Szczebel - black trail from Lubien
Nearby: Mszana Dolna| Distance | 4.9km |
|---|---|
| Time | 2h 54min |
| Ascents | 671m |
| Descents | 57m |
Elevation Profile:
beach_access Route in the shade
directions_car Access by car
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
Szczebel (977 meters above sea level), also known as Strzebel, is one of the most characteristic peaks in the Beskid Wyspowy mountain range. Its steep slopes and two (or rather three) summits are easily recognizable from the surroundings.
Trails to Szczebel
There are three ways to reach Szczebel. The easiest route to the summit is the green trail from Glisne Pass. By taking the gentle, northern slope, it takes about 1 hour to reach Szczebel. The trail covers a distance of less than 3 km with an elevation gain of 350 meters. The most challenging trail to Szczebel starts from Kasinka Mala. Black markers lead us through rocky and steep terrain. Along a distance of approximately 3.5 km, we overcome over 600 meters of elevation gain. The third route is the black trail from Lubien.
Lubien - Szczebel via the black trail
The black trail from Lubien to Szczebel has several important advantages. Firstly, compared to Glisne Pass, it is much easier to reach this place. We start near the "Zakopane road", which is serviced by many buses and minibusses. Those who come by car have a large parking lot near the church and school at their disposal.
Yes, the trail will be quite steep, but not as steep as the one from Kasinka. We also have to overcome 600 meters of elevation gain, but over a distance of 5 km. Moreover, along the way, we have an additional attraction: right next to the path, there is an easily accessible cave called Zimna Dziura (Cold Hole).
Starting point of the black trail to Szczebel in Lubien
The black trail starts near the St. John the Baptist Church in Lubien. In its vicinity (near the church and nearby school), there are many free parking spaces available.
Initially, we walk along a village asphalt road, cross a footbridge over the "Zakopane road", and after about 20-30 minutes of walking from the church, we reach a recreational center at the edge of the forest.
Theoretically, it is also possible to drive to this place, but there is no designated parking or any larger bay along the road.
Black trail to Szczebel
Once we enter the forest, we walk along a wide forest road, cross small streams and muddy puddles until we reach a clearing with a chapel and a large shelter belonging to the local hunting association.
It's worth taking a moment to stop here: firstly, to enjoy the view of the hills surrounding Kasinka Mala, and secondly, to regain strength. Soon, a real climb awaits us...
We enter the forest again... and start climbing. The easy and enjoyable part is already behind us, now it's time to conquer the summit! Let's start with the Little Szczebel:
Zimna Dziura Cave in Szczebel - legends and interesting facts
After the first steep section, a reward awaits us: the attraction of the Zimna Dziura Cave. It is located right next to the trail, just below the unmarked summit of Little Szczebel.
As you can easily guess, the cave owes its name to the temperature inside. Thanks to its shape and lack of drafts, cold air accumulates here during winter. Apparently, even in late spring, you can find snow and ice here, and on hot lazy days, it offers a pleasant coolness.
According to a local legend, a girl entered the cave in search of a lost bull. Besides the bull, she also found real treasures in the rocky hole! Unfortunately, when she left the cave, she looked back - and both the treasures and the bull disappeared forever...
After resting near the cave, we continue to climb, it will be rocky and steep again... but with every step, we get closer to the summit!
Szczebel - views from the summit
Just before reaching the summit, a beautiful panoramic clearing awaits us with a view to the northeast. It is also a starting point for paragliders.
Panorama to the north and northeast from Szczebel:
After another 5-10 minutes, we will reach the summit. There, we will find a large clearing, numerous benches, tables, a flagpole, and a rock dedicated to Pope John Paul II.
Unfortunately, the clearing at the top of Szczebel is almost entirely surrounded by forest. A better view opens to the northeast. From the south, the neighboring massif of Lubien Wielki is visible, followed by the Tatra Mountains - it is definitely better when the trees are leafless.
Return to Lubien
We descend the same way back to Lubien. Unfortunately, descending steep slopes will not be much easier than the previous climb... Be careful, especially when the trail is wet or icy. Trekking poles and crampons will definitely come in handy.
Publish Date: 2022-12-09
