Czupel (Silesian Beskids)

In the Beskids the word "czupel" means a mountain with a distinct, pointed top, although this Czupel above Wisła is broad and massive rather than sharp. It rises to 882 m above sea level and about 400 metres above the valleys of Nowa Osada, Malinka and Gościejów, and its slopes are mostly wooded. It is a peak for a quiet forest hike from Wisła towards Smerekowiec and Trzy Kopce Wiślańskie – no crowds, no mountain huts, no towers.

Location and character

Czupel lies entirely within the town of Wisła, on a side ridge of the Równica range in the Silesian Beskids. It rises straight from the summit of Smerekowiec and towers over the Wisła districts of Gościejów, Nowa Osada and Malinka. Below the summit and on the slopes there are outcrops of Istebna sandstone, and on the ridge running north-west above the Gościejów valley you will find interesting landslide niches and trenches. Do not confuse it with Czupel in the Little Beskids (934 m), the highest peak of that range.

On the lower south-western slopes, known as Wróblonki, is the Nowa Osada ski area. It has about 4 km of runs, a four-seater chairlift just under a kilometre long and several drag lifts.

The trail

The green trail from Wisła Nowa Osada to Smerekowiec passes through the summit area, skirting the top itself to the east. The climb to Czupel takes about 1.5 hours, and the whole stretch to Smerekowiec is about 4.8 km and takes just under 2 hours. From Smerekowiec you can continue on the yellow trail to Trzy Kopce Wiślańskie or towards Salmopolska Pass and the Barania Góra range.

Tripto tip

Part of the green trail crosses the Nowa Osada ski slope and is closed during the ski season – then take the detour along Wróblonki street. The route runs through forest and is steep, rocky and muddy after rain in places, so wear hiking boots; mobile reception can be weak. There are no facilities and no wide panorama at the top, so Czupel works best as part of a longer loop: Nowa Osada – Czupel – Smerekowiec – Trzy Kopce Wiślańskie, then down to Wisła. Allow 4–5 hours for that hike.