The western section of the Polish Beskid Mountains includes four ranges: Beskid Slaski, Beskid Zywiecki, Beskid Makowski and Beskid Maly. It stretches from the town of Cieszyn at the western end to the area of Rabka in the east. The mountains vary in landscape and height, from the tall summits of Beskid Zywiecki at over 1700 m to the smaller, mainly forested area of Beskid Maly (literally “small Beskids”).
Generally, the whole area is well-prepared for providing visitors with an abundance of sport and recreational opportunities. Beloved by skiers, hikers and cyclists, there are many good places to participate in water sports. Apart from these active pastimes, you can also explore the fascinating heritage of the region, tracing the places visited by Pope John Paul II and learning about the original folk culture of the mountaineers.
HOW TO GET THERE
The region is easily accessible from Krakow, Katowice, Tychy and Bielsko-Biala. To get to the main towns of Wisla, Szczyrk, Ustron, Zywiec, Korbielow, Zwardon, Andrychow, Sucha Beskidzka and Makow Podhalanski you have the choice of driving or taking a bus or train. There is good access into the area via the E75 and E77 roads, and the nearest airports are situated in Krakow (Balice) and Katowice (Pyrzowice).
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