Mountains & peaks

Wielka Racza

Wielka Racza (1,236 m) is the highest peak of the Wielka Racza group in the Żywiec-Kysuce Beskids, on the main ridge that here forms the Polish-Slovak border and the Main European Watershed. The summit is completely forested, but the top is crowned by a grassy clearing with a wide panorama: from Czantoria, Pilsko and a slice of Babia Góra to Slovakia's Malá Fatra, Kriváň and, in the distance, even the Tatras.

Getting to the top

The shortest route is the yellow trail from Rycerka Górna Kolonia: about 5 km one way, steep, rocky in the upper parts. The red trail starts from the railway station in Zwardoń — long but scenic. The hike can be turned into a loop of about 20 km across Przegibek pass (1,000 m) and Hala Śrubita. On the summit await the PTTK mountain hut with a terrace, dumplings in three varieties and rooms, plus a viewing platform with boards describing the panorama's peaks. Right next to it runs a pedestrian, bicycle and ski border crossing.

The name and the surroundings

The peak was once called Rajcza, after the nearby village. In the Żywiec dialect the word "rajczula" means a sheep pen — the Wallachians herded flocks here as early as the mid-16th century. On the Slovak slopes operates the Snow Paradise Veľká Rača Oščadnica ski resort, while the Polish slopes lie within the Żywiec Landscape Park.

Practical information

The free car park in Rycerka Górna Kolonia fills up in the morning — paid lots operate nearby. At the Przegibek hut try the cheesecake, and buy sheep cheese at the shepherd's hut.