Podkarpackie: The Great Guide to Bieszczady and Land of Orthodox Churches. Where to Escape to Truly Rest?

Podkarpackie is a region-legend. For many, a synonym for freedom and escape from civilization. And although Solina can be crowded in season, we will show you places where the only sound is still the wind and the ringing of church bells.

This is where the mountains are most wild, history intertwines with nature, and the night sky is so dark that you can see thousands of stars. Here is our subjective guide to the land of the Wolf and the Lynx.

1. Bieszczady: Mountains Unlike Any Other

These are not mountains for breaking altitude records. These are mountains for being.

• Poloninas: Caryńska and Wetlińska are classics, but we recommend going up at sunrise when the trails are empty. The view of the "sea of mountains" stretching all the way to Ukraine is priceless.
• San Valley: If you are looking for absolute silence, go to the "Bieszczady Sack". A walk to the sources of the San, along the border, among the ruins of non-existent villages (like Beniowa or Sianki), is a lesson in history and humility towards nature.

2. Wooden Architecture Route: UNESCO Pearls

Podkarpackie is famous for Orthodox churches. These are wooden temples that perfectly fit into the landscape. Many of them, like those in Turzańsk, Smolnik, or Chotyniec, are on the UNESCO list. It is worth going inside – the smell of old wood, incense, and the view of colorful iconostases create a mystical atmosphere. This is architecture that has a soul.

3. Lake Solina: Wisely and Without Crowds

The "Bieszczady Sea" can overwhelm with a fairground atmosphere on the dam, but you just need to know where to turn. Instead of Polańczyk, go to Teleśnicka Bay or near Chrewt. Rent a kayak or sailboat and sail into quiet coves where dense forests descend into the water. This is where you will feel the true charm of this place.

4. Starry Sky Park

In Bieszczady, the night is truly dark. Light pollution is one of the lowest in Europe here. In the "Bieszczady" Starry Sky Park, the Milky Way looks like it was painted with a brush. Astronomy shows are organized here, during which you can watch planets and nebulae through telescopes. It is an ideal attraction for romantics and families.

5. Krosno and Sanok: Culture and Craftsmanship

Podkarpackie is also fascinating cities.

• Krosno: City of Glass. In the Glass Heritage Center, you can not only see how glass works of art are created but try to blow a bauble or vase yourself.
• Sanok: Here, a mandatory point is the Castle with the Gallery of Zdzisław Beksiński. His dark, surreal paintings make an electrifying impression. It is also worth visiting the Open-Air Museum – one of the largest in Europe, where you will see what the life of Boykos and Lemkos looked like.

6. Cuisine: Proziaki and Fuczki

Here you eat simply but distinctly.

• Proziaki: These are buns on soda (proza), baked on the metal sheet of an old stove. They are best warm, with garlic butter or cottage cheese.
• Fuczki: Sauerkraut pancakes in pancake batter. It is a brilliant alternative to potato pancakes – sour, crunchy, and filling.
• Wine: Podkarpacie is the cradle of Polish winemaking. Vineyards around Jasło offer tastings of great white and red wines.

Summary

Podkarpackie is a region that allows you to regain balance. Renting a hut on the edge of the forest, no phone signal, and morning coffee with a view of the mists rising over the poloninas – this is a luxury we all need today. Pack comfortable shoes and head east!