The Gorce Mountains aren't as popular as The Tatras or The Pieniny, but with their wildness and still unspoiled nature they are surely a great destination for walkers. Great meadows hidden in the middle of woods are very specific for these mountains. In the springtime covered with crocuses, in summer with variety of blossoming flowers and in the autumn they look like colorfull carpets, covered with red and brownish blueberry bushes. Among these there are still some old huts that have been built by shepherds, now lost among grass offer a place to sleep for those who are in emergency situation. From the viewpoints you can admire beautiful panoramas over the other mountain ranges and The Czorsztynski Lake. Walking in these mountains offers a quiet meeting with nature without crowd of other tourists. The most beautiful parts of the mountains are included in The Gorce National Park.
The highest peak: Turbacz 1310m.
The National Park: In the central, highest and the most difficult of access part of the Gorce, nature is preserved almost unchanged. To preserve the unique values of the nature and landscape in the Gorce, central part many initiatives to protect them have been undertaken since the beginning of 20th century. This park was founded in 1981 and at the moment, its proper area is 70,2sq.km. The fire salamander is the symbol of the park and Poland's largest tailed amphibian.
Fauna: The fauna of the Gorce is of a character typical for the Beskid Mountains. There were found here over 30 species of mammals, about 100 species of birds, round 20 species of reptiles and 7 fish species. Other groups, especially invertebrates, are, as yet, not quite so well recognized. A particular feature of this fauna is the high number of forest species, typical for naturally preserved old forest trees. Big forest predatory animals belong here, such as: lynx wildcat, wolf, wood marten, otter and often visiting Gorce bears. Forest birds that can be found here are eagles, owls, tawny owls, marsh owls, small eagles, wood grouses, black grouses, black storks, black and other woodpeckers.
Flora: There are more than 900 species of plants. Among them are 22 species of alpine plants, which naturally live above the upper tree border where they can be found on the numerous meadows. These mountains have many woods that are older than 100 years.
How to get there: Our village lies on the southern slopes of one of the Gorce Mountains, so it is very easy to get to them. 10-minute walk will take you to the woods, from where you can walk for hours up and down the mild hills. You can also catch local bus to Kroscienko, from where there is nice, picturesque trail up to the Mountain Luban.
