Welcome to Polańczyk, the pearl of the Bieszczady Mountains and a vibrant spa town, picturesquely located on the shores of the majestic Lake Solińskie. If you’re planning a holiday in this extraordinary corner of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, you’ve come to the right place! Polańczyk, along with nearby Solina and the surrounding Bieszczady Mountains, offers so many attractions that it’s sometimes hard to know where to start.

We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide for you which will help you plan an unforgettable holiday, full of active leisure, fascinating cultural discoveries, and breathtaking views. As passionate travellers, we’ve discovered all the most interesting places for you – from cruises on the ‘Bieszczady Sea’, through mountain trails, to places perfect for families with children. Wondering if one trip is enough to see it all? Perhaps not, but let’s give it a go!

Attractions around Lake Solińskie

Lake Solińskie, often referred to as the ‘Bieszczady Sea’, is the heart of the region and the main magnet for tourists. This artificial water reservoir, created in the 1960s as a result of damming the San and Solinka rivers, is one of the largest in Poland, and its picturesque shoreline, over 160 kilometres long, conceals numerous coves, beaches, and marinas. Around Lake Solińskie, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to spend your time, both actively and in full relaxation.

From cruises, through water sports, to walks along the shore – everyone will find something for themselves here. Because, after all, you can never have too many beautiful views, can you?

Boat trips on the ‘Bieszczady Sea’ – relaxation and unforgettable views

Nothing truly captures the majesty of Lake Solińskie like a boat trip on its azure waters. Solina Port, located on the shores of the lake in the village of Solina, offers a wide selection of boat excursions, although choosing a specific one can sometimes be a little overwhelming.

An experienced crew will take you on a trip lasting from several dozen minutes to even several hours. This is an excellent opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forested hills, and charming bays. The oldest boat sailing on Lake Solińskie is, if I remember correctly, the “Bryza”. These trips are pure relaxation and a true paradise for lovers of beautiful landscapes, constituting a unique element of a holiday in the Bieszczady Mountains.

Water sports equipment rentals – active leisure for everyone

Lake Solińskie is an ideal place for people who value active leisure on the water. In Solina and Polańczyk, especially at Cypel, you’ll find numerous water sports equipment rental points.

You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, rowing boats, and even try your hand at windsurfing or paddleboarding, although learning might take a while. The lake is also an excellent place for sailing.

The wide range of equipment allows you to tailor activities to your preferences and skill level. Spending time on Lake Solińskie this way guarantees lots of fun and refreshment, especially on hot days – who wouldn’t want to feel that breeze?

Beaches in Polańczyk and Solina – perfect for a family holiday

Although the Bieszczady Mountains are primarily famous for their mountain trails, the area around Lake Solińskie also offers charming beaches, perfect for a family holiday. In Polańczyk, you’ll find a guarded beach with a swimming area, often referred to as Cypel.

A little further away, in the village of Wołkowyja, lies the popular Zielona Plaża (Green Beach). Safe, shallow shores make these places ideal for children (which is a big plus for parents, right?). You can relax here in the sun, build sandcastles, or simply play in the water, enjoying the proximity to Lake Solińskie.

This is a wonderful alternative to mountain hikes, allowing for a moment of respite, especially if you have little legs accompanying you.

The Solina Dam – an impressive structure and viewpoint

The Solina Dam is not only a key element of the region’s infrastructure but also one of the largest and most impressive hydrotechnical structures in Poland, and a showcase for Solina. Built between 1960 and 1968, it serves protective functions while also generating electricity as a power plant.

The crown of the dam, often called the “Bieszczady Krupówki” (such a comparison with Zakopane always fires the imagination!), is a popular promenade. Walking along it, you can admire spectacular views of Lake Solińskie and the surrounding mountains. There is also an ecological mural on the dam, designed by Przemysław “Trust” Truściński. Visiting the interior of the power plant is fascinating, although, as with many facilities of this type, unfortunately, taking photos is not allowed.

There is a constant, low temperature inside, not exceeding 7 degrees Celsius, which can be a bit of a shock on a hot day.

The Gondola Lift over Solina – breathtaking views from above

One of the newest and perhaps most exciting attractions in the area is the gondola lift over Solina, which opened on 1st July 2022. This most modern cable car in Poland runs over the dam, offering passengers in glass cabins absolutely breathtaking views of Lake Solińskie and the Bieszczady Mountains. The route is over 1.5 km long and leads from the Plasza station, located near the promenade in Solina, to the station on Góra Jawor.

