Welcome to our blog! Today we’re taking you to a truly magical place in the heart of the Beskid Mały mountains.

We’re talking, of course, about the PTTK hut on Magurka Wilkowicka – an oasis of calm and an excellent starting point for hikes. It’s a spot that appeals not only to avid peak baggers but also to those simply looking for a moment’s respite surrounded by the beautiful Beskid nature.

Did you know that Magurka Wilkowicka itself is a peak strategically located between Bielsko-Biała, Wilkowice, Lake Międzybrodzkie and Lake Żywieckie? It forms an important trail junction. And it’s right here, on its slope, that this wonderful hut has been serving hikers for years. Whether you’re planning ambitious, multi-hour treks, or simply want somewhere to sit down, rest, and feast your eyes on the view, Magurka and its welcoming doors are sure to charm you. (Personally, I’m always taken by the hospitality!).

Magurka Wilkowicka – Pearl of the Beskid Mały

Magurka Wilkowicka, rising to a height of 909 metres above sea level, is the fourth highest peak in the Magurka Wilkowicka Group and, it’s fair to say, a real gem of this small but charming mountain range. It lies in a picturesque corner of Poland, on the border of the Silesian and Lesser Poland voivodeships.

The peak is relatively easily accessible and makes an excellent destination for hikers of genuinely varied levels of experience. Its charm lies in its beautiful location, extensive clearings that invite you to rest, and the dense forests that cloak its slopes. Interestingly, Magurka used to be bustling with pastoral life, which, it must be said, adds historical colour. Indeed, looking at these open spaces, you can easily imagine those bygone times.

How to get to the peak? Charming location and accessibility

The peak of Magurka Wilkowicka is located in the western part of the Beskid Mały mountains, forming the so-called Magurka Wilkowicka Group along with Czupel. This part of the Beskid Mały lies east of the Soła River valley, which divides the range into two distinct sections.

Magurka is located between Czupel and Sokołówka, and its accessibility is one of its greatest strengths. The peak can be reached from several nearby locations, including Łodygowice, Międzybrodzie Bialskie, and Czernichów.

Particularly popular, especially among families with children (or those who simply prefer gentler ascents), is the route from Przełęcz Przegibek pass. It’s considered the easiest option for reaching the peak. For those travelling by car, Wilkowice can also be a convenient starting point, from where an asphalt road leads almost right up to the peak. You can leave your car in the car park there.

The peak’s accessibility, appreciated by many tourists, makes Magurka Wilkowicka a popular destination for excursions throughout the year. Although at peak season, particularly at weekends, the easiest trails can get quite crowded, it’s worth bearing this in mind if you’re seeking absolute solitude.

Hiking trails and junctions – a starting point for adventures

Magurka Wilkowicka is a true hub of hiking trails. This is precisely what makes it an excellent base for further hikes in the Beskid Mały mountains. From the peak and the area around the hut, numerous marked routes branch out.

From here, you can set off for the highest peak in the Beskid Mały – Czupel, which belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains. Getting to Czupel from Magurka takes, as a guide friend of mine puts it, “no more than a good walk” – about 45 minutes along the green trail. But it’s still worth having a map in your backpack.

Below are a few popular trails leading to Magurka and in its vicinity:

• Blue trail from Przełęcz Przegibek – this is definitely the shortest and easiest option, simply ideal for a quick afternoon trip (about an hour’s walk to the hut).
• Green trail from Wilkowice – longer, yes, but also very picturesque, leading directly to the hut’s door.
• Red trail from Międzybrodzie Bialskie – another, in my opinion, very interesting option for reaching Magurka, offering varied views.
• Trails from Łodygowice and Czernichów – these are suggestions for those seeking longer routes with greater elevation gains, a real challenge for the legs!

Magurka Wilkowicka is a fantastic point from which to also set off for other nearby peaks, such as Rogacz or Sokołówka. The trails are, it’s worth noting, well-marked, which significantly simplifies planning even more complicated hikes. At Przełęcz Przegibek pass, there’s the Bar Gawra, and near the car park, provided there’s space, you can leave your car.

The PTTK Hut: more than just a base camp

The heart of Magurka Wilkowicka? Undoubtedly the PTTK hut, located precisely at 909 metres above sea level. It’s not just a place where you can sit, eat, and stay the night, but also an important landmark and a true haven for everyone traversing the Beskid Mały trails.

