The highest Polish peak of the Bieszczady – Tarnica

Tarnica Poland
PolandSubcarpathian Voivodeship

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In Poland we say “leave everything and go to the Bieszczady Mountains”. Do you want to see what exactly this means and where this saying comes from? Let’s go with us to the highest peak of the Bieszczady Mountains on the Polish side. Its name is Tarnica.

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Tarnica from Wołosate (blue trail) – photos

Tarnica trail

We start the trip to Tarnica from Wołosate – a town located right next to the border with Ukraine. We get there by car. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the entrance to the blue trail. It is considered the easiest and fastest route to the summit. We choose it not because we are unambitious, but because we have little time that day – we started trekking in the afternoon. A tip from us: apparently the red trail leading through Rozsypaniec and Halicz is much more beautiful.

Tarnica blue trail

But this, of course, does not mean that we will be bored on the blue trail. The Bieszczady Mountains delight us from the very beginning. First, we march along a dirt road. There is greenery, peace and quiet around. That’s why people drop everything and go to these mountains. Here you can really drift away and forget about your daily duties. The dirt road turns into a wooden footbridge, which leads us straight to the forest. On the way, we pass a tourist shelter where you can rest or have something to eat.

Tarnica trail description

The blue trail is almost flat at the beginning, but when the trees appear, the first ascents begin. Don’t worry, they are not too steep and with a bit of agility you can easily overcome them. The stone “stairs” create quite comfortable steps that allow us to climb up efficiently. And speaking of stairs… While walking along the blue trail, you will certainly come across an interesting human-made structure, namely anti-erosion thresholds.

Tarnica easy trail

It is worth paying attention to them, because they were created relatively recently and have caused considerable controversy among tourists. They claimed that such interference in the wild nature of the Bieszczady Mountains is unacceptable. Some mountain climbers even declared that they would not set foot on the blue trail (or at least on the artificial steps). What does the Travel-Mates team think about it? Well, if we explore nature en masse, we should also prevent its destruction. And if we do not want to be limited in admiring its beauty, we must accept the elements that are supposed to protect it. Even if we don’t like them visually or conflict with our internal beliefs about living in harmony with nature.

Tarnica photos

But let’s get back to the blue trail, to the natural, “undisputed” landscape elements. There is truly something to delight your senses here – especially on a clear, warm day, when the sun’s rays pleasantly warm your face and the smell of spring fills the air. Once we had crossed the forest floor, we found ourselves among vast areas covered almost exclusively with low vegetation. Such endless meadows are called “połoniny”. These alpine grasslands are probably the most characteristic element of the Bieszczady landscape, which gives them even greater majesty and charm.

Bieszczady view

Połoniny is an important, but not the only element of the surrounding panorama. Pay attention to the mountains. We don’t know about you, but the Bieszczady hills remind us of green, forested pyramids. Their gentle slopes create a relaxing, picture-postcard view. In addition, individual floors or clusters of vegetation take on a specific color, creating a multicolored landscape. It looks wonderful already in spring, let alone in autumn! Delighted with the landscape, after about 2 hours of walking we pass the Władysław Krygowski Pass, where the blue trail joins the red trail. Finally, we reach the top following the yellow trail.

Tarnica view

Just a few more minutes and we will reach the top of the “queen of the Bieszczady Mountains”. Do you recognize the characteristic cross found here? It is very tall, measuring as much as 6.5 meters. It is intended to commemorate the visit of John Paul II to Tarnica in 1954 and his third pilgrimage to Poland in 1987. How do we know this? From the commemorative plaque, which can also be found at the top.

Tarnica peak

After a successful finish and “photo session”, there is always time for contemplation with a relaxing view. And there is a lot to admire! Let the thoughtful Patryk below be the best proof of this. Did you know that with good visibility from the top of Tarnica you can see as many as five countries? In addition to the Polish, Ukrainian and Slovak parts of the Bieszczady Mountains, in appropriate conditions you can also see the Romanian (Gutâi Mountains) and Hungarian (Tokajsko-Slańskie Mountains) ranges. For us, “połoniny”, Mała and Wielka Rawka and Krzemieniec were enough to make us happy.

Bieszczady the highest peak

We descend from Tarnica along the same trail we entered. The road from the highest peak of the Polish Bieszczady Mountains to the parking lot takes about an hour and a half. The Wołosate says goodbye to us with the setting sun and lush greenery. Should we be a bit tired after exercise? Yes. Are we there? Not at all. We are convinced that this is due to the legendary magic of the Bieszczady Mountains. And you? Have you ever dropped everything and moved here, even for a few days? If not, it’s high time. Don’t put off things, especially pleasant ones, for later.

