The Bieszczady Mountains are part of the Eastern Carpathians and are known for their gentle landscapes, uncrowded trails, and raw beauty. They’re also part of the Bieszczady National Park, a protected area home to lynxes, bears, wildcats, and a variety of bird species. For children, it’s like stepping into a living storybook — full of winding trails, wooden huts, wildflowers, and wooden bridges over babbling brooks. This is why you should absolutely hike these easy trails with your kids. Let’s discover them together!
Top Family-Friendly Trails in Bieszczady
Here are two excellent trails suited for families with children. They offer manageable distances, mild elevation gains, and stunning scenery.
Połonina Wetlińska from Przełęcz Wyżna
Distance: ~7 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~300 meters
Time: 3–4 hours round-trip with breaks
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail color: Yellow trail from Przełęcz Wyżna to the summit
This is one of the most iconic and accessible hikes in Bieszczady and perfect for families. Start at Przełęcz Wyżna, a popular mountain pass with parking, toilets, and food stalls. From here, the yellow trail gently ascends through the forest before opening up to expansive alpine meadows called “połoniny.”
These meadows are unique to the Bieszczady landscape, offering panoramic views of the wild, forested hills stretching into Ukraine and Slovakia.
About 1.5 hours into the hike, you’ll reach Chatka Puchatka (Winnie the Pooh hut), a legendary mountain shelter and the highest located hut in the Polish Bieszczady. Here, you can rest, enjoy a picnic, and admire the view.
This is a perfect trail for families with small kids who will love the Winnie the Pooh Hut. The trails is super well maintained and well signed so you will have no problem finding the right way. Generally you will not find crowds here but in summer it might be hot so it’s good to leave early in the morning.
Make sure to park only in designated areas, usually you will find a place here. All the trails starts just on the opposite side of the road and they are perfectly marked.
The Nature Trail in Bieszczady National Park – “Ścieżka przyrodnicza Bereżki”
Distance: ~5 km loop
Elevation Gain: Under 50m
Time: 2–2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Bereżki trailhead. Park here
Trail color: Green (loop trail)
This lesser-known educational trail is ideal for families with little children. The loop winds through the quiet woods of the Bieszczady National Park and features educational panels along the way, explaining local wildlife, plant species, and history. The path is shaded, flat, and occasionally crosses small wooden footbridges. You’ll pass through areas that are perfect for spotting birds and butterflies, and in late summer, the trail is dotted with blueberries.
There’s also a small observation point with a wooden bench where you can stop and snack while overlooking the treetops. Even toddlers can walk this trails as there is basically no elevation and it is a short loop. If you speak Polish, you will enjoy the interpretive signs which turn the hike into a fun nature lesson. It’s very peaceful and simply perfect for escaping crowds. You can combine this hike with the visit to the nearby Park Narodowy Bieszczady Visitor Center for more interactive learning. The only problem is that as of 2025 the museum is entirely in Polish so if you don’t speak the language, it’s kind of boring.
Secret Places
If you are visiting in summer, head to Lake Solina and rent a paddle boat, an eco boat or a SUP to enjoy an easy ride on a super flat water. You will find many rentals near the beach Polanczyk. It can be crowded but if you rent a boat, you can discover many secret spots along the lake.
If you are looking for a particular experience, head to Chatka Wariatka ( the crazy cottage) – a quirky, charming house with rustic wooden interiors. The website is in Polish only but the owners speak English and they are super friendly. It is always a lottery to find it open so cross your fingers because it’s really a fun experience for kids. The surrounding also offer many gentle hikes so even if you arrive here and the house is closed, you still can enjoy a relaxing walk.
Safety and Hiking Tips for Families
- Weather in Bieszczady can change rapidly. Always carry rain gear and layers.
- Even for easy trails, wear good hiking shoes with traction.
- Bring snacks and water — mountain huts aren’t available on every trail or sometimes they might be closed
- Use apps like All trails or for real-time trail maps.
- Teach kids to leave no trace — Bieszczady is home to protected species.
Where to Eat with Kids?
In all the villages in Bieszczady you will find Polish traditional restaurants and sometimes even an almost Italian pizza (there is a room for improvement though). I advice you to try Chata Pod Tarasami (Under the terrace cottage) a traditional place but with many vegetarian options. Portions are huge and it is not overpriced. I also liked a lot the Chata Wędrowca (wanderer cottage) in Wetlina. Here you will eat probably the most giant pancake ever and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in this traditional yet modern environment. 5 stars for the service – super friendly and helpful.
When to Visit Bieszczady with Family
Bieszczady are beautiful in any season. During the late spring (May-June) you will enjoy the lush greenery, wildflowers, and fewer tourists. In summer it is super warm and the days are longer but it might get crowded. Autumn is spectacular because of the colors and mild weather in September/October. In winter you might get snow but these trails are accessible so it really become a winter wonderland.
Hiking in the Bieszczady Mountains with your family is more than just an active holiday — it’s a chance to slow down, bond in nature, and explore one of Poland’s most enchanting and peaceful corners. With kid-friendly trails like Połonina Wetlińska and Bereżki, welcoming accommodations, and a gentle pace of life, Bieszczady is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern family life.
Whether you’re roasting sausages at a mountain hut, teaching your kids to read trail maps, or just sitting quietly among the trees listening to birdsong — Bieszczady offers moments that turn into cherished memories.
How to get there?
By Car
Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Bieszczady. If you are arriving from Warsaw calculate a 7h drive. It is much closer from Cracow – around 4-4.5 hours. The main towns where you should look for accommodation are: Wetlina, Ustrzyki Górne, Cisna, Solina. Having a car is necessary for reaching trailheads and remote accommodations.
By Train and Bus
While there’s no direct train to Bieszczady’s mountain villages, you can take a train to: Sanok or Zagórz – From there, regional buses go to Cisna, Wetlina, Ustrzyki Górne, and other destinations. Train + bus is feasible but requires coordination, especially when traveling with kids and luggage. Take into consideration that English is not widely spoken in the small villages.
Accommodation
Bieszczady is dotted with cozy apartments, family-run guesthouses and small hotels that cater to nature-loving travelers. You can choose to stay in the remote mountain places or by the lake where you can combine hiking and boating. Many families choose this resort made of small family houses Polanczyk perfectly situated near the main beaches of Solina Lake. Hotel Capatia is also a great choice if you are looking for a comfyp lace at a reasonable price. This hotel offers family rooms, a swimming pool with the SPA, a playground and it is perfectly located for kids friendly hikes.
Nomadlytics 
Leave a comment