Hala na Małej Raczy

Hala na Małej Raczy (a mountain meadow) extends over the eastern slopes of Mała Racza in the Żywiec-Kisuca Beskids, within Rycerka Górna. It reaches from the ridge of Mała Racza (1,153 m above sea level) to the valley of the Racza stream at an altitude of about 930 m. The steep, open slope makes it a good viewpoint.

Where the hala came from

Halas were formerly glades that were not mown, only grazed. This one came about through pastoralism, linked to the settlement of the Wallachians. The hala belonged to many owners, and its parts had their own names: Kosarzyska, Mościska and Śleniodówka. Today sheep grazing has ceased for economic reasons.

Nature

The glade is in danger of being overgrown by forest, so work is being undertaken to mow it. A plant rare in Poland, the serrated bellflower, grows here. Nearby lies the Śrubita nature reserve.

Trails

A red trail runs through the hala: Wielka Racza, the hala, Przełęcz pod Orłem, Śrubita, Jaworzyna and Przełęcz Przegibek. A green trail connects Stará Bystrica and Kýčera via Przełęcz pod Orłem and the hala with Wielka Racza. Higher up, less than a kilometre from the hala, stands the PTTK mountain hut on Wielka Racza.

Practical information

• Access only by walking trails; check the current state of the trails before setting out.
• The hala lies in Rycerka Górna, in the municipality of Rajcza.