Zbojeckie Okno - the most interesting rock in the Beskid Maly mountains
Town: Kocierz Rychwa艂dzki
check_circle Slopes
check_circle Mainly in the shade
Zbojeckie Okno is one of the largest and most interesting rocks in the Beskid Maly mountains. Its size, easy accessibility (right next to the trail), and above all, its unique "rock window" make it one of the most famous natural landmarks in the region.
Why is the rock Zbojeckie Okno special?
Firstly, because of its size: the height of the rocky tower reaches 9 m, and the length is about 20 m. Secondly, because of its characteristic window, called Zbojeckie, Zbojnickie, or Devil's window. The window has a diameter of about 1 m!
When looking at the rocks forming the outcrop (known as Istebna sandstones), it is worth noting how clearly the alternating layers of harder sandstones and less erosion-resistant conglomerates are visible on them. They create a characteristic Beskid flint "mosaic" of sedimentary rocks of various fractions.
How to reach Zbojeckie Okno?
The rock with the rock window is located in the Zakocierz settlement, just below the main ridge, between the peaks of Potrojna and Lamana Skala. The yellow trail (Rzyki Praciaki > Lamana Skala > Potrojna > Targanice) passes by Zbojeckie Okno. To get here from the main ridge's red trail, turn at the yellow signs at Zakocierska Pass (near the cross - the grave). The rock is located about 400 m below this pass (5 minutes from the red trail).
The rock can also be reached via a trail marked with yellow sun symbols from the PKS Kocierz Basie bus stop (forest parking, 2 km, about 1 hour one way).
Zbojnickie Okno and Chatka pod Potrojna
By the way, it's also worth visiting the student Chatka pod Potrojna! It is a very atmospheric place, open during the season, on weekends, or by appointment with the owner.
Legends about bandits in the Beskid Maly mountains
It is not difficult to guess where Zbojeckie Okno got its name from: probably from the bands of robbers who roamed the area! It is strange that there is no mention of the rock itself in any local legend. Perhaps it is time to create one? Especially since the region itself is famous for its bandit traditions and stories.
It was here in the 15th century that Katarzyna Skrzynska "Wlodkowa" from Barwald Castle (apparently she also owned Wolek Castle near Bujakowski Gron in Kobiernice) was a bandit. There was also a lot of talk about the robber Rogacz (buried near Magurka Wilkowicka, with a peak named after him). Beskid Maly is also the homeland of the most famous Beskid hetman, Jozef Baczynski, and the more contemporary bandit Maronka (Maranka), who had her treasure cave in Wapienica near Inwald a hundred years ago. Allegedly, Zlota Gora near Targanice also hides bandit treasures (hence its name!), and nearby Jawornica hides a story of a cruel bandit attack on a shepherd and a herdsman (the shepherd was cooked in a kettle, and the herdsman was roasted on a spit).
Other interesting caves and rocks in the Beskid Maly mountains
Beskid Maly is famous for its hidden interesting rock formations in the forest. Among the most interesting (besides Zbojeckie Okno described above) are:
- Grota Komonieckiego on the southern slopes of Smrekowica.
- Rock outcrops in the Madohora Reserve under Lamana Skala.
- Wandering Stones, also known as the "trail of rocks" between Smrekowica and Beskidek Pass.
- Skamieniale Miasto on Scieszkow Gron and Czarne Dzialy under Gibasowka in Pasemko Lysiny.
- Kozie Skaly on Zurawnica.
- Warownia na Trakcie on the black trail from Kocierska Pass to Targanice Gorne.
- Diabelski Kamien under Czupel.
- Ska艂a Czarownic above Wilkowice, where the bandit Wojciech Bulok lived with two companions - herbalists (or perhaps witches?)
Publish Date: 2024-02-01
More in the Region Beskid Ma艂y (Beskid Ma艂y)
Total Length 100 km
