Babia Góra

Babia Góra is a mountain massif on the border between Poland and Slovakia, with its highest peak, Diablak, reaching 1,725 metres above sea level. It is the highest massif in the Beskid Mountains and is protected for its distinctive alpine meadows and beech forests.

Hikers come for marked trails that reach the summit ridges and for panoramic views that can span the Tatras and surrounding ranges on clear days; typical ascents cover several kilometres and several hundred metres of elevation gain. The area features characteristic ‘połonina’ high pastures and steep forested slopes.

The Polish side was protected as Babia Góra National Park in the mid-20th century and later recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, reflecting its value for conservation and traditional mountain land use. The massif has a long history of pastoral use and later recreational hiking development.

Babia Góra sits on the Poland-Slovakia border in southern Poland, in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship; the nearest larger towns are in the Beskid foothills, and the massif rises sharply above surrounding valleys and villages.

• Highest point: The highest summit, Diablak, reaches 1,725 metres above sea level and is the most popular objective for hikers.
• Protected status: Designated as a national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting montane beech forest and alpine meadows.