The main mountain systems passing through the territory of Poland are the Carpathians and the Sudetes. In addition, Poland also has low Świętokrzyskie Mountains. The mountains in Poland are located in the southern part of the country: the Sudetes in the west and the Carpathians in the east. Between them is the Moravian Gate pass, which since ancient times has been a trade route from Northern to Southern Europe.
The Carpathians stretch along the border of Poland and Slovakia, and the Sudeten Mountains stretch along the border of Poland and the Czech Republic. The highest point in the Polish Carpathians is Rysy (2499 m), a mountain peak in the High Tatras. The highest point in the Sudetes is Mount Snezka (1603 m).
Physico-geographical zoning distinguishes the Western, Eastern and Southern Carpathians. The Polish Carpathians belong almost entirely to the Western Carpathians and only partially, on the border with Ukraine, to the Eastern Carpathians. The Western Carpathians in Poland are divided into the Tatras and Beskids. The Tatras stand out sharply from other Carpathian mountain ranges with their alpine topography and height. The Polish state border with Slovakia runs along their main ridge. The highest elevation of the Polish Tatras is the peak of Rysy (2499 m), and most other peaks have elevations of 1700-2300 m. At the northern foot of the Tatras, in the intermountain basin, is the resort of Zakopane. The Beskids are the mountain ranges of the Western Carpathians, located to the west, north and east of the Tatras. The Beskids are divided into Beskid Wysoki (Babia Góra - 1725 m), Beskid Zywiecki (Pilsko - 1557 m), Beskid Śląski (Skrzyczne - 1257 m), Beskid Makowski, Wyspowy and Maly, Gorce massif (Turbacz - 1311 m), Pieniny (Three Korona - 982 m), Beskid Sądecki (Radzejowa - 1262 m) and Beskid Niski (Lackova - 997 m). In the extreme southeast of Poland, near the borders with Ukraine and Slovakia, there are Beschady (Tarnica - 1348 m), which geographically belong to the Eastern Carpathians.
In the southwest of Poland, along the state border with the Czech Republic, the Sudetes are located. The highest Sudeten mountain range is the Karkonosze Mountains (Śnieżka – 1603 m). Physico-geographical zoning distinguishes Western, Central and Eastern Sudetes. In addition to the Karkonosze range, in the Western Sudetes there are the Iser Mountains and the Kaczawa Mountains. On a large territory of the Central Sudetes, a number of ridges and massifs are distinguished - in their western part the Stone Mountains, Wałbrzysk and Sucha, in the north of the Kłodzka Basin the Sowe Mountains, the Bardskie Mountains, the Bystrzyskie Mountains and the Złote Mountains, and the Stołowie Mountains, Orlicke, Bystrzycke and Bialskie surround the Kłodzka Basin . Even further to the east are the Eastern Sudetes with the mountain ranges of the Opava Mountains, the Golden Mountains and the Sneznik massif. A characteristic feature of the ancient Sudetes is the predominance of smooth contours of the slopes and the presence of very large intermountain basins - Elenegurska at the foot of the Karkonosze ridge and Kłodzka in the Eastern Sudetes.
The European mountain system is attractive to numerous tourists who come here from all over the world. After all, a vacation spent in the mountains is one of the most correct decisions for organizing an excellent, complete vacation both in summer and in winter. What could be more beautiful than stunning mountain landscapes combined with amazingly clean air!
This article briefly introduces mountains in the Czech Republic and Poland, Slovakia and Germany. Let's start with Poland.
The main mountain systems passing through the territory of Poland are the Carpathians and the Sudetes. Also on the territory of this country there are low Świętokrzyskie rocks. In general, the mountains in Poland extend in the south of the country: the Sudetes in the western territory, the Carpathians in the eastern. Here is the famous pass called the Moravian Gate, through which in ancient times the Great Trade Route ran from Northern Europe to Southern Europe.
The Carpathians stretch along the borders of Poland with the state of Slovakia, and the Sudetes along the borders with the Czech Republic. The highest point of the Polish Carpathians, located at an altitude of 2499 meters, is the peak of Rysa. This mountain peak is located in the High Tatras Mountains (the highest in Eastern Europe). In the Sudetes, the highest point is the Snezka peak (height - 1603 meters).
Now let's take a closer look at the largest mountains.
The mountains in Poland and Slovakia (Carpathians), according to their physical and geographical position, are divided into Southern, Western and Eastern. The Polish Carpathians almost completely belong to the Western Carpathians and only partially occupy the Eastern ones on the Ukrainian border.
In turn, the Western Carpathians on Polish territory are divided into the Beskids and the Tatras, the latter standing out among other Carpathian mountain ranges with their beautiful alpine-shaped relief and powerful height. The border of the Polish state with Slovakia runs along the main Tatra ridge. Compared to the highest point of Rysa, most of the remaining peaks reach levels from 1700 to 2300 meters.
