Bieszczady Mountains Ride Highlands Poland The Bieszcazady Mountains are situated on the very South-East of Poland. This immense territory, almost a human desert, is one of the most beautiful regions in Poland, a paradise for those seeking isolation. Virgin landscapes where civilization can barely be seen. In short: a playground for enthusiastic equestrians. This is a journey to the deepest meaning of nature as Bieszczady are mountains famous for its rich flora and fauna including wild animals like bears and wolves. So don't be surprised when fox, hare or even deer will cross horse's way just in front of you. With your trusty horse and guide, you will be able to immerse yourself more deeply into nature than ever before! The region is also culturally attractive as for several centuries, people from various ethnic groups and confessions lived there which is reflected in the architecture: wooden orthodox churches, cottages, manor houses, roadside crosses… Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Meeting: Kraków Airport: Kraków airport (Balice) Transfer: Kraków airport or train station Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers included from Kraków Airport or train station before 7:00pm on Day 1.
Drop off after 1:00pm on last day.

The programs given below are drafts that may be modified or amended subject to technical causes, imponderables, safety reasons or weather conditions.

Sample Itinerary: Bieszczady 1 (Sanok to Sanok) – subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Kraków
You are transferred from Kraków Airport or train station to the hotel in the city center. From there, you have free time until the evening, when the group meets for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Krakow

Day 2 (Sunday): Sanok to Wola Piotrowa
We leave Kraków around 6 a.m and we go to Sanok, a town located near the Polish-Ukrainian-Slovakian border (approx. 3.5 hours’ drive from Krakow). After breakfast, we meet the guide and our horses and get ready for departure. At first, we cross large open spaces with beautiful meadows. Then, we will ride through the forests. We will stop for lunch and we will continue our ride through forests and open spaces. The landscapes on the surrounding hills will become more and more beautiful…
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Wola Piotrowa

Day 3 (Monday): Wola Piotrowa to Roztoki Dolne
A wonderful journey awaits us with large meadows, endless gallops and beautiful forests. We cross open spaces and villages abandoned due to the “Operation Vistula” (forced resettlement of Ukrainian minority including Boykos and Lemkos from the southeastern provinces of post-war Poland, to the Recovered Territories in the west of the country).
On the way, we will have the opportunity to see old tombs hidden by plants that grew slowly, covering them over time. We will stop in the village Turzansk known for its gothic, wooden church from the 19th century, which together with different tserkvas, is designated as part of the UNESCO Wooden tserkvas of the Carpathian region in Poland and Ukraine.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Roztoki Dolne

Day 4 (Tuesday): Roztoki Dolne to Rybne
Another beautiful day, perfect for nature lovers. Passing through fields and forests, we feel the atmosphere of abandoned villages. We will travel through a small village (Zernica) where we will have the opportunity to see an Orthodox church.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Rybne

Day 5 (Wednesday): Rybne to Terka
We cross open spaces and follow the mountain ridges with wonderful views of Solina Lake - also known as the "Sea of Bieszczady". It is the largest artificial lake in Poland, fed by the rivers San and Solinka. We pass through the village of Bukowiec and we will have the opportunity to see another orthodox church in Gorzanka.  If weather allows, we will climb to mountain Korbania with magnificent view of the region.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Terka

Day 6 (Thursday): Terka to Postolow
We continue the journey along Solina Lake. We will also cross San River several times, which is always a big attraction for the riders.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Postolow

Day 7 (Friday): Postolow to Sanok
Today we will be heading slowly towards Sanok.
Option 1: We will follow a path leading through the beautiful forests of the Slonne Mountains. We will then have the opportunity to see ruins of the Sobien castle and, once we cross the river San, we will arrive to the largest ethnographic park in Poland - the museum buildings of different ethnic groups living in the Polish-Ukrainian border region (representing life from the 17th to 20th century: farms, Orthodox churches, mills).
Option 2: We follow the path leading to the Discalced Carmelites monastery ruins.   
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Sanok

Day 8 (Saturday): Sanok to Kraków
After breakfast, we go back to Kraków (approx. 3.5 hours’ drive) and transfer you to the airport or a hotel from where you can continue your stay in Poland.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Bieszczady 2 (Sanok to Dwernik) – subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Kraków
You are transferred from Kraków Airport or train station to the hotel in the city center. From there, you have free time until the evening, when the group meets for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Krakow

Day 2 (Sunday): Sanok to Wola Piotrowa
We leave Kraków around 6 a.m and we go to Sanok – a town located near the Polish-Ukrainian-Slovakian border (approx. 3.5 hours’ drive from Krakow). After breakfast, we meet the guide and our horses and get ready for departure. At first, we will cross a small river and we will ride through large open spaces with beautiful meadows. Then, we will follow a beautiful path in the forest. We will stop for lunch and we will continue our ride through the forests and the open spaces. The landscapes on the surrounding hills will become more and more beautiful…
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Wola Piotrowa

