Salmopol Pass in the Silesian Beskids

Salmopol Pass (934 m), next to Kubalonka, is the most important road pass of the Silesian Beskids. Provincial road 942 runs through it, linking Wisła with Szczyrk and Bielsko-Biała — a route famous for its hairpin bends and sweeping views of the range. The pass is also called Biały Krzyż (White Cross), after the Stations of the Cross standing nearby.

A starting point for Skrzyczne

The red trail to Malinowska Skała (1,152 m) sets out from the pass — the route crosses the Malinów peak (1,117 m) and measures a little under 4 km, about 1.5 hours of walking. Further on, the trail leads to Skrzyczne (1,257 m), the highest peak of the Silesian Beskids. Just above the pass, the first views of the surrounding ridges open up.

Salmopol and the White Cross

Below the pass lies the hamlet of Salmopol, now part of Szczyrk — said to have been founded by Silesian Protestants fleeing religious persecution. On the pass itself operate the stylish Biały Krzyż inn and ski lifts, including ones for children. The area is completed by the Salmopol Cave, a natural monument — although not open to visitors, its very presence speaks to the distinctiveness of the place.

In practice

By car, take the asphalt, hairpin road from Wisła or Szczyrk; the car park on the pass is paid in summer and free in winter. The pass is accessible all year round, and a yellow trail leads here from the Szczyrk Salmopol stop in about 1 hour.