The mountain ranges in Poland are in the south and the Beskids, Carpathians, and Tatra Mountain ranges are all part of the larger Carpathian mountain range, but they are distinct subranges with unique characteristics, but they include all the mountain resorts in Poland.
The Carpathian Mountain Range
The Carpathian mountain range is extensive and stretches across several countries, including Poland. It encompasses various subranges, with low and high mountains. Podhale and the Beskid Sądecki are both part of the Carpathian mountain range, not the Sudetes. Podhale is a region within the Carpathians, situated at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains.
Beskids Mountains
The Beskids are a group of mountain ranges within the Carpathians, they are generally lower in elevation compared to the Tatra Mountains and have a more rolling, hilly terrain. Resorts include Szczyrk and Ustroń, known for spa facilities and hiking trails.
Tatra Mountains
The Tatra Mountains are also a distinct subrange within the Carpathians, known for their higher elevations, rugged peaks, and alpine landscapes and peaks like Rysy and Giewont, located centrally south of Kraków and forming a natural border with Slovakia. The main resorts are Zakopane and Bukowina Tatrzańska, known for its thermal pools and proximity to the Tatra National Park.
The Sudetes
Are located in the south west, forming the border with the Czech Republic. While the Sudetes are geographically close to the Carpathian Mountains, they are not considered part of the Carpathian range. Resorts include Karpacz, near mount Sniezka, which is 1602 metres above sea level; and Szklarska Poręba, situated in the Karkonosze Mountains, offering skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains
Zakopane is probably the most popular of all mountain resorts in Poland and it’s the winter capital of Poland, hosting many international winter sports events and attracting millions of visitors including social elites from across Europe during the winter months.
Zakopane is often used as a base before heading off for skiing or hiking in the Tatras, but the centre of Zakopane also has attractions, there are lively shops, cafes, bars and the night life can be interesting. Summer time attractions include white river rafting on the Dunajec.
Other resorts include Szczyrk, Karpacz, Szklarska Poręba, Szczawnica, Krynica Zdrój and Ustrzyki. These resorts are all located in the southern border regions, rich in natural beauty and less commercial than many alpine resorts. The summers can be hot, ideal for hiking or just enjoying the scenery, the winters can stay well below freezing for long periods with deep snow.
Szczyrk in the Beskid Mountains
Szczyrk is also an important winter sports resort with over 60 km of ski routes, mountains peaks include easily pronouncable Skrzyczne (1,257 metres) and Klimczok (1,117 metres), Szczyrk is also close to the source of the river Wisla, which then runs over 1000 km right across Poland.
Szczawnica in the Pieniny Mountains
Szczawnica is in the Pieniny Mountains, a great base to visit the famous Dunajec River Gorge, and location of health spas specialising in treatment of lung troubles.
Krynica
A little further east is Krynica Zdroj in Beskid Sądecki mountains, you will also find some excellent health spas here.
Ustrzyki
Ustrzyki in the Bieszczady is as far south east as you can go in Poland, it’s an interesting wild region with poor infrastructure but fantastic for a place to get away from it all.
Szklarska Poręba and Karpacz
Szklarska Poreba and Karpacz in the Sudety Mountains in the south west, on the border with the Czech Republic (where there are also resorts worth considering). The highest peak is Sniezka in the Karkonosze Mountains which is 1602 metres high.