Rabka-Zdrój is a town that attracts tourists with its many attractions, as well as its picturesque setting and interesting hiking trails. Among them is the trail to Luboń Wielki, one of the highest peaks in the Beskid Wyspowy range. What should you know about it, and where should you start your hike?
Luboń Wielki – Key Information
It is the fifth-highest peak in the Beskid Wyspowy range. Situated between the Raba Valley and the Tenczyński Stream, it catches the eye and invites visitors to go hiking. Luboń Wielki is one of the most frequently visited places in the Rabka-Zdrój area.
Among the most distinctive features of the summit, located at an elevation of 1,022 meters above sea level, are a tall transmission tower and a small mountain hut. Luboń Wielki can be reached via several trails of varying difficulty.
Luboń Wielki – Travel Tips
When planning a trip to this unique peak, it’s a good idea to prepare thoroughly so you can be sure to make the most of it.
1. Luboń Wielki – The History of the Peak and the Mountain Hut
This peak is an exceptionally fascinating place, not only because of its magnificent views and rich flora. Luboń Wielki is a hill with an interesting history. Perched on its ridge is the uniquely situated highlander settlement of Surówki, also known as “Krzysie”. From there, an impressive view stretches out over the Gorce Mountains, the Babia Góra and Podhale ranges, and the Tatra Mountains. During World War II, it became a refuge for partisan units of the Home Army. At that time, it was called “Polish Mountain”.
Also worth noting is the mountain hut located at the summit of Luboń Wielki. Designed and built in 1931 by Stanisław Dunin-Borkowski, an active member of the Rabka branch of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK) and an expert on the Gorce and Beskid Wyspowy mountains, the building is listed on the register of historic monuments.
2. Choosing the right trail
This is a key factor that will significantly influence what we see along the way and how long it takes us to reach the summit. The trail you choose should depend on your abilities and fitness level, as well as who you’re traveling with. Families with children should opt for easier routes, while more seasoned mountain enthusiasts may want to try a more challenging trail.
There are as many as five different trails leading to Luboń Wielki. Two of them start in Rabka-Zdrój and its immediate vicinity, specifically in Rabka Zaryte. These two routes are considered the most interesting.
The yellow trail, marked out by Stanisław Dunin-Borkowski, the founder of the mountain hut on Luboń Wielki, deserves top honors. This route leads through rocky scree. What’s more, when combined with the blue trail, it forms an almost perfect loop, allowing you to exit the trail at nearly the same point where you started. The route is interesting and picturesque, suitable for adults and children, though not the easiest. The red trail, which starts at the Glisne Pass, is the easiest one.
Luboń Wielki – Green Trail (the easiest trail)
The Green Trail starts in Mszana Dolna and is considered one of the easiest routes to the summit. The trail is wide and gentle, making it suitable for families with children and those who are not in top physical condition. The hike takes about 2 hours at a leisurely pace.
Luboń Wielki – Blue Trail
The blue trail starts in Rabka-Zaryte and connects with other trails near the summit. It is moderately challenging and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s a good option for those who want to mix things up on their way back after hiking the yellow trail.
Luboń Wielki – Yellow Trail
The Yellow Trail is the most interesting and best-known route to Luboń Wielki. It leads through the famous “Dziurawe Turnie”—a vast rocky scree field. It is a challenging but extremely scenic route, which is why it is very popular among hikers.
Luboń Wielki – Red Trail
The red trail starts at Glisne Pass and is the shortest route to the summit. The hike takes about 1.5 hours and doesn’t require any special preparation, which is why it’s most often chosen by families with children and people planning a short trip.
3. How much time should I allow for the ascent?
The time it takes to climb Luboń Wielki depends primarily on the trail you choose, but also on your pace and fitness level. If you take the yellow trail and then the blue trail, you can expect to complete the hike in just under three hours. The ascent and descent alone take about two and a half hours, but it’s worth setting aside some extra time to rest at the summit and enjoy the views. The easiest and shortest route shouldn’t take us more than an hour and a half.
4. Directions and Parking
The best place to start is Rabka-Zdrój, as there are as many as three different trails leading to Luboń Wielki from this town. If you’re planning to start your hike from Rabka Zaryte, you can leave your car in the parking lot located behind the Lewiatan store, almost right at the trailhead. This is a paid parking lot, and you can pay for parking at the store.
If you plan to hike to the summit via the shortest route, you’ll need to drive to the village of Glisne. There are two paid private parking lots at the trailhead.
5. What should you look out for along the trail?
All the trails leading to Luboń Wielki are interesting and offer plenty of beautiful views. Be sure to check out the so-called “Dziurawe Turnie”,—a rocky scree slope and numerous rock caves—located along the yellow trail. During the hike, keep an eye out for views of the Beskid Wyspowy, Śnieżnica, Lubogoszcz, and Szczebel.
At the summit, the tall transmission tower and the weather station are also worth seeing.
6. PTTK Mountain Hut
The tiny mountain hut at the summit of Luboń Wielki offers only 25 beds, but it also has a unique atmosphere. The building resembles a traditional highlander’s house—or even Baba Yaga’s hut. An interesting tradition here is taking photos with everyone who reaches the summit. You can pin your photo to the corkboard and go down in the history of this place!
7. Hiking to Luboń Wielki with a dog
Dog lovers and their pets are also welcome to hike to the summit. While the yellow and red trails do run through a nature reserve—where dogs are unfortunately not allowed—you can certainly bring your pet along if you plan your route using the other paths.
8. Luboń Wielki with a child
A trip to Luboń Wielki with a child is a great opportunity for a family adventure in the mountains. It’s best to choose shorter, easier routes, such as the red trail from the Glisne Pass or the green trail from Mszana Dolna, which don’t require a high level of fitness. Children especially enjoy visiting the mountain hut and admiring the views from the very summit.
9. Exploring Luboń Wielki by Bike
You can also reach Luboń Wielki by bike, though the route is not the easiest. The most recommended routes are those from Rabka-Zaryte and Mszana Dolna, which follow wide trails. Due to the steep climbs and rocky terrain, this bike trip requires good physical fitness and experience with mountain biking.
10. Luboń Wielki in Winter
In winter, Luboń Wielki takes on a completely different character—its snow-covered peak offers breathtaking, fairy-tale-like scenery. However, it’s important to be properly prepared: wear warm clothing and bring crampons or snowshoes, as well as trekking poles. In winter, shorter and easier trails are usually the most popular choice, such as the red trail from Glisne.
11. Luboń Wielki – Borkowski Trail
The Borkowski Trail, also known as the yellow trail to Luboń Wielki, is one of the most picturesque routes in the Beskid Wyspowy. It leads through a rocky scree field known as “Gołe Kamienie” and numerous caves and crevices, which give the hike a unique character. It is a challenging but extremely rewarding trail, recommended for those seeking a mountain adventure.
Combine a mountain hike with fun at Rabkoland
A trip to Luboń Wielki is a great option for hiking enthusiasts, but if you’re traveling with children or want to spice up your day, it’s worth visiting Rabkoland—one of the oldest amusement parks in Poland—after descending from the summit. It is located right in the center of Rabka-Zdrój, just a few minutes’ drive from the trailheads leading to Luboń. The park offers numerous attractions for children of all ages, as well as relaxation areas for adults. It’s the perfect way to recharge after a mountain hike and end an eventful day in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Find out more about us and plan a visit to Rabkoland!
She loves discovering new places—from mountain trails to charming towns and sunny beaches. Always with a camera in hand, ready to capture magical moments and gather inspiration for creative work. Professionally, she is a social media manager with an open mind, passionate about video content, copywriting, and storytelling.
