Żywiec Beskids

The Żywiec Beskids is a mountain range located on the border of Poland and Slovakia, stretching across the cultural borderlands of three regions: Żywiecczyzna, Kysuce, and Orava. In the 15th century, the area was almost uninhabited, and settlement began to develop in the 16th and 17th centuries, primarily due to farmers and Vlach shepherds, which led to the formation of today's villages. The folk culture of the region is closely tied to pastoralism, and sheep and cattle farming were the dominant forms of economy until the early 20th century, replaced by agriculture after World War I. Today, the remnants of pastoral traditions include mountain huts, and the folklore of the inhabitants, including dances and songs, reflects the cultural richness of the region. The Żywiec Beskids are home to six ethnographic groups: Żywczacy, Babiogórcy, Kliszczacy, Podhalanie, Kisuczanie, and Orawiacy, each with their own customs and traditions. The region is also known for its developed tourist infrastructure, with numerous mountain trails and accommodation options, including PTTK mountain shelters and shepherd's huts. Ski resorts, with Pilsko at the forefront, attract winter sports enthusiasts. The Żywiec Beskids, being the highest part of the Western Beskids, are characterized by diverse terrain and a rich natural environment, including numerous lakes and streams. The highest peak is Babia Góra, known for its unique glacial and periglacial landforms. The region is rich in diverse flora and fauna and has many forms of nature protection, including the Babia Góra National Park. An interesting aspect is the geographical and cultural diversity of the Żywiec Beskids, where the borders and traditions of three regions intermingle, making this place unique for both tourists and researchers of culture and nature. In geographical literature, the Żywiec Beskids are divided into various mesoregions, indicating their complex geographical structure.