Silesian Beskids

The Silesian Beskids are a range in the Western Beskids that lies on both sides of the Polish-Czech border, in the Silesian Voivodeship and in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The highest peak is Skrzyczne, at 1257 m above sea level.

Highest peaks and mountain huts

After Skrzyczne, the second peak of the range is Barania Góra (1215 m), on whose slope the Vistula rises. On the Czech side Czantoria Wielka (995 m) stands out. On the ridges stand mountain huts on Błatnia (891 m), Klimczok (1034 m) and Skrzyczne (1250 m).

Rivers and caves

The border with the Moravian-Silesian Beskids is marked by the Olza. More than 415 caves have been documented in the range (as of 2014), the largest concentration of caves in the Polish Beskids.

Nature protection

Part of the range is protected by the Silesian Beskids Landscape Park. A separate Natura 2000 area (special area of conservation) of 26,405 ha, made up of three enclaves, protects, among other things, plants such as Tozzia carpathica, as well as the lynx, wolf, otter and bats.

Practical information

• The gateways to the range are Wisła, Szczyrk, Ustroń and Bielsko-Biała.
• The Main Beskid Trail begins in Ustroń and leads through the main peaks.
• Check trail descriptions and conditions on the routes with the mountain huts and trail managers before setting out.