What Tarnica is
Tarnica is the highest peak of the Polish Bieszczady and belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains (the 28 highest peaks of all Poland's ranges). 1346 metres is not especially high (Śnieżka is 1603, Rysy in the Tatras 2499), but in these wild, thinly populated mountains it is still a challenge calling for a 6–7 hour walk.
The distinctive metal cross on the summit was put up in 1980 by Ignacy Tokarczuk, Bishop of Przemyśl. It stands 7 metres high and is visible from several kilometres away. Beneath it is a marker giving the summit's details and a 360° panorama.
The climb from Wołosate
The most popular route: Wołosate → Bukowe Berdo → Tarnica (about 3 hours one way, red waymarks and then blue). Wołosate is the last village but one before the closed Ukrainian border, reached by car from Ustrzyki Górne. There is a car park at the trailhead (about 10 zł).
The path leads through beech and fir woods (to about 1,100 m), then comes out on the ridge and reaches Bukowe Berdo (1311 m, Tarnica's near neighbour), from where the last 30 minutes are a walk along the ridge to the summit itself.
Other ways up
- From Ustrzyki Górne via Szeroki Wierch — longer (about 5 hours), but a fine approach along the ridge
- From Berehy Górne via Tarniczka — an alternative, less crowded
- A loop with a night on Połonina Caryńska — a two-day trip linking two flagship summits
What you can see from the top
In good visibility Tarnica shows you:
- The whole Bieszczady ridge to the west: Bukowe Berdo, Halicz, Krzemień and Kopa Bukowska
- To the south — the peaks of the Slovak Bieszczady (Poloniny National Park)
- To the east — the ranges of the Ukrainian Carpathians with Ostry Horb
- To the north — Połonina Caryńska, Połonina Wetlińska and Lake Solina
- In perfect visibility (rarely): the outline of the Tatras about 150 km away
Things to remember
- Bears — the Bieszczady are their home. They are most active at dawn and dusk. Make some noise and walk in a group
- Storms — they come suddenly, especially in summer. Set off early
- Water — take 2 l; there are no springs along the route
- Boots — trekking boots above the ankle. Trainers guarantee an injury
- A map — there is no phone signal deep in the mountains, so carry a paper or offline map
How to get there and practical info
- Starting point
- Wołosate (car park) or Ustrzyki Górne
- Time up
- About 3 hours from Wołosate
- Difficulty
- Moderate; in good weather within reach of anyone reasonably fit
- National park ticket
- About 10 zł a day
- Season
- May to October (winter — with experience)
- Parking
- Wołosate, about 10 zł a day
When to go
May — the snow melts; June is ideal. Few people.
Crowds in August, though the lower part of the trail runs through woodland out of the sun.
September is the loveliest — warm, dry and colourful. October can already be wet.
Calls for crampons, an ice axe and knowledge of the terrain. Avalanches are rare, but the wind and frost are severe.
Other sights in Bieszczady
Straight-line distances from „Tarnica (1346 m)" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Tarnica (1346 m) within walking distance or a short drive.
