Beskidach

Beskidy are a chain of mountains in the Carpathian system, extending across southern Poland with extensions into Slovakia and Ukraine. They form a broad belt between the Western and Eastern Carpathians, characterized by a succession of ridges, forested slopes, and rolling highlands. The range is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and supports numerous settlements in its foothills.

The Beskidy are commonly divided into Western Beskids and Eastern Beskids. Subranges include the Żywiec Beskids, Beskid Śląski (Silesian Beskids), and Beskid Mały in the west, with the Beskid Niski (Low Beskids) and Bieszczady in the east. The highest peak is Babia Góra (Diablak), 1,725 meters above sea level, located in the Żywiec Beskids. Other notable summits include Skrzyczne and Barania Góra.

Geology and ecology: The mountains are formed mainly from flysch and other sedimentary rocks laid down during the Tertiary period. The terrain is heavily forested, with mixed beech and fir forests at higher elevations and coniferous stands on steeper slopes. The Beskidy harbor diverse fauna and flora and host several protected areas, such as Babia Góra National Park and various landscape parks in Poland.

Human activity: The Beskidy support tourism, hiking, cycling, and winter sports. The region contains towns and villages that serve as bases for outdoor recreation, with established trails, guesthouses, and cultural events. Conservation areas help balance recreation with habitat protection, making the Beskidy a notable example of a Carpathian mountain landscape in Central Europe.