At the summit of Góra Jawor, there is a viewpoint tower 55 metres high (although, frankly, I sometimes hear 50 metres too, but let’s stick to the official 55!), from which the panoramas are even wider. An additional attraction on the tower is a glass balcony – for the brave! The lower station building “Plasza” houses interactive exhibitions which enrich knowledge about the region. There is also a point available here allowing observation of the surroundings.

Tickets for the gondola ride and entry to the tower can be purchased at ticket offices or machines. For example, a 2+1 family ticket for a round trip costs 99 zł, and a concession ticket for the tower costs 10 zł, a regular ticket 15 zł. The prices, well, they are what they are, but the views compensate (I think?).

Attractions for families with children. What will delight the little ones?

Polańczyk and its surroundings are a dream destination for a family holiday. The region offers plenty of attractions specially prepared with the youngest tourists in mind, which provide both great fun and educational value.

Safe places, interactive parks, and close contact with animals mean children certainly won’t be bored, and you will spend unforgettable moments together. Because is there anything better than the joy on a child’s face during a holiday?

Here are a few suggestions that are sure to appeal to children of all ages.

Mystery Solina Theme Park – an interactive adventure in the world of Bieszczady legends

On the slope of Góra Jawor, accessible, among other ways, via the gondola lift from Plasza station, is the Mystery Solina Theme Park (I’ve also come across the name Tajemnicza Solina Theme Park, but it’s the same place). This family theme park invites guests into a world full of adventures, puzzles, and magical Bieszczady legends.

The land within the park is inhabited by characters from regional fairy tales, such as Biesy and Czarty (types of demons/devils), Rusałki (water sprites), and Olbrzymy (giants). Animators present local stories in an accessible way, and children can try out the spells of a character named Błąd in the Bies’s Maze. Interactive exhibitions, safe playgrounds, and educational nature trails make this a place where fun combines with learning about the history and culture of the Bieszczady Mountains.

Village Zoo in Berezka – a close encounter with animals

Located less than 3 km from Polańczyk, in the village of Berezka, is the charming Wiejskie Zoo (Village Zoo). This private mini-zoo is a true paradise for the youngest, especially for those who love animals. You’ll meet rabbits, chickens, ducks, mice, donkeys, and even cows and a pony here.

Our daughter, Iga, loves horses, so the sight of a pony brought her great joy – priceless moments! Besides the opportunity for close contact with animals (you can buy feed for 5 zł), the zoo offers additional attractions such as a pontoon slide, a rope park, a green labyrinth, and an artificial cow for learning to milk (seriously, yes!). Simple meals are also available on site, such as a zapiekanka (10 zł) or a children’s set (chicken nuggets with chips, 15 zł).

Entry costs 25 zł for an adult and 20 zł for a child (3-12 years). A pony ride is an additional 12 zł. This is an excellent place for a few hours of carefree fun in the fresh air. It also allows for observing interesting animal behaviours.

Rope parks in Polańczyk – fun and adrenaline at height

For little and bigger thrill-seekers, Polańczyk offers rope parks, guaranteeing exciting fun at height among the trees. One of them is Lemur Park, established in 2014 at the end of Cypel in Polańczyk.

It has five varied routes of different difficulty levels, adapted to the age and abilities of participants. Another well-known park is Jawor.

The “Bieszczady Angels” route in Jawor rises up to 70 metres above the ground, which in itself is quite an attraction! Rope parks are a great opportunity to test your physical fitness, overcome fears, and simply have great fun outdoors, while enjoying the proximity to nature.

Hiking Trails and Nature. The Bieszczady Mountains in all their glory

The Bieszczady Mountains are famous for their picturesque landscapes and vast, wild areas, which are a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Polańczyk is an excellent base for exploring the beauty of the Bieszczady mountains.

Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels await you, offering unforgettable views and close contact with nature. Hikes through the Bieszczady meadows, known as połoniny, are a must-do on any trip to these mountains. Can you imagine the Bieszczady Mountains without the połoniny?

Bieszczady Hiking Trails – discover the beauty of the Bieszczady Mountains

The Bieszczady Mountains offer a network of well-marked hiking trails. The most popular include routes leading to the highest peaks and the most beautiful połoniny. Tarnica (1346 m above sea level) is the highest peak in the Bieszczady, accessible, among other ways, via the red trail from Ustrzyki Górne or the blue trail from Wołosate, leading through Halicz.

Połonina Wetlińska is another pearl of the Bieszczady, offering beautiful panoramas; the highest situated mountain hut in the Bieszczady – Chatka Puchatka – is a particularly recommended spot (although, frankly, after modernisation, it has lost a bit of its former, cult atmosphere for some). Połonina Caryńska is also a mandatory point on the map of Bieszczady hikes; the ideal starting point is Przełęcz Wyżna (also called Przełęcz Wyżniańska), located in the western Bieszczady between Brzegi Górne and Ustrzyki Górne.

