Jaworki - Eliaszówka, through Biała Woda
Nearby: Nowy Sącz| Distance | 11.4km |
|---|---|
| Time | 4h 20min |
| Ascents | 596m |
| Descents | 146m |
beach_access Route in the shade
restaurant Restaurant or bar nearby
directions_car Access by car
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
The trail from Jaworki to the observation tower on Eliaszówka mainly runs through the forest. Compared to the alternative route on the red trail through Litawcowa, it has slightly fewer uphill sections to conquer and more stretches where we walk almost "on the flat".
Jaworki - Biała Woda
We can conveniently reach Jaworki by car (large parking lot at the entrance to the valley) or by bus from Szczawnica.
The initial part of our route is an easy walk through the scenic valley on the yellow trail through the Biała Woda reserve.
Easy
Biała Woda Pieniny Nature Reserve
Biała Woda - Przełęcz Rozdziela
When we reach the end of the valley after about 40 minutes (during the season, there are mountain huts and small gastronomic points here), we will encounter a fairly steep section through open meadows (still following the yellow signs). After 20-30 minutes of climbing, beautiful views await us as a reward!
Przełęcz Rozdziela - Obidza
From Przełęcz Rozdziela, we head left on the blue, border trail. This section, all the way to Przełęcz Gromadzka in Obidza, is a pleasant forest walk along a comfortable forest road with minimal elevation differences.
After about 2.5-3 hours from leaving Jaworki, we reach Przełęcz Gromadzka in the hamlet of Obidza. Before starting the final stage of the route, which is the ascent to the observation tower on Eliaszówka, it is worth taking a moment to stop in Obidza.
Firstly, there is a beautiful view of the Tatra Mountains from the meadows here. Secondly, just below the pass, towards Piwniczna, there is the "Chata Obidza" where you can rest and have a meal before continuing the journey.
Obidza - Eliaszówka
The final stage of our ascent to Eliaszówka is the climb from Obidza on the green border trail to the observation tower. We have less than 4 km to cover and less than 200 m of elevation difference. The trail is largely covered with gravel, which gives it character and allows hikers to enjoy contact with nature. The route leads through a charming forest and several scenic clearings.
Observation Tower on Eliaszówka
Eliaszówka (Slovak: Eliášovka) is an impressive peak in the Beskid Sądecki, located on the Polish-Slovak border. With a height of 1024 meters, it is the highest point of the Gorce Mountains.
On the northeastern slope, there is the Sucha Dolina ski resort, which is popular in the region. On the southern slope, in the Lemko village of Litmanowa, there is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Litmanowa, which is the destination of numerous pilgrimages.
In the past, the slopes of Eliaszówka were treeless and served as pasture areas. Currently, the summit is covered with forest, which somewhat diminishes its scenic attractiveness. During World War II and after the war, the vicinity of Eliaszówka was a popular crossing point for couriers of the Polish Underground State.
To increase the tourist appeal of the summit, a 20-meter wooden observation tower, a covered gazebo, a place for a bonfire, and a cycling obstacle course were built. It is also worth mentioning that until 2007, there was a tourist border crossing between Eliaszówka and Eliášovka, allowing crossing the border between Poland and Slovakia in this area.
From Eliaszówka to Jaworki
We can return the same way - the descent should take about 3 hours.
We can also make a loop and descend to Jaworki using a different route. Instead of turning left towards Przełęcz Rozdziela, we turn right, following the red signs. This trail will lead us to Jaworki through beautiful scenic clearings of Ruski Wierch and Ruskich Łąk (the descent this way also takes about 3 hours).
Medium
Scenic route to Eliaszówka from Jaworek
PS. For more information about other trails leading to Eliaszówka:
Eliaszówka Peak (1024 m) - trail map, views from the tower
All trails to the observation tower on Eliaszówka! ...
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