Wielka Racza from Zwardoń
Nearby: Żywiec| Distance | 14.8km |
|---|---|
| Time | 6h 6min |
| Ascents | 962m |
| Descents | 416m |
Elevation Profile:
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
train Access by train possible
Wielka Racza (1236m) is a peak in the Żywiec Beskids and the highest elevation in the Racza Bag region - a mountain group located in the southern and westernmost part of the Beskids. It is said that this part has the most beautiful trails in the Beskids! You can reach the trail leading to Wielka Racza by train, from the third highest railway station in Poland. However, the route from Zwardoń is more difficult and considerably longer than the yellow trail from Rycerka, so it is better to reserve a whole day for it, as we may run out of time for the return. Fortunately, there is a shelter waiting for us at the summit.
Route Description
The trail is highly diverse, ranging from wide gravel roads to marshy meadows, forest paths, and narrow country lanes. The views are good, as we will be delighted by the beautiful panorama of the Beskids on many sections of the trail, but we will also pass through forests and residential areas on several stretches.
We consider the route to be moderately difficult as we will encounter three quite steep but completely safe ascents. The first one is at the 4th kilometer from the border pass (755m) to the slope of Mount Ożna. The trail also leads us through the summit of Kilula (1087m). The last steep ascent awaits us at the end of the trail when we reach the summit of Wielka Racza.
Wielka Racza
Wielka Racza is a border peak, and its summit is a vast meadow with a viewing terrace and an undisturbed view in every direction - including the Żywiec Beskids, the Slovakian Malá Fatra, and even the Tatra Mountains on a clear day. With its elevation of 1236 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the area and one of the higher peaks in the Żywiec Beskids. The name Wielka Racza may derive from the word 'rajczula,' which in the Żywiec dialect means a sheep pen, or from the word 'raczyć się,' as according to legends, it was here on the border summit that the rulers of Żywiec Land and their Hungarian opponents held a grand feast, indulging in wine.
Viewing Terrace
The viewing terrace was built in 1997 by Poles and Slovaks together. Information boards displaying the panoramic view in front of us, along with the names of visible mountain peaks and their heights, are placed on the terrace.
PTTK Wielka Racza Shelter
At the summit itself, there is a shelter with warm meals and a place for a bonfire. On the upper floor, there is a small corner for children. The strongest point of the shelter is its location and beautiful views. We can eat in the indoor dining area or at the outdoor viewing tables. There are also a few places in the glassed-in vestibule.
Publish Date: 2021-12-20
More in the Region Beskid Żywiecki (Żywiec Beskids)
Total Length 213 km
