Eagle Pass

Eagle Pass, also known as sedlo pod Orlom, is a picturesquely located mountain pass in the Wielka Racza Group of the Żywiec Beskids, situated at an altitude of 1,060 meters. It lies between the peaks of Mała Racza (1,153 m) and Orzeł (1,119 m), with the Polish-Slovak border and the Great European Watershed running through this area. From the pass, the sources of two streams flow: the Racza to the northeast into Poland and the Klubinský potok to the southwest into Slovakia. This area, of significant natural importance, is one of the research sites for the rare serrated bellflower. In the past, the pass was surrounded by a clearing, which unfortunately is now being overgrown by forest, indicating changes in the landscape and ecosystems of this region. Eagle Pass is also part of a network of hiking trails, making it an attractive destination for hiking enthusiasts. Popular routes lead from Zwardoń to Wielka Racza and from Stará Bystrica to Kýčera, promoting tourist activity in this beautiful area. It is a place rich in history and cultural value, attracting tourists from both Poland and Slovakia. Its location makes it an important point in the context of mountain trails in the Żywiec Beskids. As a site of cultural encounters, the pass should be visited by those seeking not only active recreation but also contact with the unique fauna and flora of the region. Interestingly, according to local legends and mountain tales, the pass was often a route for various groups, adding to its unique atmosphere and historical significance.