Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Established in 1998, the Silesian Beskids Protected Landscape Area (PLPA) spans portions of the Silesian and Lesser Poland Voivodeships in southern Poland, encompassing a segment of the picturesque Beskid mountain range within the Western Carpathians. The protected area features rolling forested ridges, deep river valleys, and traditional mountain villages. Its mixed forests are dominated by beech, fir, and spruce, providing habitat for native wildlife including deer, lynx, European badger, and a variety of bird species such as the black stork and Ural owl. Cultural heritage and folklore play a notable role here, with historic wooden churches and mountain shepherding traditions dating back centuries. The landscape supports a wide network of well-maintained hiking and cycling trails that lead visitors through panoramic viewpoints, meadows, and old-growth forests. Popular landmarks include the peaks of Skrzyczne (1,257 m) and Barania Góra (1,220 m), the latter being the source of the Vistula River. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, winter sports in ski resorts like Szczyrk, as well as wildlife watching and photography. The area captures an authentic Carpathian mountain atmosphere, blending natural beauty with rural charm, attracting visitors seeking both active recreation and tranquility. Visitor infrastructure includes marked trailheads, mountain huts, and information centers that support sustainable tourism while conserving the region’s rich ecological and cultural values.
