Połonina Caryńska (Caryńska Mountain Meadow Ridge)

Połonina Caryńska (roughly "po-WO-nee-na tsa-RIN-ska") is a grassy mountain ridge in Poland's Bieszczady Mountains, rising between the villages of Ustrzyki Górne and Brzegi Górne. Its highest point, Kruhly Wierch, reaches 1,297 m (4,255 ft), and on a clear day the open meadows offer one of the widest panoramas in the range – stretching to the Gorgany in Ukraine and even the Tatra Mountains. It is a shorter climb than Tarnica, making it an excellent day hike in Bieszczady National Park.

Where it is and how to get there

The ridge sits in the far southeastern corner of Poland, near the Ukrainian and Slovak borders. Ustrzyki Górne, the main trailhead, is about 3 hours by car from Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE), around 5 hours from Kraków and 1.5 to 2 hours from the town of Sanok. Public transport is sparse, so plan on driving.

The ridge

Also known as Połonina Berehowska, the massif runs between the Prowcza and Wołosaty valleys. It has four summits: Kruhly Wierch (1,297 m) and tops of 1,245, 1,239 and 1,148 m. The name comes from the village of Caryńskie, which no longer exists. Between the world wars the meadows were heavily grazed; today they are protected by the national park and support rare plants such as Dacian sedge and several monkshood species.

Trails and hiking times

• The red Main Beskid Trail crosses the whole ridge from Ustrzyki Górne to Brzegi Górne in about 3 hours 20 minutes,
• From Brzegi Górne, the climb to the ridge takes about 1 hour 45 minutes with over 500 m (1,640 ft) of ascent,
• A green trail runs from Przysłup Caryński over the ridge to Wyżniańska Pass and on to Mała Rawka, about 4 hours.

The easiest plan is to go up from Ustrzyki Górne, walk the crest and descend to Brzegi Górne, then return by taxi or minibus. Times are approximate. There is no hut or water source on the ridge, so carry water, food and a windproof layer.

Tickets, parking and rules (as of October 2026)

• Park entry: 11 PLN adults, 5.50 PLN reduced, free for kids under 7; fees apply all year, payable at park booths (cash or card) or as an e-ticket.
• National park parking at Ustrzyki Górne, Wyżniańska Pass and Brzegi Górne: 30 PLN per car per day.
• Trails are open from sunrise to sunset only.
• Dogs are allowed only on the approach from Nasiczne or Bereżki to Przysłup Caryński, not on the ridge itself.

When to go and staying safe

Late spring to October is the best window; autumn turns the meadows russet and often brings the clearest views. The crest is exposed, so expect strong wind, fog and fast-changing weather. In winter, ice and avalanche risk come into play – check the park and mountain rescue (GOPR) bulletins, and register longer routes at the GOPR station in Ustrzyki Górne. Brown bears live here, so stay on marked trails. Is it worth it? If you only have one day in the Bieszczady, this ridge delivers some of the best views per hour of hiking.

Nearby

• Połonina Wetlińska and the Chatka Puchatka shelter, across Brzegi Górne,
• Wielka Rawka and Mała Rawka, reached from Wyżniańska Pass,
• Tarnica, the highest peak of the Polish Bieszczady, from nearby Wołosate.