The hut’s hospitable, warm atmosphere means you feel, simply, right at home. Many visitors confirm this in their reviews, praising the staff and the atmosphere. The history of this place is fascinating and, as is often the case in the mountains, reaches back to the very beginnings of organised tourism in the region.

Accommodation at the hut – feel the mountain atmosphere

The PTTK hut on Magurka Wilkowicka offers accommodation, making it an ideal spot for a longer, multi-day stay in the mountains. Rooms of various sizes are available, allowing for comfortable rest after a, sometimes truly, exhausting full-day hike.

Staying overnight at the hut is, in my opinion, a wonderful opportunity to feel that genuine, unique mountain atmosphere and fully immerse yourself in the ambience of the Beskid Mały. It’s also a great option for planning a trip and conquering several nearby peaks without having to descend every day.

Food at the hut: homely tastes of mountain cuisine

Upon reaching the hut, hikers can generally expect a well-stocked buffet and, most importantly, delicious food. The hut’s kitchen is famous for its homemade dinners and local specialities, which, to be honest, can revive even the most exhausted hiker. The current menu can often be checked online, for example, on the hut’s website.

Memories of mountain trips, I feel, are often linked to the taste of these very hut delicacies. Here you can try classics like apple pancakes (a must-do!) or steamed dumplings with blueberry sauce. The menu is, generally, varied, and after a hearty meal, you can enjoy a good latte or, for the more adventurous, fortify yourself with a Czech beer.

It’s the ideal place to replenish your energy before continuing your hike. Or simply relax, sitting by the window and admiring the views which, believe me, can be truly breathtaking. It’s also worth checking the hut’s Facebook page, where current photos and information are often posted.

Attractions around Magurka Wilkowicka

Magurka Wilkowicka is, of course, the peak and the hut themselves, but its surrounding area also hides a whole range of other attractions just waiting to be discovered. The Beskid Mały can surprise you with its beauty and diversity, and Magurka provides a fantastic starting point for further exploration.

Nearby hiking trails – options for everyone

Apart from the trails leading directly to Magurka, you can set off from its vicinity onto many other equally interesting routes. The blue trail from Przełęcz Przegibek pass leads not only to the hut but continues further, towards Czupel.

The red trail from Międzybrodzie Bialskie also offers many hiking possibilities; you can plan genuinely interesting loops with it. For more experienced hikers looking for something more, longer and more demanding traverses await.

For example, the red trail from Łodygowice, leading via Przysłop and the mysteriously named Diabli Kamień/Diabelski Kamień (Devil’s Stone). Or the green trail from Wilkowice, which admittedly passes the hut on Magurka but continues further towards Czupel. It’s also worth mentioning the trails from Czernichów (blue via Suchy Wierch) or a combination of trails (yellow and red) from Tresna Mała. Each trail, which is fantastic, offers slightly different experiences and, most importantly, different views.

The most beautiful views – panorama of the Beskids and beyond

From the summit of Magurka Wilkowicka, and equally importantly from the sub-summit clearing, a simply stunning panorama unfolds, I must admit. In favourable conditions, and they can vary, we can admire expansive landscapes encompassing the Silesian Beskids, Żywiec Beskids, and sometimes even the Tatras!

Peaks visible include Babia Góra (also called Diablak by some), Pilsko, Wielka Racza, Barania Góra, Skrzyczne – on which stands a distinctive radio and television transmitter – or Klimczok. We can also make out parts of Bielsko-Biała, including the Straconka area. The view from Magurka can truly take your breath away and, let’s face it, it rewards all the effort of the ascent.

Nearby peaks, such as Rogacz or Hrobacza Łąka, also offer unforgettable panoramas. From Gaiki, for example, a panorama of the Silesian Beskids unfolds. Meanwhile, the views of Lake Międzybrodzkie and Góra Żar are particularly charming from the trail leading from Czernichów. Don’t these names sound inviting?

Planning your trip to Magurka Wilkowicka – what you need to know

A well-planned trip is, as you know, the key to a successful mountain adventure. If you’ve never been here before, you can start your adventure on the easiest trail. We ourselves often started our hikes from here. Magurka Wilkowicka, although not a peak of alpine difficulty, does require proper preparation, especially if you’re planning a longer route or heading out in, shall we say, less favourable weather conditions.

How to get to Magurka Wilkowicka? Practical tips

Getting to Magurka Wilkowicka is relatively straightforward, which is a big plus. Most often, tourists arrive at one of the nearby towns – Wilkowice, Bielsko-Biała, Łodygowice, Międzybrodzie Bialskie, or Czernichów – from where they then set off on the trails.

