Hala Bieguńska

In the Lipowski Wierch and Romanka Group of the Żywiec Beskids, on the sub-summit slopes between Boraczy Wierch (1,244 m) and Lipowski Wierch (1,324 m), stretches Hala Bieguńska — a meadow at about 1,200 m, one of the most scenic in the whole range.

A meadow with two names

The hala divides into two parts: western Hala Gawłowska and eastern Hala Bieguńska. Shepherds once grazed these slopes intensively — much of that character has faded, but the open spaces still deliver: the view takes in Pilsko, the Raczanski Bend and Wielka Racza, and in clear weather reaches the Tatras and the Choč Mountains.

Trails to the hala

Two classic routes lead here: the yellow trail from Rajcza via Zapolanka, Redykalny Wierch and Hala Bacmańska, and the green trail from Milówka via the PTTK hut on Hala Boracza — both merge at Hala Bacmańska just before the meadow. There is no mountain hut on Hala Bieguńska itself; the nearest accommodation and food are at the PTTK hut on Hala Boracza, on the green route.

In practice

The most convenient bases are Milówka and Rajcza on the Żywiec–Zwardoń railway line; the green ascent from Milówka takes about 2.5–3 hours, the yellow from Rajcza similar. The meadow is open terrain, though out of season the trails turn muddy — wear boots with good soles. You can loop Bieguńska together with Hala Rysianka or Lipowska, and in good weather start early: the Tatra views usually disappear by midday.