Right at the start of the hike from Przełęcz Wyżniańska to Połonina Caryńska, you can feast your eyes on the panorama of Mała and Wielka Rawka. Polańczyk itself also has beautiful walking paths and marked trails. The yellow trail “Perła Polańczyka” is a two-hour route with viewpoints on Kabajka and Horb mountain. The longer, red hiking trail leads from Polańczyk through Nelson’s Fjord on Lake Solińskie, and further through Solina and Myczków – walking this loop can take up to 5 hours, and the trip can be extended by a walk around Lake Myczkowskie. Remember to prepare properly before setting off on the trail, especially checking the weather conditions, as the weather in the mountains can be capricious.

Bieszczady Forest Railway – a journey back in time on the narrow-gauge railway

An unusual attraction that allows you to admire the Bieszczady landscapes in a more leisurely way is the Bieszczady Forest Railway (also known as the Bieszczady Narrow-Gauge Railway). It was established at the end of the 19th century and was originally used for transporting timber from Nowy Łupków to Cisna. Today it is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from various parts of Poland.

The main railway station is located in Majdan, part of the village of Cisna. The railway runs on routes to Przysłup and Balnica, offering a scenic journey through the heart of the Bieszczady Mountains. This is a fantastic adventure, especially for families with children, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of bygone years.

Bieszczady Bicycle Draisine trains also operate in the Bieszczady Mountains, which originally served for communication and transporting workers, and today offer rides on two scenic routes. Isn’t it wonderful that such old structures have been given a second life?

Sine Wiry Nature Reserve – the magic of Bieszczady rivers and waterfalls

For nature lovers who value peace and the beauty of a wild river, the Sine Wiry Nature Reserve is a must-visit place. This nature reserve, located in the municipalities of Cisna and Solina, protects the picturesque gorge of the Solinka and Wetlina rivers.

Walking along the gravel path by the rivers, you can admire the rock outcrops and characteristic water whirlpools which gave the reserve its name. You’ll encounter protected flora here, including specimens listed in the Polish Red Data Book of Plants.

Although Jeziorka Duszatyńskie, formed by landslides from the slopes of Mount Chryszczata within the “Zwiezło” nature reserve, are located about 40 kilometres from Polańczyk, it’s worth setting out on a trip there, part of which can run along the Main Beskid Trail (extending, among other places, from Komańcza). Near Lesko there is also the “Gołoborze” Nature Reserve, protecting part of the Ciśniańsko-Wetliński Landscape Park, with characteristic boulder fields (*gołoborza*) and mineral springs.

The Połoniny – hiking on the Bieszczady mountain meadows

Hiking in the połoniny is the essence of the Bieszczady experience. These vast, treeless areas on mountain ridges, which were pastures until 1945 (like Połonina Wetlińska), offer unique landscapes and distant panoramas that you won’t find in the lower parts of the mountains.

Połonina Wetlińska and Połonina Caryńska are the best known and most frequently visited połoniny. The trails to them, although steep in places (like the green trail to Połonina Caryńska, which climbs steeply through the forest before leading gently through overgrown meadows bordering the połonina), are incredibly rewarding and provide unforgettable experiences and beautiful views.

It’s worth spending time walking in these open spaces, feeling the wind in your hair and admiring the boundless Bieszczady Mountains. As my guide friend says, “the połoniny have a soul that cannot be described, you have to feel it.”

Culture and History. Tracing the footsteps of old Bieszczady tales

The Bieszczady region has a rich and often turbulent history, being a cultural melting pot of many nationalities and ethnic groups, such as the Boykos, Lemkos, Pogórzanie, and Dolinianie. Visiting Polańczyk and its surroundings, you have the chance to discover the traces of this fascinating past, admire historical sites, and learn about local traditions.

It’s a journey through time that will enrich your experiences and help you better understand the soul of the Bieszczady. And this soul, I must admit, can be captivating.

The Museum of Boyko Culture in Myczków – discover the history of the former inhabitants

To delve into the history of the former inhabitants of the Bieszczady Mountains, it’s worth visiting the Museum of Boyko Culture in Myczków (also known as the Museum of Spiritual and Material Culture of the Boykos). This museum showcases the daily life, traditions, and culture of the Boykos, the former Rusyn highlanders who inhabited these areas.

