Bieszczady
Rediscovered - In search of Winter
In search of Winter
This year’s winter is exceptionally mild, so we decided to spend a few January days looking for it in the Bieszczady Mountains. While my family and friends were skiing down the slopes in Kalnica, I took the opportunity to wander with my camera through the wild and empty regions of Bieszczady around Kalnica and Wetlina.
After skiing and a trip, we spent time together in atmospheric pubs and playing board games at our guest house.
Chatka Puchatka
The next day looked promising – a light frost, sunshine, and perfect weather for a hike. We took advantage of it and set off from Przełęcz Wyżna to reach Chatka Puchatka on Połonina Wetlińska. The trail is fairly easy but very enjoyable, and the kids had a blast.
As we left the forest, we experienced the harsher side of the Bieszczady – it got colder and windier. But we didn’t let that stop us, because a well-deserved reward was waiting for us at the shelter – hot chocolate!
Bieszczady rediscovered
The next day, family and friends went skiing again, while I continued my solo hike, searching for traces of abandoned villages in the Bieszczady – the ruins of old churches, forgotten cemeteries, roadside crosses, and places reclaimed by nature.
These lands often hold tragic and sometimes mysterious stories. Here and there, you can still spot remnants of old settlements, traces of former charcoal-burning sites, all surrounded by raw, wild, and breathtaking nature.
We’ll be back
We’re slowly nearing the end of our trip, but before we head home, there’s still some winter fun waiting for us near the village of Liszna! We’re searching for the perfect hill for sledding and building a snowman – a great way to wrap things up.
We feel a bit of a longing. It’s definitely not enough, and we already know we’ll be back.
We’re saying goodbye to the Bieszczady, but only for a short while. See you soon!
