Rabka-Zdrój and its surroundings are perfect destinations for any hiking enthusiast. This picturesque town is the starting point for over a dozen different mountain trails, ranging from easy to more challenging routes. You can set out on a hike from the town center itself, its outskirts, or starting points located anywhere from a few to several dozen kilometers away.
Check out which routes within 50 kilometers of Rabka-Zdrój are worth adding to your vacation itinerary!
The picturesque Beskid Wyspowy Mountains and their trails
The Beskid Wyspowy is a unique place that captivates lovers of outdoor activities. It is an area situated between the Sądecka Basin and the Raba Valley, rich in numerous isolated peaks which, due to their shape, are called "islands." The opportunity to explore and conquer them all amidst magnificent natural surroundings attracts many mountaineers.
The most ambitious hikers can try to conquer all the Beskid Islands—that is, as many as forty peaks in this unique region!
Picturesque trails of varying difficulty levels start in the largest and most important towns of the Beskids, such as Limanowa, Mszana Dolna, Rabka-Zdrój, Tymbark, Kasina Wielka, Jurków, Szczawa, Kamienica, and Tenczyn. Here you can find trails suitable for adults and children, for entire families, and for those venturing into the mountains for the first time.
Lubogoszcz from Kasina Wielka
Kasina Wielka is one of the most famous towns in the Beskid Wyspowy range, known for its modern ski resort, picturesque landscapes, and numerous trails leading from it. One of these trails leads to Lubogoszcz, a peak rising to an elevation of 968 meters above sea level. The route is relatively easy and does not require any special skills, though it can be tiring due to a few steep ascents.
You can start the trail directly from the village of Kasina or from the nearby Mogiła Glade. The first section follows the road and then leads through the forest along the red trail. After a dozen or so minutes, gentle ascents of varying degrees of difficulty begin to appear. As we head toward our destination, we admire the magnificent panorama of the Beskid Wyspowy, which emerges from behind the trees time and again. With good visibility, you can see not only the nearest “islands” but also the Tatra Mountains.
The hike to the summit shouldn't take more than 2 hours. On the wooded hill, there is a cross and a commemorative plaque.
Kamionna from Pasierbiec
Pasierbiec is a small village located in the Limanowa County, just over 40 kilometers from Rabka-Zdrój. It is a place with a long and fascinating history that is definitely worth exploring when visiting the area. Pasierbiec is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and several picturesque, interesting trails. One of them leads to Kamionna and the observation tower located there.
The trail begins right next to the local team’s soccer field, taking us along an easy, pleasant route with a total length of about 8 kilometers. We start by walking along an asphalt road, which then leads into the forest. After a few hundred meters, the trees begin to thin out slightly, revealing beautiful views to hikers. After about 30–40 minutes of leisurely walking, we should reach Pasierbiecka Góra, a small peak at an elevation of 764 meters above sea level. From this point to our destination—the observation tower—there is only a short, easy path left; it shouldn’t take us more than a dozen or so minutes.
From the observation tower, built in 2023, we can enjoy exceptionally picturesque views. Standing at a height of just under 30 meters, on a clear day we can see the Gorce Mountains, the Beskid Sądecki, and Silesia, as well as the landscape of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.
Ćwilin from Mszana Dolna
This trail begins in Mszana Dolna, located a short distance from Rabka-Zdrój. The towns are only 12 kilometers apart. The first town is an interesting starting point for at least a few trails, including the one leading to Ćwilin—the second-highest peak in the Beskid Wyspowy.
The challenging trail from Mszana Dolna is a good choice for experienced hikers. The total length is over 17 kilometers (round trip). However, the difficulties of this long hike pale in comparison to the truly beautiful views we enjoy along the way.
We can start the hike from the parking lot on Zielona Street in Mszana Dolna, where there is also parking available for cars. The trail runs along a small stream and remains relatively flat all the way to Czarny Dział. After passing through this village—roughly halfway along the route—be prepared for some challenging sections ahead. The trail becomes rockier, entering the forest from time to time. You should also be prepared for steep ascents, even up to 400 meters uphill. However, the breathtaking view at the summit will definitely make the effort of this hike worthwhile.
But that's not the end of the adventures!
These are just three of the many unique trails found in the Beskid Wyspowy region. Between hikes, you can also take advantage of the tourist attractions offered by many towns in the area. One example is Rabka-Zdrój—a spa town with a beautiful spa park, interesting museums, and a family amusement park — Rabkoland!
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.