At the northernmost foot of the Tatras, on a section of the intermountain basin, is located the wonderful resort of Zakopane.
The Beskids are the western Carpathian mountain ranges in Poland. For example, Beskyd Zywiecki (1557 meters), Beskyd Wysoky (1725 meters), Bekyd Szlenski (1257 m) and others. They are located north, east and west of the Tatras.
At the very edge of Poland (southeast), near the borders with Ukraine and Slovakia, Beschady stands out (the highest point is 1348 meters), geographically belonging to the Eastern Carpathians.
All the mountains in Poland are very beautiful.
The western mountains, stretching along the Polish border with the Czech Republic, are the Sudetes. Their highest ridge is the Karkonosze Mountains (1603 meters - Śnieżka). As in the case of the Carpathians, geographical zoning divides the Sudetes into 3 parts: Central, Western and Eastern. A characteristic feature of the ancient Sudetes is the presence of large intermountain basins and smooth outlines of the slopes of most of the mountains.
Thanks to such a unique territory of Poland with numerous mountain ranges, this country attracts lovers of skiing and hiking.
Tourists heading to the mountains in Poland for skiing or hiking have the advantage of choosing a wide variety of options to suit their tastes.
And Slovakia is also mostly represented. In the western parts they are heavily destroyed and similar to the mountains of Germany (medium altitude), not exceeding 1500 meters. And to the east lies the mountain arc of the Carpathians, but much larger in height and younger in age. However, it, composed of sedimentary rocks, has rounded peaks and gentle slopes.
Only in some places where there is an outcrop of crystalline basement rocks, the mountain ranges have sharper peaks and rather steep cliffs.
Not only the mountains in Poland, but also the slopes of Germany attract tourists.
In these places, the mountain system is very interesting due to the presence of several large mountain ranges with wonderful nature and interesting climbs for tourists. The most extensive mountains are the Bavarian Alps, located in the south of the country and bordering Austria. The highest point is the Zugspitz (height over 3000 meters). And the remaining peaks have heights of at least 2000 meters. Moreover, many of them are covered with snow.
To the southeast of the country, where dense forests and a huge number of mineral springs predominate, is the Black Forest peak.
Near the regions of Saxony lies the large mountain range of the Hercynian Mountains. They are very popular among travelers, especially for visiting in the summer.
The mountains of Poland leave indelible impressions, enchanting with their unique beauty. At their feet there are wonderful recreational areas.
Some of the most attractive resorts:
The mountains in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Slovakia are magnificent with their wonderful natural landscapes. Moreover, the mountains are all somewhat similar, and at the same time, each has its own characteristics and charm.
All these countries are famous for their numerous ski resorts, where tourists come from all over the world. These places provide opportunities for winter sports and simply a romantic holiday amidst magnificent nature with amazingly clean mountain air in winter and summer.
If you are fond of mountain hiking and have a question about where you can go for high-altitude walks, traveling to Poland would be an excellent option. Poland, especially its southern part, is famous for its beautiful mountains. There are the mysterious Sudetes and the grassy Beskids, but the Poles are especially proud of a mountain system like the Tatras - their highest peaks reach as much as two and a half kilometers up.
photo: www.zbyszko-zakopane.polturizm.ru
Besides the fact that the Tatras are certainly an incredible monument of nature, they also have more than three hundred kilometers of paths for tourists, organized by level of difficulty. There are paths for walking, for views, also in the highlands. All trails pass through the Tatra National Mountain Park, created by nature itself. The Tatras also contain a large, incredibly beautiful lake, Morskie Oko. The Wall Street Journal included this lake among the five most beautiful in the world, so it is really worth a look during your trip to the Tatras.
Zakopane is located in the very south of Poland, right at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. It is considered the famous capital of winter sports - competitions are held here every year, and at one time the city even claimed to host the Olympic Games. A significant part of the Tatra Park is located on the territory of Zakopane. Many tourists come here to ski and have a good time. There are not only many ski slopes for extreme sports enthusiasts, but also ski lifts and walking along pedestrian roads. Also, the so-called Gural culture is widespread here - folklore with elements of Polish, Carpathian, Hungarian, and Slovak cultures. The “Mountain Songs Festival”, which takes place annually, is the best event to get acquainted with Gural songs, dances and learn new interesting facts about this culture. Everyone can find a hobby for their soul in Zakopane. In addition, Zakopane welcomes guests not only in winter, but all year round - in summer crowds of tourists also come here.