Tarnica how to get

Entrance to Tarnica – tickets

Tarnica is located in the Bieszczady National Park. Admission tickets are available at the following prices:

  • normal – PLN 9.
  • reduced – PLN 4.50.

Bieszczady National Park

Tarnica – how long does it take to get there?

  • If you decide to take the blue trail from Wołosate, it will take you no more than 2.5 hours to reach Tarnica. You will descend in about 1.5 hours.
  • If you choose the red trail from Wołosate, be prepared for a 7-hour trek (in total, both ways). Remember that in the mountains it is worth measuring your strength, looking at your watch and remembering that the weather changes quickly here.

Tarnica entry time

Tarnica from Wołosate – how to get?

We set out for Tarnica from Wołosate.

  • Buses. You can get to Wołosate by public transport from Muczne, Sanok, Tarnawa Wyżna and Wetlina.
  • Car. The easiest way to get here is by car. We parked in a paid parking lot just a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the blue trail. Grab the location: PARKING

Tarnica from Wołosate

Tarnica – tips

  • The peak took its current name from the Romanian word “tarniţa”. It means a saddle, which is intended to reflect the characteristic shape of the mountain. Initially, however, this term referred only to the pass under the peak, and the hill itself was called Kijowiec. Only later was it called Tarnica.
  • In fact, Tarnica is the highest peak in the Polish Bieszczady Mountains. On the Ukrainian side there is Pikuj with an altitude of 1,408 m above sea level.
  • Interesting fact for Catholics: every year you can take part in the Way of the Cross leading to the very top of Tarnica.
  • When going to Tarnica, take your own provisions. There is no shelter on any of the trails.
  • At an altitude of 1,340 m above sea level, next to the yellow trail to Tarnica, there was a cave. It was discovered in 2003, it was 16 meters long and 6 meters deep. However, for safety reasons, it was buried in 2008.
  • Once upon a time, the Bieszczady Mountains were called the Bear Mountains. You probably guessed that it’s not a coincidence. There were quite a lot of bears living here. Although their population has decreased significantly, from time to time tourists encounter bears on the trails. Remember to act cautiously and carefully in the event of such an unplanned confrontation.

Tarnica how long does it take

Tarnica – reviews

  • Patrix – 9/10. A very pleasant approach that should not cause any difficulties for anyone (even the lazier walkers), offering really nice views. I definitely recommend it!
  • Wiolczix – 8/10. Is Tarnica the most beautiful peak I have ever conquered? No. Expect the views to be beautiful, but not surprising. But the Bieszczady Mountains have such a special, unique atmosphere that they deserve a high rating ex officio. And not only their highest peak, but absolutely every place I saw there. It is wild, peaceful and “inaccessible” (in the positive sense of the word). And Tarnica is the icing on the cake, from the top of which you can admire the charm of the entire region.

Tarnica reviews

Tarnica – FAQ

How long does it take to climb Tarnica?

According to the signposts, the entrance to Tarnica via the blue trail leading from Wołosate should take 2 hours 15 minutes. We checked and guess what? This trekking took us exactly that long. Including small stops to snack, rest and admire the views. If we made it, so can you.

Is it difficult to climb Tarnica?

No, climbing Tarnica is not difficult. Of course, we mean the ascent along the blue trail from Wołosate, which we have tested ourselves. It is considered the gentlest of all routes. You have to check the rest on your own.

Where do you go to Tarnica?

The following trails lead to Tarnica: blue from Wołosate (the shortest, easiest); red from Wołosate (long, scenic); red from Ustrzyki Górne; blue from Widełki through Bukowe Berdo; yellow “transitioning” into blue from Muczne through Bukowe Berdo. Of course, we encourage you to reach the peak using the blue trail from Wołosate.

Is Tarnica taller than Śnieżka?

No. Tarnica is 1,346 m above sea level, and Śnieżka – 1,603 m above sea level. This means that the queen of the Karkonosze Mountains is 257 meters higher than the highest peak of the Bieszczady Mountains.

Tarnica mountain

Tarnica – map

Tarnica is located in the Bieszczady National Park, in the south-east of Poland. It is surrounded by Ukrainian lands.

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