A very popular starting point is Przełęcz Przegibek pass, located at an altitude of 663 metres above sea level. You can drive there, and there’s a car park beneath Bar Gawra where, although it can sometimes get busy, you can leave your vehicle.

The road through Przełęcz Przegibek pass connects Międzybrodzie Bialskie with Bielsko-Biała. It’s worth remembering that the ascent to Przegibek from the direction of Straconka (part of Bielsko-Biała) can be, to put it mildly, steep.

Interestingly, an asphalt road to Magurka Wilkowicka also leads from Wilkowice, providing access almost right up to the peak. This is often the route taken by those who want to reach the hut quickly. Online cameras are also available, allowing you to check current conditions.

What to pack for a mountain trip? Hiker’s essentials

Standard gear for a mountain trip is absolutely fundamental for safety and comfort – there’s probably no need to convince anyone of that. Appropriate hiking boots are essential, necessarily suited to the season and the prevailing trail conditions.

It’s always worth taking layered clothing with you, which will allow you to adapt to the often rapidly changing weather. A waterproof jacket is a must-have, as is a supply of water and provisions. You’ll also need, of course, a charged phone, a map (paper is always a good idea!) or an app with offline routes, and a power bank.

If you’re planning an overnight stay at the hut, you should bring personal items and, potentially, a sleeping bag, although the hut provides blankets and bedding. Always, and I mean always, check the weather forecast and trail conditions before setting off, whether it’s for tomorrow or Saturday, to ensure your trip will be safe. In difficult weather conditions, especially on slippery or icy trails, crampons or trekking poles may prove indispensable. Remember too that hikers should always follow GOPR announcements, especially in winter. Because the mountains, despite their gentleness, can be unpredictable.

Magurka Wilkowicka in winter: a land of white powder

Magurka Wilkowicka reveals a completely different, magical face when it’s embraced by a thick layer of its winter coat. The snow-covered trails then become a true paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. It’s an ideal place to spend time actively in winter, away from the often crowded downhill skiing slopes.

Cross-country skiing centre: trails and what else?

The Cross-country Skiing Centre operates on Magurka Wilkowicka, attracting swathes of enthusiasts for this discipline as soon as the snow falls. Next to the hut, there’s a building that was originally built with the idea of serving cross-country skiing competitions, but today, fortunately, it serves all trail users.

Cross-country trails lead, among other places, along the blue hiking trail, which perfectly shows how mountains can change their function depending on the season. The infrastructure is, as far as I know, constantly being developed to provide the best possible conditions for skiers. If you’re up for a bit of effort, it’s a great option for winter.

Winter attractions and events – what to do when the snow falls?

Winter on Magurka is, naturally, not just about cross-country skiing. The snow-covered trails are also perfectly suited for snowshoeing, which has recently gained popularity, or simply for equally enjoyable walks in the frosty, crisp scenery.

Children, and let’s be honest, sometimes adults too, can also toboggan down, which is a wonderful way to get back to the car park at Przełęcz Przegibek pass, full of joy and laughter. Sometimes winter events are organised, such as skiing competitions, which add energy and life to this mountain area, which is great.

Remember, however, that a winter trip can involve difficult trail conditions and, what’s worse, bad weather, so you should always exercise extreme caution and, perhaps most importantly, prepare properly. Because the mountains in winter, well, that’s a different story.

History and legends – what does Magurka Wilkowicka hide?

Magurka Wilkowicka is a place with a rich history and steeped in local legends which, I must say, add a mysterious charm. The hut and the surrounding areas hold many stories of bygone times and the people associated with this very place.

The hut’s beginnings – a long story

The history of the hut on Magurka Wilkowicka dates back, surprisingly, all the way to the late 19th century. Even then, the tourism potential of this peak was recognised. Robert Urbanke, a tourism activist associated with the Bielsko branch of the German organisation Beskidenverein, began, as they say, “taking the first steps” by building a tourist station, and subsequently a fully-fledged hut.

In 1903, the Beskidenverein opened a wooden building on a stone foundation. It was given the name “Archduchess Maria Theresa Hut on Mount Joseph”, in honour of Maria Theresa of Tuscany, wife of Archduke Charles Stephen of Habsburg. The name, one must admit, is quite long.

At the same time, interestingly, independent of the German organisation, Polish tourists were also looking for their own place to rest. In 1902, on the initiative of Karol Sikora from Łodygowice, a private hut named “View of the Tatras” was built near Magurka Wilkowicka. From it, tourists, as the name suggests, admired the panorama of the Tatras and Babia Góra.