At any time of the year, this valley amazes with its beauty. It is very popular among those who enjoy walking. In this valley begin the paths leading to some Tatra peaks - Rakon, Jastrzebiny Wierch, Volovets. From the peaks there is a magnificent panoramic view of the Slovak part of the Tatras.
photo: tropster.pl
This valley is considered the most picturesque in the Tatras. Above it the sharp peak of Blishch rises into the sky. Along the sides there are entrances to the Mroznaya and Mylnaya caves. In these caves, tourists can admire the rock paintings of ancient ancestors. Staying in the caves will not leave anyone indifferent, although there are very narrow roads where you need to bend down and crawl on all fours.
photo: www.bukowina-tatrzanska-noclegi.pl
This is the longest and most difficult road in the Tatras, its length is five kilometers. It was laid back in 1903 by priest Valentin Gadovsky, who built one of the first mountain routes in all of Europe with special equipment - cables, ladders, hooks. It is called the “road of iron.” To complete this route you need to have some acrobatic skills and a lot of courage. Statistically, this is one of the most dangerous routes in Poland, however, if you are an experienced mountain hiker and cannot live without risk, this route is suitable for you.
photo: ostarbeiter.vn.ua
This valley is surrounded by granite rocks, and at its bottom five lakes sparkle with their beauty, which are recommended to be viewed from above for the full experience. Big Lake, one of them, has the status of the deepest body of water in the Tatras. A stream flows from the Great Lake, forming incredibly beautiful waterfalls with non-standard names: Vodogzmoty Mickiewicz, Siklava. Also from this valley, tourists usually begin to climb the Rysy mountain peak. The Valley of Five Lakes also has shelters for mountain tourists, where they can get food and spend the night.
photo: www.sudety.agro.pl
The Sudetenland is as beautiful as the Tatras and also has a number of breathtaking places. The highest peak of the mountains is Snezka, about a kilometer six hundred meters high, and there are many mountain roads leading to it. The mountains are famous for their stone labyrinths, in which they say you can meet the Sudeten Mountain Spirit, a character from legendary stories. You can also find precious rare stones in these mountains. Through the Sudetes lies the so-called European Route, which stretches for several thousand kilometers - from the Atlantic coast to the Ukrainian Black Sea. The Sudetenland mountain ranges have names that really fascinate and encourage you to visit the mountains - Eagle, Table, Owl, Golden.
Snezka, the highest range of the Sudeten Mountains, lies on the Polish-Czech border and is the ideal place to admire incredible scenery. There are uphills, downhills, and ski slopes. Interestingly, there are the sources of streams flowing into the largest rivers in Europe - the Danube, Elbe and Odra. And then they reach three seas - the Black, Baltic and North.
The name "Bieszczady" can be a little difficult for those who do not speak Polish, so there is an alternative name for the mountains - Beskydy. They are known for their grassy meadows, dense forests, and friendly villages, which are located mainly in mountain valleys. In such villages there are wooden houses, churches, churches. In the Beskids you can spend your time having fun and profitably - riding horses, admiring breathtaking views, singing songs by the fire, eating trout.
In the Beskydy National Park there are more than one hundred and twenty kilometers of paths for tourists. The nature there is truly impeccable. Tourists are recommended to take a walk along the route that runs along the borders of Poland with Slovakia and Ukraine. Walking along it, you can admire the most beautiful panoramas. It is also impossible not to mention Lake Solina, which locals call the “Beskydy Sea”. There are many beaches on its shores, which attract a large number of tourists every year. This is a famous place for sailing competitions.
In autumn, a whole natural theater begins in the Beskids. Beeches seem to be on fire, coloring their leaves in different shades of fiery colors - golden, orange, scarlet. If anyone had the opportunity to see this spectacle with their own eyes, they will definitely want to return to the autumn paradise of the Beskids.
In the Bieszczady Mountains, right next to the Ukrainian-Polish border, there is the resort town of Ustrzyki Dolne. There are many trails for winter sports, for which the city is called the “winter capital of the Carpathian region.” There are two mountains - Lavorta and Gromadzin, on which there are ski resorts with a large infrastructure for tourists. The resort is also ideal for camping, fishing, hang gliding, cycling and nature exploration. This place skillfully combines the natural beauty of nature and an endless number of various services for tourists, and it is also very close to Ukraine, so vacationers should pay attention to Ustrzyki Dolne.
The Tatras are a mountain range in the Carpathians. The origin of this name is lost in ancient times. Probably from the Proto-Slavic tartr - rock, stone or Thracian tertre - hill, hillock, knoll.
Part of the Western Carpathians actually includes the most popular Tatra Mountains, as well as Podhale, Pieniny and Beskidy. A small part of the Eastern Carpathians in Poland is called the Bieszczady Mountains. The Tatras and Pieniny Mountains are a common treasure for Poland and Slovakia; no one would dare to say where they are more beautiful, and is there any need to compare?
All videos used in the material are taken from YouTube.