Beskid Sądecki Protected Landscape Area offers lush mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems, making it a prime destination for hiking, nature observation, and cultural exploration within the Carpathian mountain range.
Beskid Sądecki Protected Landscape Area is located in southern Poland, forming part of the Western Carpathians. Encompassing rolling mountain ridges, deep valleys, and dense forests, it spans the Lesser Poland Voivodeship near the Slovakian border. The area features the highest peak, Radziejowa, at 1266 meters (4,157 ft), presenting breathtaking panoramas that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The landscape is characterized by mixed forests of fir, spruce, beech, and pine, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife including lynx, European bison, wolves, and rare bird species like the black stork and eagle owl. The region has a rich cultural and historical background with traditional wooden architecture and small mountain villages that preserve the traditions of the Goral people. Outdoor recreation thrives here with an extensive network of marked hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic routes leading to mountain shelters, and spots ideal for birdwatching and photography. Visitors can explore the picturesque Poprad Landscape Park bordering the south, as well as the natural mineral springs and spas in nearby towns like Krynica-Zdrój. Winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular during colder months. The area offers a tranquil, relatively unspoiled natural setting attracting those seeking refuge from urban centers, while promoting sustainable tourism practices. Its combination of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and abundant outdoor activities make Beskid Sądecki PLA an appealing destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers alike.
Summit of Radziejowa — the highest peak in Beskid Sądecki offering panoramic mountain views
Ancient mixed forests hosting lynx, wolves, and endangered bird species
Historic mountain villages featuring traditional Goral wooden architecture
The scenic Poprad River valley featuring diverse flora and tranquil river landscapes
At 1266 meters, Radziejowa is the tallest mountain in Beskid Sądecki, offering sweeping views of the Carpathians and a rewarding summit experience.
This tranquil river valley is notable for its rich biodiversity and opportunities for scenic riverside walks and birdwatching.
Traditional villages such as Szczawnica and Piwniczna-Zdrój showcase distinctive wooden architecture and preserve local highlander cultural heritage.