Żywiec Beskids

The Żywiec Beskids form a mountain range in the Outer Western Carpathians along the border between Poland and Slovakia. The chain runs in a northwest direction and includes several high peaks, among them Babia Góra reaching 5659 feet (1725 meters) and Pilsko at 5108 feet (1557 meters).

The chain formed a natural border between the Kingdom of Hungary and the Kingdom of Poland, with written records reaching back to 1269. The mountain slopes served as grazing grounds for shepherds who crossed between both kingdoms for centuries and maintained trade routes through the valleys.

Local people often call Babia Góra by the nickname "Diablak" or "Devil's Mountain" because of the sudden weather changes that can trap hikers. This traditional name reflects centuries of respect for the mountain's unpredictable character and the caution shepherds once practiced when crossing its slopes.

Marked trails lead to the summits from several starting points, with ascents taking between three and five hours depending on the route chosen. Weather conditions change quickly at high altitudes, so carrying warm clothing and rain protection even in summer is advisable.

Babia Góra holds snow on its summit until late May, creating extreme weather patterns that bring fierce storms in summer and intense blizzards in winter. Meteorologists sometimes compare the local microclimate to alpine conditions found several hundred miles further west.