Among the exhibits, you will find farming and household equipment, furniture, textiles, folk costumes, as well as sacred artefacts such as liturgical vessels, iconostases, and oleographs. The museum also preserves valuable archives – manuscripts, documents, photographs, and residents’ memoirs, which shed light on their fate and culture. The rich museum exhibition allows for a better understanding of their history.

It’s an excellent lesson in the region’s history and ethnography, although, frankly, the amount of information can sometimes be overwhelming.

Historic Orthodox Churches in the area – traces of the region’s rich history

The surroundings of Polańczyk and Solina are rich in historic Orthodox churches, testifying to the multicultural past of these lands. Many of them are located on the Wooden Architecture Trail, especially around Ustrzyki Dolne. These churches, often now functioning as Roman Catholic churches, delight with their architecture and history.

An example is the church in Smolnik, inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list – that’s truly something! In Chmiel nad Sanem stands a church which currently serves as a Roman Catholic church. The church in Hoszów is one of the few examples of a church in the Hutsul style.

In Polańczyk itself, there is the 19th-century Church of St. Paraskevia the Martyr, built in 1909 with funds from Maria Teresa. In 1948, the church was taken over by the Roman Catholic Church, and is now the Church of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland. The most valuable element of the interior is the restored altar with the icon of Our Lady of Łopienka, renowned for its graces, which was moved to Polańczyk from the village of Łopienka during the “Wisła” action in 1949.

An interesting history is also linked to the church (currently the parish church under the invocation of the Ascension of the Lord) in Górzanka, located 8 kilometres from Polańczyk. The first temple stood at the foot of Biłat mountain. The church was transferred to the Roman Catholic Church in 1948, later it was abandoned and even used as a warehouse by a production cooperative, and the PRL authorities planned to demolish it – isn’t that a terrible thought?

The construction of the Solina Reservoir in 1967 caused the flooding of the church in Wołkowyja, and its furnishings were moved to Górzanka, which ultimately saved the church there. Next to the church stands a screen bell tower from the mid-19th century. In Lesko, it’s worth seeing the Synagogue (the best preserved in Subcarpathia, currently an art gallery of the Bieszczady Cultural Centre) and the Kirkut (cemetery with over 2000 gravestones). Travelling around the region, you constantly encounter these traces of the past, which… which make you think about how much has happened here.

The Bieszczady Krupówki – a stroll along the promenade and local delicacies

Just as Zakopane has its Krupówki, so the Bieszczady, or rather the area around Solina, has its “Bieszczady Krupówki”. This is a tourist road stretching from the dam in Solina, forming a popular pedestrian street.

Here you’ll find numerous shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as bars and eateries where you can taste regional delicacies. While strolling, you can admire the views of the dam and Lake Solińskie, and at the same time buy something for yourself or loved ones – though, let’s be honest, souvenir prices can be surprising.

Be sure to try *proziaki* – traditional soda flatbreads, often served with garlic butter, and grilled cow’s and sheep’s milk cheeses served with cranberry sauce. This is an ideal place for an evening stroll after a day full of experiences, with delicious food within reach.

Leisure and Accommodation. Where to relax after a day full of experiences?

Polańczyk, being a spa town and a popular holiday destination, offers a wide selection of places to eat and stay overnight. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a cosy holiday cottage, a modern apartment, or simply a place to pitch a tent close to nature, you’ll find something for yourself here.

The culinary face of the region also encourages discovery, offering tastes of local cuisine that will satisfy every palate. But where exactly should you start looking?

Restaurants and Bars in Solina and Polańczyk – tastes of local cuisine

The culinary scene of Solina and Polańczyk is a mix of local, Polish cuisine with modern accents. The regional Bieszczady cuisine is very simple, tasty, and exceptionally filling, based on meat and flour dishes.

On the highlanders’ tables, delicacies such as dumplings with buckwheat filling (*pierogi z farszem z kaszy gryczanej*), *proziaki*, *fuczki* (sauerkraut pancakes), *hryczanki* (minced meat and buckwheat patties), or *kaszełynik* (a Lemko soup based on cabbage, horseradish, and meat) reign supreme. Hunter’s cuisine is popular in the Bieszczady, and game dishes are, supposedly, among the best in Poland.

Be sure to try the locally caught trout – fried and grilled fish in fish restaurants (e.g., in Terka there is the “Córka” Trout Fry, where a mysterious spice mix, revealed by local highlanders, reportedly makes them exceptional) are a real feast. The rich offer of restaurants and bars in Solina and Polańczyk ensures that everyone will find something for themselves, regardless of taste preferences.

