A sight in the Wisła region

Barania Góra and the source of the Vistula

Barania Góra (1220 m a.s.l.) is the second highest peak of the Silesian Beskids, with a viewing tower on the summit. From its slopes rise the Biała and Czarna Wisełka — regarded as the source of Poland's longest river.

The summit and the viewing tower

Barania Góra stands 1220 m a.s.l. and is the second highest peak of the Silesian Beskids. On the summit there is a viewing tower from which, in good weather, a panorama of the Beskids opens out, with the Tatras on the horizon. The ascent follows waymarked trails, most conveniently from the Wisła Czarne side.

The source of the Vistula

  • The Czarna Wisełka — the eastern source stream, regarded as the main source of the Vistula
  • The Biała Wisełka — the western source stream, with waterfalls in its valley
  • Where the streams meet — below the mountain they form the Vistula
  • Waymarked trails — education paths leading to the springs

In practice

The climb calls for sturdy footwear and some fitness — it takes several hours there and back. It is worth stopping at the mountain hut on the way. It is at its finest on a clear day, when the view from the tower reaches furthest.

How to get there and practical info

Height
1220 m a.s.l. — the second peak of the range
Ascent
Waymarked trails, most conveniently from Wisła Czarne
At the summit
A viewing tower, with a mountain hut by the trail
Take with you
Sturdy boots, water and a windproof jacket
Best time
A clear day, for the views
Time needed
Several hours there and back
Mapa: Google Maps · 49.6075, 18.9908

When to go

Spring

Meltwater feeds the streams; the trails can still be muddy.

Summer

The best time for the walk, with people around the hut.

Autumn

Golden woods and the longest views from the tower.

Winter

A winter ascent for the experienced only — snow and ice.

Other sights in Wisła

Straight-line distances from „Barania Góra and the source of the Vistula" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.

The Residence of the President of PolandA modernist residence on Zadni Groń, built in 1929–1930 for President Ignacy Mościcki.
~3,1 km as the crow flies
CieńkówA ski centre and slope in the southern part of Wisła — a cable lift, ski runs and a starti
~4,6 km as the crow flies
Lake Czerniańskie and the damA reservoir on the Vistula in the Czarne district — an artificial lake behind a dam, where
~5,8 km as the crow flies
The Adam Małysz ski jumpThe ski jump at Malinka, named after Adam Małysz — a place bound up with the career of Pol
~7,9 km as the crow flies
The Lutheran church of the Apostles Peter and PaulA Neoclassical Lutheran church of 1833–1838 in the centre of Wisła — one of the emblems of
~11 km as the crow flies
The Beskid MuseumA regional museum in the centre of Wisła, in a former inn of 1794 — shepherding, weaving a
~11 km as the crow flies
Stożek WielkiA border summit of the Silesian Beskids (978 m) with a PTTK mountain hut — a chairlift fro
~15 km as the crow flies

Where to stay nearby

Places from our list that have Barania Góra and the source of the Vistula within walking distance or a short drive.

Hotel Wisła Premium ★★★Hotel ★★★ z SPA i restauracją, Wisła Kopydło · Wisła, ul. Kopydło 20
Hotel *** Podium WisłaHotel ★★★ dla aktywnych, przy szlaku na Baranią Górę · Wisła Malinka, os. Bajcary 13
Rezydencja Pod Ochorowiczówką B&BPensjonat w centrum z widokiem na Baranią Górę · Wisła Centrum, ul. Juliana Ochorowicza 4
Zielone Wzgórze WisłaDom wakacyjny z widokiem na góry · Wisła, ul. Sosnowa 12
Domek na Leśnej WisłaApartamenty w dolinie Jawornika · Wisła Jawornik, ul. Leśna 25A

See all places to stay in the Wisła region →