Wielka Racza - Yellow Trail from Rycerka
Nearby: Żywiec
wb_sunny Route in the sun
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
Wielka Racza, at an altitude of 1236 meters above sea level, is the peak of the Żywiec Beskids and the highest elevation of the Racza Bag group, a mountain range located in the southern and westernmost part of the Beskids. It is said that this part of the mountains offers the most beautiful hiking trails in the Beskids!
Shortest Trail to Wielka Racza
The yellow trail from Rycerka Kolonia is the simplest and shortest route to Wielka Racza. Most of the trail runs along an exposed slope with breathtaking views. We continuously ascend throughout the entire length of the trail because the elevation difference is quite significant, around 500 meters, but we only have to descend 23 meters, so there are no demotivating moments where we have to lose the hard-earned altitude only to climb again shortly after. Another advantage is the shelter at the end of the trail and the open summit of Wielka Racza with a viewing terrace. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Wielka Racza - Access and Parking
There is parking right at the beginning of the trail. The "Rycerka Kolonia" bus stop is 800 meters before the start of the trail, and we can reach the beginning of the trail via a narrow asphalt road.
Description of the Trail to Wielka Racza
The trail is a wide gravel road that is quite gentle but constantly uphill. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete. There are no flat sections on the trail that would provide some relief for children, but there are also no very steep ascents. The trail is mostly exposed, so in summer, we may be exposed to the sun.
The trail winds along the slopes like a snake, allowing us to see the path we are walking or have already passed in several places. How about a game of choosing a characteristic point and estimating how long it will take to reach it? It will definitely help with motivation :)
Right next to the shelter, the wide road trail changes into a narrow forest path.
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 on clear days, even the Tatra Mountains. With its 1236 meters, it is the highest peak in the area and one of the higher peaks of the Żywiec Beskids. The name "Wielka Racza" may come from the word "rajczula," which in the local Żywiec dialect means a sheep pen, or from the word "raczyć się" (to indulge), as according to legends, it was here on the border summit that the rulers of Żywiec, together with their Hungarian opponents, held a grand feast, indulging in wine.
Viewing Terrace
The viewing terrace was built in 1997 jointly by Poles and Slovaks. Information boards presenting 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
Right at the summit, there is a shelter offering 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 tables with panoramic views. There are also a few spots in the glassed-in vestibule.
Trail from Zwardoń
We can also hike to Wielka Racza via a much longer trail from Zwardoń.
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Wielka Racza from Zwardoń
PS. This trail has been included in our ranking of the "TOP 5 Żywiec Beskid - Most Beautiful Scenic Trails." Would you like to learn about the others?
TOP 5 Żywiec Beskid - the most beautiful scenic trails
Beskid Żywiecki is a mountain range on the border of Silesian and Lesser Poland Voivodeships, known for its scenic meadows and expansive panoramas. Which trails should you choose for hiking in the Żywiec Beskid? ...
and in the article "Beautiful Scenic Trails in the Beskids":
Beautiful Scenic Trails in the Beskids
Beskidy is not just forests! It's also scenic meadows and open ridges, offering breathtaking panoramas of the entire mountain range! ...
Publish Date: 2021-10-27
Last Updated: 2021-12-19
More in the Region Beskid Żywiecki (Żywiec Beskids)
Total Length 213 km
