Tarnica (1346m) – the highest peak in the Bieszczady Mountains

Tarnica is the highest peak in the Bieszczady Mountains (1346 m). It belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains. In the past, the massifs of Tarnica and Halicz were called the Bear Mountains. This was a reflection of the large bear population in the area. On the top of Tarnica there is a large steel cross, which was placed in 2000. after the previous one was destroyed (broken). At the top, a plaque commemorating the entrance to Tarnica was unveiled by Fr. Karola Wojtyła on August 5, 1953 and his third pilgrimage to his homeland as the Holy Father in 1987. The time to reach the top from Wołosate is about 2.5 hours and 5 km one way. The trail is not the most difficult. There are a lot of stairs to overcome. The effort is rewarded with beautiful views of the Polish and Ukrainian sides. It is best to plan the ascent to the top by 6:00 am at the latest. Then there are lots of tourists (in the summer, about 4,000 people a day) and the lack of parking spaces. In the early morning you can enjoy the beauty of nature ? Parking lots at the entrance to the Tarnica trails in Wołosate and Ustrzyki Górne are paid (and fill up quickly in the season…). Tarnica is located in the Bieszczady National Park, so it is mandatory to purchase a ticket to the National Park (about 2 euro). Dogs are not allowed in the entire Bieszczadzki Park. At the end of the adventure with Tarnica or after hiking in the surrounding trails, we offer delicious pancakes in the iconic “Chata Wędrowca” in Wietlina. It’s not an ordinary pancake but it tastes delicious. The menu also includes meat dishes, fish and soups, we can relax here, eat well and drink regional alcohol..

Trails leading to the top:

– Red trail from Ustrzyki Górne Time: 3.5 h, Distance: 8 km, Elevation: approx. 750 m

– Blue trail from Wołosate: Time: 2,5h, Distance: 4.5 km, Elevation: 600 m