The most beautiful trails for winter hiking

Winter in Poland exceptionally invites us to spend it in the Polish mountains. Charming, snow-covered forests, deers sometimes jumping somewhere among the snowdrifts. Mulled wine or hot tea with honey which we can grab in the shelter after passing part of the trail.

Turbacz (1310 m.a.s.l.) will certainly be at the forefront of places. Located in the Gorce, their highest peak is distinguished by exceptional views (to the Tatras and Pieniny Mountains), the possibility of meeting fire salamanders, or fewer people on the trail in winter. Going to the top, it is worth starting the journey from Kowaniec in Nowy Targ. On the way, there is a shelter PTTK W.Orkana on Turbacz and further, after 500 meters you can reach the top. The trail takes about 5-6 hours. It is nearly 8 km (one way).

Gorczański Park Narodowy

Babia Góra (1725 m.a.s.l.) in Beskid Żywiecki is the "Queen of the Beskids" and also one of the most interesting winter trails. In fact, Babia Góra represents a whole mountain range, but people usually called this name the highest peak which is Diablak. Apparently, there used to be a castle here where the devil lived, according to the stories of the highlanders. Some say that Chernobog (the god of black magic, war, and evil) is still living there. It is possible that this is due to the danger on the trail, which is associated with the rapidly changing weather. However, for daredevils, Babia Góra offers the opportunity to admire the wonderful panorama of the Western Beskids and the Tatra Mountains. In winter, the trail can be started from the Krowiarki Pass. On the way, you have to overcome peaks such as Sokolica, Gówniak, and Kępa. The walking time is close to 6-7 hours. It is about 14 km.

Babia Góra

Also worth recommending is the trail leading through the two Tatra peaks, Grześ (1653 m.a.s.l.) and Rakoń (1879 m.a.s.l.). It offers exceptionally beautiful views of the Western Tatras. At times, the route turns out to be quite steep and it may be necessary to use crampons and poles, but such difficulties certainly motivate many persistent travelers. The trail can be started from the car park at Siwa Polana in the Chochołowska Valley. Further on, the second route heads towards the PTTK Shelter at Polana Chochołowska and further to Grześ, from which you can go to Rakoń. The whole route is about 25 km and it is estimated that the time to cover it is nearly 9-10 hours.

Grześ

Where can you go in Europe?

One of the most beautiful regions, especially in winter, is the Allgäu. Alpine villages such as Oberstdorf, Füssen or Oberstaufen are good starting points for winter hiking. The region attracts with many interesting points and attractions. Among the interesting places in this area, we find the Zillertal valley, Mieming, and Neuschwanstein Castle.

View of the Alps from Fischen im Allgäu Anna Chajda

One option is to follow the Breitachklamm trail from Oberstdorf. The path leads through a rocky river gorge with beautiful views of frozen waterfalls and various rock formations. The trail takes about 2-3 hours.

Breitachklamm

In winter, the gorge turns into a fairy-tale landscape of snow and ice. Glittering icicles, frozen waterfalls, mighty curtains of ice, and mysterious caves can cast a spell on you. Take your time and wander the Breitachklamm on a circular hiking trail. In addition to the mighty gorge and fascinating rock formations, you can see impressive views of the Oberstdorf mountains along the way.