Barania Góra

Barania Góra (1220 m above sea level) is the second highest peak of the Beskid Śląski range, located within the town of Wisła. It is the highest point of the Polish part of Cieszyn Silesia. At the summit stands a 15-meter steel observation tower built in 1991, offering panoramic views of the Beskid Śląski, Żywiecki, and Mały ranges, the Tatra Mountains, and even the Czech and Slovak borders. The slopes give rise to the Biała and Czarna Wisełka streams, which merge to form the Vistula River, Poland's longest river. Since 1953, the spring area has been protected as the Barania Góra Nature Reserve (386 ha), safeguarding mountain forests and rare plants like tocja karpacka. Several hiking trails lead to the summit. The most popular is the blue trail from Wisła Czarne along the Biała Wisełka valley (about 7 km, 2.5–3 hours), passing the scenic Rodła Cascades – a series of about 25 waterfalls. Another option is the black trail via the Czarna Wisełka valley, which passes the PTTK Przysłop shelter. Experienced hikers can take the red Main Beskid Trail. In winter, the trails attract ski tourers. Parking near the fire station on Biała Wisełka street costs about 6 PLN per day. This is a perfect destination for a full-day mountain excursion.