Western Bieszczady

The Western Bieszczady Mountains are a picturesque mountainous region in Poland, stretching from the Uzhok Pass to the Łupków Pass, largely situated within the "East Carpathians" Biosphere Reserve. The landscape of the Bieszczady is characterized by parallel mountain ranges, with its highest peak being Tarnica. Historically, the Bieszczady was an area of intense colonization and exploitation of natural resources, which led to deforestation and degradation of vegetation. After World War II, the region was almost completely depopulated, and formerly cultivated areas became overgrown with ruderal vegetation. Today, the Bieszczady is known for its unique flora and fauna, including habitats of rare species such as the European bison and the lynx. The climate in the Bieszczady is varied, influencing the altitudinal zonation of vegetation, which includes the foothill zone, the lower montane zone, and the subalpine meadow zone known as połoniny. The region features numerous hiking trails, including the Main Beskid Trail, as well as mountain shelters and accommodation bases. An interesting fact is that from the peaks of the Bieszczady, it is possible to see the Tatra Mountains, which are over 130 km away. The Bieszczady also serves as an important area for geological, hydrographic, and climatological research due to its unique morphology and natural richness.