The map
The Loop is a complete tourist product integrated with a chain of mountain hostels, entirely based on Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society’s (PTTK) trails. It is an ambitious route that puts to use existing trails in the Żywiec, Silesian and Little Beskids. In order to complete it, one must cross almost 250 kilometers with a total elevation gain exceeding 11.000 meters. We believe The Loop will soon join the list of well-known trails such as West Highland Way in Scotland and GR 20 in Corsica, which is considered the hardest mountain trail in Europe.
The trail is designed based on the premise that one should be able to cross it during a two-week vacation and have access to neat accommodations. A characteristic feature of The Loop is that, as the name indicates, the trail starts and ends in the same place. In our version it is a glade by the Dębowiec, a mountain located within the administrative lines of Bielsko-Biała. The route can be crossed all at one or divided into smaller sections. It’s up to you to decide where you enter the trail end where you leave. Importantly, the adventurers who manage to pass the entire route will be rewarded with attractive souvenirs.
The design of The Loop is also based on flexibility. We don’t enforce a way of crossing the trail and don’t mark certain tracks. We talk about advised marked trails of Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society, that connect selected points into a whole.
The Great Beskid Loop – how did it all begin?
Some ideas are born out of a need for adventure. Others out of love for a place you know like the back of your hand. This one was born out of both reasons.
One day, Mateusz Zmyślony came to us, a man known for his great campaigns, bold concepts and marketing breakthroughs. A strategist, creator, founder of an advertising agency, co-founder of the Open Eyes Economy movement. But on that day, he did not come as an expert. He came as a wanderer.
With a sparkle in his eye, he said: ‘Let's do something in the Beskids. We have great mountains, a dense network of shelters, good conditions that are often lacking in other ranges. You can hike lightly, take breaks for cappuccino with a fabulous view of the Beskids – it's unique!’
It didn't take long. He packed his backpack and set off. Alone. Without much fanfare. He returned after two weeks, tanned, with a GPX track and a head full of observations and admiration. He talked about places that were well-known and completely undiscovered, about trails that took on new meaning when he combined them into one story. His enthusiasm was contagious.
That's when we realised there was no turning back. The machine was set in motion. This is how the idea of the Great Beskid Loop was born, a trail connecting the most beautiful aspects of the Beskids: views, mountain huts, peace and freedom. An idea born out of a passion for the mountains and a desire to share them anew.
The official crossing of The Loop
When the idea of The Loop began to take shape, we knew that it had to be tested in practice. We asked a local guide, Tomek Habdas, author of the blog W szczytowej formie and a respected creator of tourist guides, for his support.
Tomek knows the Beskid Mountains very well. He completed the entire loop in 8 days. His account is not only a story, but also provides valuable tips. Tomek's blog features a comprehensive account of this hike, which is an excellent source of knowledge and practical advice for anyone planning to hike The Loop.
During his hike, Tomek suggested several changes aimed at improving the comfort of hikers and the scenic value of the trail. An example is the modification of the section from Barania Góra to Węgierska Górka. This section originally followed the green trail through Kamesznica (currently the construction site of the S1 expressway). Tomek mapped out an alternative route through Magurka Wiślańska and Radziechowska, which turned out to be much more picturesque and pleasant for hikers.
Thanks to his experience, The Loop not only gained a refined route, but also an authentic, local character that cannot be created behind a desk.
The badge
The reward for completing The Loop is a one-of-a-kind badge. An adornment of any backpack, hoodie, jacket or hat. An object of desire and respect of many mountain lovers’, that you will meet on various trails in Poland and abroad. It will be given free of charge to anyone who completes The Loop and documents it by collecting 15 stamps from selected facilities located on the trail. The badge is available in three different colors, that are issued based on how the trail was crossed according to the statute below:
- The badge of The Loop was established by Local Tourist Organisation ‘The Beskids’ with the purpose of promoting tourist assets of the Silesian, Żywiec and Little Beskids.
- The badge is available in three colors: brown, silver and gold.
- The badge, depending on the color, is issued free of charge:
● brown - for a single, documented crossing of The Loop trail,
● silver - for a wintery, documented crossing of The Loop trail,
● gold - for a documented crossing of The Loop trail in both directions. - The badge is earned without time restrictions by individual or group trips.
- A ‘wintery crossing’ is defined as a crossing during the time of meteorological winter, that is between the 1st of December and the 28th of February.
- A ‘documented crossing of the trail’ is defined as collecting at least 15 stamps from facilities designated in the badge book, which is available free of charge at theloop.travel or from selected partners of the project, that are listed on the website above in the ‘news’ section.
- In order to verify completing The Loop trail one has to contact us
at biuro@visitbeskidy.pl up to a month after completing the trail.
Be visible. When crossing the trail remember to tag us in your posts @theLOOPbeskidy