Venues often offer not only excellent meals but also the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views and a unique atmosphere. One of the more popular gastronomic spots on the map of Polańczyk is Oberża Zakapior, serving high-quality Polish cuisine on Zdrojowa Street. In nearby Cisna, there is the iconic Siekierezada, often called a ‘bies’ pub – a place with a soul, if you like that kind of vibe.

In Bieszczady Ustrzyki Dolne, it’s worth visiting the Museum and Tavern in the Mill, where regional dishes are served, such as *proziaki* with cottage cheese, *kisełycia* cabbage soup, *klepak*, or *kartacze*. The question is, will you find enough time to try it all?

Hotels, Apartments, and Campsites – comfortable accommodation in the heart of the Bieszczady

Solina and Polańczyk, picturesquely located in the heart of the Bieszczady Mountains, are an ideal place for those who want to spend time away from the city bustle, enjoying the beauty of nature and peace. They offer a wide range of accommodation options, adapted to diverse needs and preferences, although it can get really crowded in season.

For those who value comfort and convenience, there are numerous hotels offering a full range of services, often with swimming pools, restaurants, and even SPA facilities. Hotels are often located in picturesque spots with beautiful views of Lake Solińskie or the surrounding mountains.

Cosy holiday cottages are a great option for families and groups, providing comfort and independence. Modern apartments, often in the centre or close to main attractions, are fully equipped.

Lovers of closer contact with nature can choose campsites, located in scenic places, with access to sanitary facilities, barbecue areas, and shared kitchens. During our holiday, we chose accommodation in “Willa Diana”, from where there was a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake – it was a really successful spot. Near Willa Diana, there is a viewpoint accessible to tourists.

Polańczyk-Zdrój Spa – relaxation and regeneration

Polańczyk, known as one of the most renowned health resorts in Poland, is an ideal place for those seeking relaxation and regeneration. Polańczyk has held the status of a spa town since 1999.

Healing deep-sea waters are extracted in the vicinity of the town, including mineral and sulphur waters, which have an extremely beneficial effect on health. Numerous sanatoriums and spa centres treat respiratory system diseases, circulatory system diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. Patients can benefit from a wide range of treatments, such as brine inhalations, mud baths, massages, cryotherapy, electrotherapy, and physiotherapy.

The healing climate of the Bieszczady Mountains, clean air, and tranquillity promote recovery. In Polańczyk, on the shore of Lake Solińskie, a new Spa Park was opened at the end of September 2022, which is an ideal place for walks and relaxation. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect plan for a reset?

Polańczyk: everything you need to know about this Bieszczady pearl

Polańczyk is a charming spa and holiday town located in the Solina municipality in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Although the village of Polańczyk existed as early as the 16th century, its dynamic development as a tourist centre began after the creation of Lake Solińskie. Today, Polańczyk is divided into the main part and Polańczyk-Zdrój, famous for its healing properties.

The town offers a wealth of attractions: from swimming at the guarded beach, to renting water sports equipment on Lake Solińskie (where you can rent pedal boats, kayaks, yachts, and even ride a “banana boat” or take a ferry to Wyspa Duża), to picturesque viewpoints of Lake Solińskie and the Bieszczady Mountains. The amphitheatre on Zdrojowa Street is the heart of Polańczyk, hosting concerts and events.

The central point in the port is the fountain, which, as we remember from our own trip, provided our daughter with lots of fun, as did the paddling pool built into the lake at Ekomarina on Cypel. Ekomarina also has a pool for adults and teenagers. Boats for cruises on Lake Solińskie also depart from Cypel.

Polańczyk is not just a summer paradise – the Bieszczady Mountains in winter offer many possibilities for winter sports enthusiasts, from gentle slopes ideal for beginners (like in Lesko, Solina, Baligród, or Ustrzyki Dolne – although the ski lift in Polańczyk on Horb mountain is, let’s face it, only open during holidays and winter breaks), to fairytale hiking trails.

Winter evenings are a time for bonfires, stargazing, and stories by the guitar. The Bieszczady Mountains in winter are also a paradise for photographers, offering magnificent landscapes and wild nature.

Access to Polańczyk is possible by train to the nearest station in Uherce Mineralne (16 km) or a larger one in Sanok (connected to the bus station), from which buses run to places including Solina. Regardless of whether you are looking for active leisure, relaxation in a spa, or a fascinating journey through culture and history, Polańczyk and the Bieszczady Mountains will surely meet your expectations, leaving lasting memories.

We warmly recommend the Bieszczady Mountains to families with children and anyone who wishes to escape from everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of Polish nature – it’s truly worth it!