on a driving tour. For an indoor visit, the Natural History Museum in Ustrzyki Dolne explains the region’s geology, habitats, and former communities. Ustrzyki Dolne and Ustrzyki Górne are different towns; confirm the museum’s arrangements before making the journey.

Information points and interpretation

Information and ticket points serve the main approaches, with some operating seasonally. The park also manages camping and accommodation facilities under separate tariffs. Consult the applicable facility page before planning an overnight stay. The mountain shelter and museum serve different purposes and do not establish the availability of services along every trail.

Protecting the Bieszczady landscape

A park established in 1973

Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy was created on August 4, 1973. Its original boundary protected selected high mountain areas. Later protection expanded the landscape beyond those first summit groups.

Forests, grasslands, and peatlands

The park’s interpretation follows the landscape from valleys and forests to the open połoniny. Brown bears are part of this mountain environment. Protecting quiet habitat matters more than seeking close wildlife encounters.

Contact Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy

Headquarters: Ustrzyki Górne 19, 38-713 Lutowiska, Poland. Phone: +48 13 461 06 50. Email: [email protected]. The official park website provides the map and current visitor information.