Stare Wierchy in the Gorce Mountains

Stare Wierchy is a peak in the Gorce Mountains, 969 m above sea level, rising from the main ridge that runs west from Turbacz. On the broad Krauska glade, on the edge of an enclave of the Gorce National Park, stands the PTTK mountain hut named after Czesław Trybowski — a place that has welcomed hikers for almost a century.

History from a royal road

A carriage road once crossed the glade, part of the Royal Road from Kraków to Hungary mentioned as early as 1255, with a toll station and an inn frequented by brigands. The hut was opened in 1932; it burned down during the war and was rebuilt in the 1970s. Today it offers 26 beds, home-style cooking, a place for a tent and a campfire beside the building, and a ski lift operates nearby.

Views and trails

From the glade a view opens over the panorama of the Tatras in almost its full extent. Five marked routes lead to Stare Wierchy: the red trail from Rabka-Zdrój via the Maciejowa shepherd's hut (about 2 h 20 min), the red trail from Turbacz via Obidowiec (about 2 h), the blue trail from Obidowa (about 1.5 h), the green trail from Nowy Targ Kowaniec via Obidowa (about 2 h) and the yellow trail from Rabka-Zaryte via Olszówka (about 3 h 45 min). The area is also used by horse riders and cyclists, and in winter the glade becomes ground for downhill and cross-country skiing.

Tripto tip: the shortest ascent is the blue trail from Obidowa; for the return choose the section of the red trail past the Maciejowa hut to add a stretch with open views.