The Beskid Wyspowy is a picturesque region in southern Poland, stretching across the western part of the Beskids—from Raba to the Sądecka Basin. It is distinguished by its magnificent landscape and exceptionally interesting terrain. The area features over a dozen isolated peaks, whose summits rise above the surrounding landscape, scattered like islands in a mountain archipelago. Ćwilin is definitely worth a visit; it’s no wonder it attracts hundreds of tourists from Poland and around the world every year. What should you know about this unique place?
Ćwilin – Key Information
Many of the peaks that make up the Beskid Wyspowy range are notable for their particularly interesting topography, vegetation, or exceptionally attractive trails. This is also true of the second-highest peak in the Beskids, known as Ćwilin.
The peak, standing at an elevation of 1,072 meters, towers majestically over the villages of the Dobra municipality: Jurków, Wilczyce, and Gruszowiec. From Ćwilin, we can also admire the landscapes of villages located a bit further away, belonging to the Mszana Dolna municipality, including Kasina Wielka. There are three different ways to reach the summit. These trails vary in length and difficulty.
Ćwilin – what can we see along the trail?
Both the peak itself and the trails leading up to it are famous above all for the magnificent views that can be enjoyed at every stage of the hike. Along the trail, you’ll also find numerous caves of varying depths and sizes. Among the largest are the Cave of Flying Stones and the Water Nymph’s Grotto.
The various trails leading to the summit wind through dense forests and beautiful, flower-filled meadows. While hiking, you may also encounter many of the region’s inhabitants. Roe deer, red deer, and wild boars are often seen here, as well as badgers and numerous species of birds.
Along the trail leading to the summit, you’ll also find at least a few beautiful, old, yet splendidly decorated shrines. They can serve as places to rest, but also as spots for reflection or contemplation.
Ćwilin and Michurowa Glade
After completing their climb up Ćwilin, hikers can rest by the ornate chapel with an altar located at the summit. There is also a monument commemorating John Paul II’s visit to the region. True lovers of outdoor recreation will also find something to enjoy at the summit—there is a designated fire pit area complete with a grill. Several benches and tables have also been placed along the trail for visitors’ convenience.
A spot along the route that is definitely worth visiting—and which is located almost directly below the summit—is Michurowa Glade. It is a stunning section of the trail with breathtaking views, and it also holds a certain mystery. It is the story of star-crossed lovers, passed down through generations by the local residents.
The history of the clearing is linked to a landslide on the trail immediately adjacent to it and to the Rosłaniec Stream. It was there that a young man, tragically in love, is said to have once thrown himself.
Skiing in winter – why is it worth it?
Winter at Ćwilin is even more breathtaking than in summer. Snow-covered spruce trees, sweeping panoramas, and the distinctive “island-like” terrain make for exceptionally picturesque views. In winter, there are fewer people on the trail, so it’s easier to feel the peace and closeness to nature. It’s the perfect destination for a family hike—provided you’re properly prepared and follow safety guidelines.
The Legend of Ćwilin Peak
Like many peaks in the Beskid Wyspowy range, Ćwilin is steeped in local legends. The most famous legend tells of the tragic love of a young man who—unable to come to terms with the loss of his beloved—threw himself into the Rosłaniec stream, just below what is now Michurowa Glade. To this day, locals recount this story as a sad yet beautiful memory of times past, lending the trail a unique atmosphere.
Trails on Ćwilin
There are at least two ways to reach the picturesque summit of the Beskid Wyspowy. The first route, by far the shortest, is the ascent to Ćwilin from Jurków. From there, the blue trail leads the way. Its markings can already be seen in the village located directly at the foot of the mountain.
Those traveling by car can park at the church and then set off on the trail. The blue signs pointing the way are helpful. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit via the blue trail. The route is only 4 kilometers long, but it is a fairly steep and challenging path.
The second option is the yellow trail, which leads to the summit from Mszana Dolna. This route is just under 10 kilometers long—it can be completed in a little over 4 hours. It is much longer, but less steep and particularly scenic. Beautiful meadows, dense thickets, a stream, and then the landscapes of towns and villages that we leave behind us below—you’ll find all of this on the way to Ćwilin.
The trail to Ćwilin from Jurków (blue trail)
This is the shortest and most popular route to the summit—perfect for those who want to reach Ćwilin in under 2 hours. The route is about 4 km long, but it is quite steep, especially on the final stretch. It leads through the forest and then opens up to a beautiful panorama of the Beskid Wyspowy. The trailhead is located at the church in Jurków, which has convenient parking.
The Rosary Trail from Wilczyce to Ćwilin
This is a quieter, more atmospheric route starting from Wilczyce. It owes its name to the small chapels dotted along the path, which give the place a unique atmosphere. The trail is less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking peace and quiet who also want to climb Ćwilin without having to tackle steep inclines in a single stretch.
The trail to Ćwilin from Mszana Dolna (yellow trail)
One of the most scenic trails in the entire Beskid Wyspowy range. It is nearly 10 km long and takes about 4–4.5 hours to hike. It is less strenuous than the trail from Jurków, winding through meadows, streams, clearings, and beautiful forest sections. It’s the perfect choice for a longer family outing with children.
From Ćwilin to the amusement park in Rabka-Zdrój!
The trails leading to Ćwilin are a beautiful, yet still underappreciated part of the Beskid Wyspowy range. They can surprise and delight with their views, charming nooks and crannies along the way, and the unique atmosphere at the very summit.
Families with children visiting the area should also take note of the immediate and slightly more distant surroundings of the peak. Just 25 kilometers from the second-highest peak in the Beskids lies one of the oldest and most popular amusement parks for children—Rabkoland. This special place is open from late April through September 30! Fairytale characters await new visitors returning from hikes or setting out on mountain trails!
Find out more about us and plan a visit to Rabkoland!
A fan of crime novels, especially by Jo Nesbø and Camilla Läckberg. She also enjoys watching mini-series of a similar genre. Loves going on weekend trips with friends—mostly around Poland. Professionally, she specializes in customer communication and cooperation with companies, schools, kindergartens, and travel agencies.
