Wierchomla Mała, village in Lesser Poland, Poland
Wierchomla Mała is a small village in the mountains of southern Poland, sitting at about 2,300 feet (700 meters) elevation and surrounded by forests. The settlement nestles in a valley basin framed by peaks like Gaborówka and Lembarczek.
The village was founded in the early 1600s and was long home to herders, particularly the Lemk people. In the 1800s Polish settlers arrived, and with growing interest in mountain travel, the first tourists came seeking peace and fresh air.
The residents of Wierchomla Mała have long lived by raising animals and working with their hands. You can still see this way of life and local customs in the food served at the mountain hut and in the character of the homes. Small wooden chapels and an old 19th-century church reflect how deeply rooted faith and tradition remain in daily life here.
The village is reachable by car via road 971 from Krakow, with the drive taking just under three hours. Parking at the ski area is free but limited, so arriving early or avoiding weekends helps avoid crowds.
The mountain hut Bacówka nad Wierchomlą was built in 1978 and is actually a granary that was moved to this location from another village. On clear days you can see the Tatras and several mountain ranges from here, making this small hut a surprisingly good viewpoint.
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