Pilsko (1557 meters above sea level) is one of the highest peaks in the Żywiec Beskids. It is only surpassed by the Queen of the Beskids - Babia Góra (1725 meters above sea level). From the highest summit, which is already on the Slovak side, there is an extraordinary panorama, mainly to the south and west.
Pilsko - Summit: Peaks, Panoramas, and Attractions
Mountain of Five Mounds
On the Polish-Slovak border, there is a lower summit of Pilsko called Mountain of Five Mounds (1534 meters above sea level). Why is it called that? No one knows... for now, tourists are stacking stone cairns here. From the overgrown summit covered with dwarf pine, we can see the "top" of Babia Góra. We can also get a commemorative stamp (located in a box near the information board).
Slovak Summit of Pilsko
The actual summit of Pilsko (1557 meters above sea level) is located a few dozen meters further, on the Slovak side - we can reach it in about 10 minutes via a path among the dwarf pines marked with green signs. On the summit, there is a vast meadow, a cross, and a field altar.
From there, Babia Góra looks impressive again:
To the south, a wide panorama of the Tatra Mountains and the Little Fatra, with a view of Lake Orava, awaits:
How to Reach Pilsko?
As usual, there are many routes - both from the Polish and Slovak sides.
Easiest Trail to Pilsko
The smallest elevation gain (800 meters of altitude difference) will be when starting the hike to Pilsko from Glinne Pass (convenient, large, free parking). We can also stop by the PTTK mountain hut on Hala Miziowa along the way - by taking the red trail >>>
...or first reach the summit via the blue border trail, and then descend to Hala Miziowa and return to the pass on the red trail:
Trails to Pilsko from Hala Miziowa
Most tourists conquer the summit of Pilsko from Hala Miziowa after resting and gaining strength at the PTTK mountain hut on Hala Miziowa. How to get to Hala Miziowa?
Hala Miziowa: Shelter, Trails, Attractions
Hala Miziowa is a vast and incredibly scenic meadow on the northern slope of Mount Pilsko in the Żywiec Beskids. It used to be a grazing area for sheep. ...
Attention! You will see signs like these at the PTTK mountain hut on Hala Miziowa:
In reality, the path from Hala Miziowa to the summit of Pilsko at a normal pace (not running) will take about twice as long!
Most Popular Trail from Hala Miziowa to Pilsko
Most hikers from the hut go straight to the summit through this meadow:
However, the meadow is steep, and crossing it directly is very difficult. Meanwhile, the signs of the black trail lead to the right side of this meadow, along the edge of the forest, up to the upper station of the ski lift. Then, along the ridge among the dwarf pines.
Black Trail: Hala Miziowa - Pilsko
Medium
From Hala Miziowa to Pilsko, the Black Trail
Yellow Trail: Hala Miziowa - Pilsko
If you don't want to "follow the crowd" and are ready for "special challenges," we recommend the yellow trail through the Pilsko Reserve (note: dogs are not allowed!):
Difficult
Yellow trail to Pilsko from Hala Miziowa
Hala Miziowa - Pilsko: Easiest Route
If you don't like steep climbs but have a bit more time, it's worth considering reaching the summit of Pilsko in a more roundabout way, that is, via the red trail through Hala Cebulowa. The total elevation gain is the same, but it is spread over a longer, more peaceful route:
Publish Date: 2022-06-06