Day 3 (Monday): Wola Piotrowa to Laczki
A wonderful journey awaits us with hillsides adorned with clumps of trees, long grass on the meadows, forests and rivers. We will stop at the river San for our lunch break. Then, we will continue our ride through the wilderness. We will cross an abandoned village where we will have the opportunity to see an Orthodox church from XIX century.
In the evening, we will arrive to Laczki, a small village situated in the San River valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Laczki

Day 4 (Tuesday): Laczki to Rybne
We will start our ride by crossing the San River. Then, we will pass through fields and forests and we will cross again the San River. We will travel through another abandoned village where we will see ruins of an Orthodox church with the rest of old paintings. We will then stop for lunch in a hotel in Berezka. After the break, we will continue our ride through small villages and beautiful meadows and forests. In the evening, we will arrive to Rybne.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Rybne

Day 5 (Wednesday): Rybne to Terka
We will cross open spaces and follow the mountain ridges with wonderful views of Solina Lake - also known as the "Sea of Bieszczady". It is the largest artificial lake in Poland, fed by the rivers San and Solinka. We will pass through the village of Bukowiec and we will have the opportunity to see another Orthodox church in Gorzanka.  If weather allows, we will climb to mountain Korbania with a magnificent view of the region. The night is spent in Terka where we are hosted by friends of our guide.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Terka

Day 6 (Thursday): Terka to Dwernik
Another beautiful day for nature lovers awaits us. We will ride through beautiful open spaces with views on the surrounding hills and meadows. We will pass through former villages Krywe and Tworylne, where we will see ruins of an Orthodox church from XIX century.
We will stop for lunch in the forest and after lunch, we will continue our ride following the San River. Then, we will ride through forests, which become wilder and wilder. We can even come across a bear in this area…
We will spend the night in a ranch in Dwernik. The owner has Hucul horses. The Hucul is a pony or small horse breed originally from the Carpathian Mountains. It has a heavy build and possesses great endurance and hardiness. The breed gets its name from the Hutsul people, who live mostly in the Carpathians in Ukraine and in Romania, but also in an area in the East Carpathian Mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Ranch in Dwernik

Day 7 (Friday): Dwernik
There are several possibilities for today’s ride.
Option 1: We can climb on Dwernik Kamien Mountain where we will have a panoramic view on Bieszczady Mountains (Wetlinska Meadow, Carynska Meadow, Smerek Mountain).
Option 2: We can also choose to ride through the beautiful forests of the Otryt, where we can stop in “Chata Socjologa”, a charming and special place on top of mountains. Then, travelling through a small village (Chmiel) and back to Dwernik.
In the evening, we will have farewell dinner and we will meet around the fire…
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Ranch in Dwernik

Day 8 (Saturday): Back to Kraków
After breakfast, we go back to Kraków (approx. 4 hours’ drive) and transfer you to the airport or a hotel from where you can continue your stay in Poland.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Bieszczady 3 (Dwernik to Sanok) – subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Kraków
You are transferred from Kraków Airport or train station to the hotel in the city center. From there, you have free time until the evening, when the group meets for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Krakow

Day 2 (Sunday): Dwernik
We leave Kraków around 6 a.m and we go to Dwernik – a small village located in the heart of Bieszczady, near the Ukrainian (approx. 4 hours’ drive from Krakow) where our adventure will start.
After breakfast, we meet our guide and horses and get ready for departure.
Depending on weather conditions, there are several possibilities for today’s ride.
Option 1: We can climb on Dwernik Kamien Mountain where we will have a panoramic view of the Bieszczady Mountains (Wetlinska Meadow, Carynska Meadow, Smerek Mountain).
Option 2: We can also choose to ride through the beautiful forests of the Otryt, where we can stop in “Chata Socjologa”, a charming and special place on top of mountains. Then, travelling through a small village (Chmiel) and heading back to Dwernik.
We will spend the night on a ranch (our departure point from this morning). The ranch is owned by a friend of ours who has Hucul horses – a common breed in Poland. The Hucul is a pony or small horse breed originally from the Carpathian Mountains. It has a heavy build and possesses great endurance and hardiness. The breed gets its name from the Hutsul people, who live mostly in the Carpathians in Ukraine and in Romania, but also in an area in the East Carpathian Mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Ranch in Dwernik