Unfortunately, this Polish hut, as sometimes happened with wooden buildings in the mountains, burnt down in 1911. The Beskidenverein hut, due to the nationality of its owners, was often, understandably, avoided by Polish tourists.

After World War II, the hut was taken over by the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK) and since then has borne the name of the distinguished tourism activist Józef Grzybowski. The Wintersportklub, founded by Germans from Beskidenverein, testified to, as is evident, the dynamic development of winter sports in the region. The ruins of the former tourist station and the clearings where those first buildings stood are still part of the Magurka landscape, witnesses to bygone times.

Curiosities and local legends – Dragon’s Den and other stories

The area around Magurka Wilkowicka holds several curiosities and legends just waiting to be discovered. One of them is, for example, the Wietrzna Dziura Cave, also known as Dragon’s Den. It’s a natural monument, accessed by a trail from the hut on Magurka Wilkowicka.

According to local legend, the Dragon’s Den cave had, wait for it, a secret connection to the castle in Żywiec! Fantastic, right, a story that certainly sparks the imagination while hiking – and what if it’s true?

It’s also worth paying attention to the very distinctive chapel on Magurka Wilkowicka, which you pass just before the hut, or the chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary at Przełęcz U Panienki pass in the Beskid Mały.

At Przełęcz Przegibek pass, there’s also a chapel with a figure of the Sorrowful Christ from 1858, and a monument commemorating the Victims of War from 1996. On the summit of Hrobacza Łąka, another peak in the Beskid Mały, a large steel cross has been erected, and interestingly, there’s also a tourist hut and a viewing platform.

Magurka Wilkowicka – something for everyone, for sure

Magurka Wilkowicka is a place which, I am convinced, is perfectly suited for a genuinely wide range of tourists. Regardless of age, physical fitness, or, importantly, mountain experience, everyone, absolutely everyone, will find something for themselves here.

Indeed, it’s one of the few such places in the Beskid Mały mountains. If you’re heading out with a dog, remember the rules that apply on the trails and in the hut.

Family trip to the mountains – effortlessly, with a smile

Thanks to the relatively easy access from Przełęcz Przegibek pass, Magurka is a great destination for, for example, a first family walk in the mountains with children. The blue trail is wide and, most importantly for little legs, not too steep, which significantly eases the hike even with the youngest little ones.

The hut offers facilities for families, and the chance to rest and eat in a warm place is, let’s face it, a big plus. In winter, as we mentioned, you can bring sledges, and Bar Gawra at Przełęcz Przegibek pass is often open, which is a welcome custom, offering warm drinks that really warm you up after a frosty descent.

You can imagine the joy of the little ones when, say, little Smyk dreams of a backpack full of those highly desired PTTK mountain badges by young tourists! Earning such a badge is, by the way, a great motivation for children, which I’ve observed for years. PTTK huts throughout Poland support such initiatives.

A trip for experienced hikers – upwards!

For more seasoned hikers, those who already have a few kilometres under their belt, Magurka Wilkowicka is an excellent starting point for conquering other, often more demanding, peaks in the Beskid Mały mountains.

You can easily combine a trip to Magurka with summiting Czupel, the highest peak in this range and a point in the Crown of Polish Mountains. The red trail from Międzybrodzie Bialskie allows you to plan, in my opinion, a very interesting loop encompassing Magurka, Czupel, and a return to Międzybrodzie Bialskie.

Trails lead towards Rogacz, Przełęcz Wysokie Siodło pass, or further east into the Beskid Mały mountains. There are genuinely many possibilities, and the well-developed network of trails allows for the creation of very varied routes, tailored to your own individual preferences and, of course, current fitness level.

Magurka Wilkowicka and surrounding area: what else is worth seeing?

When visiting Magurka Wilkowicka, it’s worth, if time allows, taking a moment to discover the nearby attractions too. The Beskid Mały region and its neighbourhood offer many interesting places that will certainly complement your mountain adventure. I always say that the mountains aren’t just about the trails.

Nearby towns – gateway to the Beskid Mały

Around Magurka Wilkowicka, there are charming towns that can serve both as the starting point for your trip and, pleasantly, as a destination after descending from the trail. Międzybrodzie Bialskie, situated by Lake Międzybrodzkie at the foot of the Beskid Mały, is a popular tourist town, offering, among other things, water recreation opportunities.

