Mountains & peaks

Słopnicka Pass in the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains

Słopnicka Pass lies at about 750 m above sea level in the heart of the Beskid Wyspowy range, in the saddle between Cichoń (929 m) and Zapowiednica. An asphalt road from Słopnice to Zalesie runs across the pass, along with the boundary of the two villages, and you can park free of charge on the roadside. The mountain panorama starts right next to the car park, complete with benches, a roadside shrine and a table marking the Lesser Poland Papal Trail.

From the Tatras to Mogielica

On clear days the Tatras are visible to the south. To the east and south-east, peaks of the Beskid Wyspowy and Beskid Sądecki line up: Modyń with its viewing tower, Kamionna, Kostrza, Paproć, Łopień and the dominant Mogielica from the Crown of Polish Mountains, with Ostra and Cichoń closer by. Walking a few hundred metres further up the road towards Cichoń improves the view even more. Karol Wojtyła used to walk these paths, as the Papal Trail table reminds visitors.

Trails and light

The green trail to Cichoń and Mogielica crosses the pass, and the road itself makes for an easy walk with no climbing required. The place looks best at sunrise and sunset, when low light accentuates the rolling ridges and meadows. There are no buildings or stalls here — a thermos and a blanket come in handy.

Practical notes

You can arrive from Słopnice in the Limanowa county or from Zalesie; parking is free. The best light is early in the morning and in the evening before sunset.