Babia Gór – Queen of the Beskids, practical information

Babia Góra, the highest peak of the Western Beskids, is one of the most picturesque and mysterious places in Poland. The mountain located on the Polish-Slovak border reaches a height of 1,725 ​​m above sea level. (Diablak) and is one of the most famous points in the Beskids. In 1977, it was included on the UNESCO list as a biosphere reserve.

Babia Góra is sometimes called the “Mother of Bad Weather” due to extremely changeable weather conditions. This is one of the windiest places in Poland, where you can experience the full weather spectrum in one day – from sun to thick fog or rain. Its massif attracts both mountain hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering unforgettable views and a variety of fauna and flora. Babia Góra has all levels of mountain vegetation, from beech forests to the alpine level. You can meet here, among others: brown bears, lynxes and chamois.

Trails to Babia Góra:

1. Red trail from Krowiarki Pass (Main Beskid Trail)

Walking time: approx. 2.5–3 hours (entrance), approx. 2 hours (descent)
Route length: approx. 5.5 km
Elevation gain: approx. 715 m
KGP stamp: Cash desk at the entrance to BgPN Przełęcz Krowiarki
Route description:
The most popular and frequently chosen trail, which starts at the Krowiarki Pass (1,010 m above sea level). The route leads through three characteristic points: Sokolica (1,367 m above sea level), Kępa (1,525 m above sea level) and Gówniak (1,617 m above sea level). Along the way, you can admire the panorama of the Beskid Mountains and, in good weather, also the Tatra Mountains. The last section to Diablak leads through the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to raw rocks.

2. Yellow trail from Zawoja Markowe through Perć Akademików

Walking time: approx. 4 hours (entrance), approx. 2.5 hours (descent)
Route length: approx. 7 km
Elevation gain: approx. 1,000 m
KGP stamp: PTTK shelter Markowe Szczawiny, Cash desk at the entrance to BgPN Zawoja Markowa
Route description:
This is the most demanding trail to Babia Góra, intended for experienced tourists. The route starts in Zawoja Markowe and leads through the PTTK shelter in Markowe Szczawiny. Then it leads through Perć Akademików – a section equipped with chains and clamps that facilitate climbing the steep rocks. This is a technically difficult section, but it provides spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.

3. The blue trail from Zawoja Markowe through the PTTK Markowe Szczawiny

Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours (entrance), approx. 2.5 hours (descent)
Route length: approx. 7 km
Elevation gain: approx. 900 m
KGP stamp: PTTK shelter Markowe Szczawiny, Cash desk at the entrance to BgPN Zawoja Markowa
Route description:
A gentler alternative to the yellow trail, leading from Zawoja Markowe through the shelter in Markowe Szczawiny, from where it leads straight to Diablak. This is one of the easiest routes to Babia Góra, ideal for families with children or people with weaker fitness. The trail offers picturesque views and passes through beautiful beech and spruce forests.

4. The black trail from the Krowiarki Pass

Walking time: approx. 4 hours (entrance), approx. 3 hours (descent)
Route length: approx. 9 km
Elevation gain: approx. 800 m
Route description:
An alternative route starting at the Krowiarki Pass, but leading along the less frequented black trail to the Shelter in Markowe Szczawiny, from where you can continue the hike along the blue or yellow trail. This is a quiet option for those who want to avoid the crowds.

5. Trails from the Slovak side

Walking time: approx. 3–4 hours (entrance), approx. 3 hours (descent)
Starting points: Oravská Polhora or Slaná Voda
KGP stamp: Chata Slaná Voda
Route description:
The trails leading to Babia Góra from the Slovak side are less frequented, which makes them an ideal choice for people looking for silence and contact with nature. The trails are well marked and the views of the Slovak side of the massif are equally impressive.

6. Nature paths in the Babiogórski National Park

If you do not plan to conquer the peak itself, you can go on one of the shorter nature trails near Babia Góra. Popular routes include: the “Górny Płaj” or “Orawski Las” path.

Babia Góra – practical information

Admission to the park:
Babia Góra is located in the Babiogórski National Park. Admission is paid:
Normal ticket: PLN 7
Reduced ticket: PLN 3.50
Clothing and equipment:
Due to changing weather conditions, it is worth having a raincoat, a hat and a supply of water with you. On trails such as Perć Akademików, trekking shoes with good grip will come in handy.
PTTK shelter in Markowe Szczawiny:
It is a perfect place to rest, eat or overnight. It is worth booking a place earlier in the tourist season.

Interesting facts about Babia Góra:

• According to local legends, the peak of Babia Góra was built by the devil who wanted to block the current of the Skawa River. The unusual name of the main peak, Diablak, comes from these stories.
  
• Babia Góra is famous for its magical sunrises. It is one of the few places in Poland from where, in good weather, you can see the Tatra Mountains in all their glory.
  
• In 1969, there was a plane crash in the area, in which the crew of the Polish An-24 transport plane died.
  
• Due to its height and exposed peaks, Babia Góra has a microclimate similar to the conditions found on the Arctic tundra.