Wilkowice and Bielsko-Biała, from which trails to Magurka also lead, are larger centres with richer infrastructure. From Bielsko-Biała, for example from Stalownik, the red trail leads via Chatka na Rogaczu to Czupel, which is quite a popular option.

Łodygowice and Czernichów are further points from which you can set off into the mountains, offering various route options. It’s worth visiting these towns, experiencing their local atmosphere and, naturally, taking advantage of the available facilities. In these towns, as well as at the Rogacz student hut or Bar Gawra at Przełęcz Przegibek pass, you can often get stamps confirming you’ve completed a trail, which, as every collector knows, is very important for those gathering PTTK mountain badges.

It’s also worth remembering that, as confirmed in April 2025, there was no stamp found at the summit of Czupel. So it’s always worth checking for current information before setting off if getting a stamp is a priority for you. Opening hours for places offering stamps may vary.

Other nearby attractions – something for body and soul

Within, let’s say, 30 kilometres of Magurka Wilkowicka, there are many interesting places which are worth visiting if you have a little more time. This region is genuinely rich in historical sites and natural attractions, making it very appealing.

Worth mentioning are: The Castle in Żywiec (about 11 km), Skrzyczne (about 12.5 km) and Barania Góra (about 20.3 km) in the neighbouring Silesian Beskids, the Forest Park of Surprises in Ustroń (about 22.5 km), Lake Goczałkowickie (about 22.7 km) and the charming Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice Zdrój (about 22.9 km), The Castle in Pszczyna (about 26.2 km), the Bison Show Reserve in Jankowice (about 27.5 km), as well as the Places of Remembrance – the former camps of Auschwitz (about 28.3 km) and Birkenau (about 28.9 km). These are just a few suggestions.

Besides these, within the Beskid Mały itself, places await discovery such as Góra Żar (accessible, for example, from Kozubnik), Rogacz (which can be climbed from Bielsko-Biała), Hrobacza Łąka, or Przełęcz U Panienki pass with its historic chapel. The Magurka Wilkowicka Group lies entirely within the Beskid Mały Landscape Park, which only highlights the exceptional natural assets of this area. The fact that you can see so much beauty here is genuinely fantastic.

Plan an unforgettable trip to the Beskid Mały – a few final words

Magurka Wilkowicka and the entire Beskid Mały is a region which has, I am deeply convinced, enormous tourism potential and can offer an unforgettable experience to anyone who decides to visit.

Whether you’re looking for active recreation or a moment of respite in the lap of nature, you’ll find something for yourself here. Indeed, it’s one of those places you want to return to.

Top tips and advice for tourists – to make it easier

When planning your trip to Magurka Wilkowicka, always, and I mean always, check the weather forecast and trail conditions, for example, using an online camera or asking for opinions at the hut. In the mountains, as you know, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Choose trails appropriate for your fitness level and, just as importantly, your experience.

If you set off from Przełęcz Przegibek pass, you have the shortest trail to the hut, which is a great option, especially for starting your mountain adventures, or when you’re short on time. Remember to stay properly hydrated and bring snacks with you; there’s a warm meal waiting for you at the hut, of course, but it’s always worth having something handy on the way.

Don’t forget your camera – the views from Magurka and the surrounding area are, no exaggeration, genuinely spectacular! If you have ambitious goals, like summiting Czupel or other peaks in the Crown of Polish Mountains, make sure beforehand where you can get the necessary stamps – the PTTK hut on Magurka is, fortunately, a reliable spot.

Safety in the mountains – that’s fundamental

Safety in the mountains is an absolute priority – that can’t be forgotten. Always inform someone close to you about your planned route and estimated time of return. Remember the GOPR emergency number (601 100 300) and the very helpful Ratunek app.

In difficult conditions, especially in winter, consider abandoning your trip or, perhaps more sensibly, choosing an easier route; bad weather and difficult trail conditions can, unfortunately, quickly turn a pleasant hike into a dangerous situation. Be aware that in some areas of the Beskids, such as Babia Góra or the Tatras, there are avalanche risks, although the Beskid Mały is, fortunately, safer in this regard.

Remember too to respect nature and other hikers – keep the trails clean and don’t stray from the marked routes, especially in protected areas like the Beskid Mały Landscape Park. It’s worth bearing in mind that cyclists or skiers may appear on the hiking trails who, as in the case of cross-country skiing on the blue trail, use the same paths, and this shared space, well, requires mutual respect. Hiking through the Beskid Mały, you’ll discover its unique character and beauty, which, as I said before, make you want to keep coming back.