Rawki, or Big Rawka (1307 m above sea level) and Small Rawka (1272 m above sea level) are scenic peaks in the Bieszczady Mountains, famous for their beautiful meadows and panoramic views in all directions. How to get there and which trail to choose for Rawki? What can you see from Small Rawka and Big Rawka?
How to climb Rawki? Comparison of trails to Big and Small Rawka
Despite the great (and well-deserved!) popularity of the beautiful panoramic meadows on Rawki, we don't have too many trail options to choose from.
Green trail to Rawki from WyĆŒniaĆska Pass
This is the most popular trail to Rawki. There is a large, convenient (and paid) parking lot at the pass, and along the way, we pass a cozy shepherd's hut under Small Rawka. The final section of the ascent to the summit is quite steep and tiring, but the views will make up for it!
Medium
The Green Trail to MaĆa Rawka from PrzeĆÄcz WyĆŒniaĆska
From Small Rawka, there is a wide, ridge road that leads to the more scenic Big Rawka, which will take us about 30 minutes.
Blue trail to Big Rawka from Rzeczycy and Ustrzyki GĂłrne
This trail is slightly longer and slightly more challenging (greater elevation difference to overcome), but it is much quieter and less frequented. There is a large, free parking lot in Rzeczycy.
Medium
Blue Trail to Wielka Rawka
To Rawki from WyĆŒnia Pass
Not long ago, a newly marked yellow connecting trail from WyĆŒnia Pass (paid parking) leads to the green trail through DziaĆy to Small Rawka, and then to Big Rawka. The distance to cover is just under 7 km with a 500 m elevation gain, which takes approximately 2.5 hours one way.
From Wetlina to Rawki
The longest and most demanding trails to Rawki lead from Wetlina. The green trail, through DziaĆy, will take us to the summit of Big Rawka in approximately 4 hours (11 km, almost 800 m elevation gain). The yellow trail through RabiÄ SkaĆa and later along the border, and the blue trail through Kremenaros, is even longer: 20 km, almost 1500 m elevation gain, approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes one way.
Views from Big and Small Rawka
And once we reach Rawki, it's time to enjoy the panorama in all four directions! Did you know that the views from the meadows on Rawki are considered the widest and most beautiful in the Bieszczady Mountains?
What can we see from Small and Big Rawka?
Views from Small Rawka are a "foretaste" of what its higher neighbor offers. From Small Rawka, we can see neighboring meadows such as WetliĆska and CaryĆska. In the distance, there is the nest of Tarnica.
On Big Rawka, we will be greeted with a panorama of the entire Bieszczady meadow sea, hills, and peaks. To the east, the closest neighbor dominates - CaryĆska Meadow.
To the southeast, we will clearly see the "nest of Tarnica," which includes Bukowe Berdo, KrzemieĆ, Halicz, and the queen herself: Tarnica. Beyond the WoĆosatka Valley and the range that marks the Polish-Ukrainian border, we can see Bieszczady peaks exceeding 1400 m: Pikuj and Ostra Hora (both located in Ukraine).
The northwestern side offers forested, wild hills of the Border Range and the characteristic cone of Smereka along with the long ridge of WetliĆska Meadow.
Big and Small Rawka - interesting facts
Big Rawka is also characterized by very steep slopes. Its northeast slopes are one of the few places in the Bieszczady Mountains where avalanches occur in winter. What else is worth knowing about Rawki?
Grasses on Rawki
Did you know that there was no grazing of animals on Rawki? However, the meadows were used and regularly mowed, and the dried hay was taken from here as feed for the animals. Apparently, the grasses from Rawki were not the best - they were as tough as wild bristles.
Botanists, on the other hand, did not complain about the vegetation on Rawki. Even before these areas became part of the Bieszczady National Park, they were fascinated by the abundance of rare plant species and established a floral reserve here.
Where did the concrete pillar on Big Rawka come from?
Apart from the "nest of Tarnica," Big Rawka is the only peak in the Polish Bieszczady Mountains that exceeds 1300 m above sea level. It's no wonder that it was an important point for geographers, cartographers, and surveyors, even during the Austrian times. The concrete pillar on the summit served them and was the most important triangulation point in the area.
Shelter on Rawka?
Yes, but not "on" Rawka, but under Small Rawka (less than 2 km, about 30 minutes below the summit), and not a "shelter," but a cozy shepherd's hut awaits us with warm meals, snacks, and drinks. You can also stay overnight here (with prior reservation).
Did you know that this is where the history of the famous giant Bieszczady pancakes began? Today, the former hosts have opened a new restaurant in the center of Wetlina, but under Rawka, we can still taste delicious traditional pancakes with blueberries!
Publish Date: 2023-10-04