If you are looking for a route that allows you to feel the magic of the east from the very first step, Bukowe Berdo is an unrivaled choice. It is best to start the expedition in Muczne, from where the yellow trail leads us up. This is an ideal option for a moderately demanding, approximately four-hour trek. The entire loop back to the starting point is about 8 kilometers of walking, which makes it an accessible route even for those who do not spend every free moment at the gym.
The difficulty of the approach here is moderate – although you have to overcome about 450 meters of elevation, the Bieszczady forest quickly rewards the effort with shade and the smell of moss. But the real reward awaits above the tree line. Bukowe Berdo is a jagged, rocky ridge that rises unexpectedly from a sea of grass. The view of the “Tarnica Nest” from here is amazing, and the characteristic sandstone rocks are an ideal place for a stop.
Połonina Caryńska is a classic route that, despite its popularity, never gets boring. The ascent from Ustrzyki Górne along the red trail is an option for those who like to feel a healthy effort right from the start. However, this physical effort is immediately rewarded with the most beautiful postcard in this part of Poland.
The entire route through the Caryńska ridge to Brzegi Górne is about 9 kilometers of hiking, which usually takes 3 to 4 hours. Walking along this “roof of the world” gives the impression of complete freedom. Although the beginning may seem difficult, after reaching the ridge the path softens, allowing you to freely admire 360-degree panoramas. Caryńska is a route of medium difficulty, perfectly balanced: it offers a solid injection of endorphins on the approach and beautiful landscapes while walking along the ridge.
It is impossible to write about the Bieszczady Mountains without mentioning their most iconic heroine. Połonina Wetlińska is a place where history meets modernity. However, the real adventure begins when you decide to walk the entire ridge up to Wetlina. This is a solid, 12-kilometer trip that will take you about 5 hours and will allow you to fully appreciate the vastness of the Bieszczady expanses.
Despite its length, the route through Połonina Wetlińska is considered quite easy. After completing the first ascent, the path leads us almost flat through subsequent peaks, such as Hnatowe Berdo and Szare Berdo. This is a lifestyle route in the truest sense of the word: perfect for deep conversations while walking. The total ascent along the entire section is approximately 550 meters, which, spread over several kilometers, makes the fatigue build slowly and is pleasant rather than bothersome. The finale of the trip in Wetlina itself, with local specialties, is the perfect end to the day.
If you want to look at the Bieszczady Mountains from a different perspective and feel like you’re on a viewing balcony, Wielka Rawka is a must-see. Starting from the Wyżniańska Pass, you have about 9 kilometers of loop ahead of you (if you decide to stop at Mała Rawka), which will take you about 4 hours of leisurely walking.
In terms of difficulty, Wielka Rawka can surprise you. While the beginning is a gentle walk through the meadows, the approach through the forest to the very top is short, but very steep and fitness – about 500 meters of elevation that will make you sweat before you get out into the open. However, the effort is worth every second, especially when you reach the concrete pillar at the top and realize that you are in a special place. From here you can continue your walk to Kremenets, where the borders of Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine meet.