Day 3 (Monday): Dwernik to Terka
After breakfast, we will leave the ranch and we will ride in the direction of Terka – another small village in Bieszczady. We will ride through wild forests where it is possible to come across a bear… Then, we will choose a beautiful path next to the San River. After our picnic break, we will ride through beautiful open spaces with views on the surrounding hills and vast meadows.
We will pass through former villages Krywe and Tworylne where we will see the ruins of an Orthodox church from XIX century.
In the evening, we will arrive in Terka, where we will be hosted by locals.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Terka

Day 4 (Tuesday): Terka to Rybne
Another beautiful day for nature lovers awaits us. If the weather allows, we will climb to the top of Mountain Korbania with a magnificent views of the region. We will also pass through the village of Bukowiec and we will have the opportunity to see an Orthodox church in Gorzanka. 
We will cross open spaces and follow the mountain ridges with wonderful views of Solina Lake - also known as the "Sea of Bieszczady". It is the largest artificial lake in Poland, fed by the rivers San and Solinka. In the evening, we will arrive in Rybne.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Rybne

Day 5 (Wednesday): Rybne to Laczki
We will ride through small villages and beautiful meadows and forests. We will also pass through another abandoned village where will see ruins of an Orthodox church with the rest of old paintings. We will stop for lunch at a hotel in Berezka and then, we will continue our adventure - crossing the San River twice. We will ride again through beautiful meadows and forests and we will arrive in Laczki – a small village in the San River Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Laczki

Day 6 (Thursday): Laczki to Wola Piotrowa
Today, we will ride through hillsides adorned with clumps of trees, meadows with long grass, forests and rivers. We will cross another abandoned village where we will have the opportunity to see an Orthodox church from the XIX century. Then, we will stop at the river San for a picnic. After our lunch break, we will continue our ride through the wilderness.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Wola Piotrowa

Day 7 (Friday): Wola Piotrowa to Sanok
A day full of beautiful landscapes on surrounding hills is ahead of us. We will continue to ride through forests and open spaces.
After lunch, we arrive in Sanok – where our stables are located. If we have enough time, we can visit the largest ethnographic park in Poland - the museum buildings of different ethnic groups living in the Polish-Ukrainian border region (representing life from the 17th to 20th century: farms, Orthodox churches, mills).
Then, it is time for our farewell dinner…
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Family House in Sanok

Day 8 (Saturday): Sanok to Kraków
After breakfast we go back to Kraków (approx. 3.5 hours’ drive) and transfer you to the airport or a hotel from where you can continue your stay in Poland.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Lesko area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	32	35	44	55	64	69	72	72	63	54	44	34
Average Low Temperature (°F)	23	24	30	37	45	51	55	54	47	41	33	26
Average High Temperature (°C)	0	2	6	13	18	20	22	22	17	12	6	1
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-5	-4	-1	3	7	11	13	12	9	5	1	-3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Poland is a temperate climate country. Winter can be quite cold (-15 to -5 Celsius degrees) and quite snowy especially in the mountains. However, due to the climate change, soft winters are more and more frequent and the level of snow cannot be guaranteed. Spring is usually sunny, warm and sometimes hot, by mid-May frosts happen from times to time. Summer is usually hot, sometimes very hot (over 30 Celsius degrees) and lasts from June until August. Rains happen all over the year and storms are not that rare especially in July in the mountains. Autumn is rather warm and dry and lasts for two or three months (September - November). This is when Poland becomes full of warm sunny colors, the reason for calling this 'The Golden Autumn', and is especially beautiful in September and October in the mountains.

Rain falls throughout the year. The most pleasant times to visit Poland are late spring and early summer (May-June) and late summer and early autumn (September-October), when it’s till warm and the crowds of tourists have either not yet arrived or already gone home.

Saddle Bags are provided but typically only suited to carrying the following items, due to space: rain coat and rain proof over-trousers, water-bottle, extra sweater, camera and a small bag with personal items. Luggage is transferred by a car.

What we suggest to take for the trip:

1. Clothes and personal things:

• light clothes to be covered by warm clothes - all sports utility
• good quality rainproof clothes, including a rainproof blouson or a waterproof coat and pants (No ponchos, plastic or cycling capes allowed. The Clients will not be permitted to wear these for riding)
• long riding boots or paddock boots with half or full chaps (footwear with a heel)
• comfortable riding wear (britches/jodhpurs), jeans are not suitable unless you typically ride with jeans & chaps
• riding whip/crop & gloves
• riding hat (mandatory- you must bring your own as we do not have any to lend)
• bath towels
• toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)

2. Special things to not forget:

• flashlight
• sun protection - cream and hat or a bandana
• a flask or a plastic bottle
• personal first-aid kit (example content: medicines that you take on daily basis subject to the particular health problems, medicines necessary to clean and secure small injures or grazes, sun protection for your skin and mouth, something in case of stomach problems that may be caused by a change of eating habits or headaches, something that relieves from muscle pains, something against insects' bites and post fact medicines)

 

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
Basic dormitory style accommodation is provided in agricultural farms, forester's lodges or local hostels. Most rooms accommodate 2-4 riders, although some nights may have 2 large rooms to accommodate all riders. Bathrooms are shared amongst several riders for most nights. This is just a continuation of groups' integration. These conditions are determined by horses' accommodation and wildness of the places our trip takes place in.
Usually rooms include bed with bedding set, night tables and chairs. Therefore, we advise riders to bring towels, a hairdryer (if needed), and toiletries (shampoo, body soap and hand soap etc).

