The best hiking routes in Poland

Poland offers a sharp contrast between the flat, forested north and the rocky heights of the south. In the northeastern region of Podlachië, walkers encounter ancient, dense lowland forests and wide river valleys. The ground here is often soft peat, crossed by wooden boardwalks to navigate the marshy terrain. In contrast, the northwestern areas of West-Pommeren and Lubusz feature sandy soils, pine forests, and post-glacial lakes, where the terrain is gently rolling rather than steep.

Further south, the landscape rises significantly. In Neder-Silezië and Opole, the paths climb through the Sudeten mountains, characterized by granite rock formations and spruce forests. Here, the underfoot changes to gravel and exposed tree roots. These areas do not have the sharp, jagged limestone peaks found further east, but they offer steady, sustained climbs on well-marked forest tracks.

For the highest elevation, Klein-Polen and Subkarpaten in the far south contain the Carpathian range, including the rocky Tatra and the grassy Bieszczady ridges. In Klein-Polen, walkers find steep stone steps and exposed ridges that require careful footwork. In Subkarpaten, the paths follow softer, grass-covered ridges known as polonynas. October is a notable month to walk here, as the beech forests turn a deep red and the popular trailheads become quieter.