Mountain Trails [#02] - Lubań

The Gorce Mountains are a heavily forested mountain range located in the central part of the Western Beskids. One of its highest peaks is Lubań, known locally as Patryja or Obwiesia Wierch, which has an elevation of 1211 m above sea level. Interestingly, Lubań has two summits, regarding which there are still some discrepancies about their heights. According to local legends, this peak is both magical and cursed, as recounted in a local tale - one of the wizards involved in ancient disputes uttered a curse that caused an entire flock of sheep and their shepherds to vanish underground. Some claim that on the feast of Saint James, one can hear the cries of the wronged shepherds and the bells of their flock from beneath the earth. There are over 7 trails leading to its summit, both for hikers and cyclists. But which one should we choose if we dream of a quick and pleasant excursion?

The most convenient and fastest way to reach Lubań is via the blue trail from Snozka Pass and to return along the same route.

Walking time is about 3.5 hours, depending on the tourist's fitness level.

- Total ascent: 582 metres,

- Highest point: 1225 m above sea level.

- Trail length: 10 kilometres,

- No difficulties, no artificial aids, the trail is well marked.

We start our hike in a quite distinctive place, as near the Snozka Pass there is a monument that is hard to miss. The “Organs” by Władysław Hasior are designed to produce sound during gusts of wind, yet they have never played. Following a recent renovation, shepherd's bells were hung on the monument, which beautifully chime in the wind. At the pass, there is a fairly large parking lot, and not far from the trailhead, a bus stop. As we cover the first few metres of the ascent on the trail, we pass the Wdżar Quarry, which is a decent attraction for climbers, especially those into drytooling. Initially, the trail leads along a wide path through fields and meadows, and during the walk, we can admire the views of the Pieniny and the Tatra Mountains behind us. It is worth taking in this sight, as the trail soon begins to lead directly to the summit through the forest. We start to tackle initially gentle ascents, which at times turn into steep ones - after all, we have to overcome almost 600 metres of elevation over a relatively short distance. A notable point on the trail is the ruins of the PTTK shelter, built in 1975, which unfortunately operated only for a short time, as it burned down just three years later. We conquer the final, steep but short ascent to the summit, and we are greeted by the clearing of Wierch Lubania, located between its two peaks. The main features on Lubań include: an observation tower, a cross, an altar, and a camping base.

The observation tower was opened in 2015, on the western peak, from its heights one can observe stunning views of Gorce, the Tatra Mountains, Pieniny, Lake Czorsztyn, and the Sądecki, Wyspowy and Babia Góra ranges. Just below it, there is a stone altar and a papal cross - a memento of John Paul II's journeys. It is worth admiring the sunrises from here, along with the sea of mists rising over the Pieniny in the morning.

The camping base is run by the Mountain Guides Student Circle from Kraków. It is worth noting that it is one of the oldest student camping bases in Poland, operating since 1967 to this day. It is open during the summer season from June 26 to the end of August. It has kitchen facilities, a shower, a toilet, and wooden tables with benches. Tourists camping at Lubań should be prepared for a trip to fetch water from a spring below the summit. The base can accommodate 45 people in three-person tents, where one can spend the night for a small fee. One can also come to camp with their own tent in a designated area.

Every August, Lubań offers something for lovers of sweets - the “Pancake Festival.” In this tourist and culinary event, participants are tasked with preparing an original, inventive pancake. The campers are always happy to provide assistance and will offer a cup of tea to tired tourists, advise about choosing other trails, and in the evening, invite them to a communal campfire.

Author of the photos and text - Ewa Bandyk