During the Bieszczady 2 trail, there one night spent in a remote location without electricity (however, it is possible to take a hot shower). Therefore, guests going on this trip should bring their own sleeping bags.

WIFI is available in Kraków, but cannot be guaranteed for the rest of the trip.
Laundry is not available.

Bieszczady 1 Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Kraków
Night 2: Wola Piotrowa
Night 3: Roztoki Dolne
Night 4: Rybne
Night 5: Terka
Night 6: Postolow
Night 7: Sanok

Bieszczady 2 Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Kraków
Night 2: Wola Piotrowa
Night 3: Laczki
Night 4: Rybne
Night 5: Terka
Night 6: Dwernik
Night 7: Dwernik

Bieszczady 3 Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Kraków
Night 2: Dwernik
Night 3: Terka
Night 4: Rybne
Night 5: Laczki
Night 6: Wola Piotrowa
Night 7: Sanok

Accommodation in Kracow is usually provided in the 3 star hotel Aparthotel Oberza Sasiadow. The building itself was built during the 19th century and features a beautiful façade. Renovated in 2010, the hotel now offers elegant and comfortable bedrooms, in the heart of Krakow. All rooms are equipped with a TV & free Wi-Fi access.
The meals are served in the hotel restaurant specialized in polish traditional dishes.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not possible for this trip.


Meals
All meals are included on the trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. The food served during the trip is typical home-style Polish food and is delicious.

Breakfast and dinner is provided in the same place or close to where you are accommodated.
Lunch, depending on the track, is picnic style or in a restaurant.

Typical breakfast foods include bread, hard-boiled eggs, cold cut meat (famous Polish dry sausage and ham), some curd cheese, some mature cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers, sliced and sprinkled with salt and pepper, butter,  jam or honey, tea,  and coffee.
For lunch, the meal is usually warm even if it is a picnic. It might be a soup. We often set a fire and grill sausages etc. Sometimes we stop in a restaurant on the way.
The dinner often includes soup, a main dish (for ex. Meat, salad, and potatoes) & water. Desserts are sometimes served but not always.

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the trip price.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to vegetarian diets with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Maloposki
Pace:		4.5-6 hours in the saddle per day. Riders need to be at ease with all paces. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(4 to 4 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

Children ages 12 to 18 are welcome with their guardians.

Riding Experience
You should be confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops). Also please keep in mind that you will spend 4.5 - 6 hours in a saddle per day.
We recommend riders should have a good level of fitness, and that you have a few rides just before the trip to reduce aches and pains. You should also be able to saddle and unsaddle your horse as all the participants are responsible for tending the horse before and after the day ride as well as for taking care of the equipment.

Horses
The horses we work with are well trained and experienced in mountain wandering. They are used to a traveler's life, and are strong and brave. The Malposki is a Polish horse breed developed in the 19th century in Lesser Poland. It was developed mainly from native Polish horses crossed with Thoroughbreds and Arabians. Malopolski horses generally stand from 15.3 to 16.2 hands.

Equipment
Saddle Bags are provided but typically only suited to carrying the following items, due to space: rain coat and rain proof over-trousers, water-bottle, extra sweater, camera and a small bag with personal items. Luggage is transferred by a car.

Staff
Michal and Maria have been passionate about horses and horse rides in the wild for several years. More than 10 years ago, they decided to share their passion with others and to help riders from all around the world to discover beautiful places in Poland.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No

Passports

 

A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals listed in the chart above except (1) EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card, which is valid for the duration of stay.

If traveling from one border-free Schengen country to another however, EU nationals are not required to show a passport or national ID card. It is still recommended that you travel with your passport and ID card to prove your identity if necessary though. Note that Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the UK are not part of the Schengen area, so a passport or ID card is required if traveling to/ from these countries.

EU nationals ate not required to possess a return ticket or show sufficient funds. 

Visas

Visas are not required by nationals referred to in the chart above. Australian, Canadian, and US nationals may stay in Poland without a visa for up to 90 days. EU nationals may stay for an unlimited period, but must register with the local authorities after three months.

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.