The Beskid Sądecki is one of southern Poland's most rewarding yet underrated mountain ranges — a quiet, forested retreat where spa towns nestle between long, rolling ridges. Stretching between the Dunajec River and the Tylicka Pass, this part of the Western Carpathians offers genuine mountain scenery without the crowds of more famous neighbours.

The region is shaped by two main ridges — the Radziejowa Range and the Jaworzyna Krynicka Range — separated by the scenic Poprad River valley. The ridgelines are broad and steady, making hikes feel meditative rather than gruelling. Dense beech and fir forests cover almost every slope, parting occasionally to reveal sweeping views towards the Pieniny cliffs, the Gorce highlands and, on clear days, the sharp silhouette of the Tatra Mountains. It's a landscape that rewards slow travel and deep breaths.

• Radziejowa (1,266 m) — the highest peak in the region, topped with a viewing tower offering panoramic views of the Tatras and Pieniny.
• Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 m) — reachable by gondola from Krynica-Zdrój, perfect for families and casual walkers.
• Krynica-Zdrój — a charming spa resort at the foot of the mountains, famous for its mineral springs and vibrant promenade.
• Poprad River Valley — a scenic corridor ideal for cycling and leisurely walks between mountain villages.

• Best time to visit: June–October — summer brings lush greenery, while autumn transforms the beech forests into stunning shades of gold and red.
• Base towns: Krynica-Zdrój, Piwniczna-Zdrój, Muszyna, Nowy Sącz.
• Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate — excellent for families, beginners and those seeking relaxed mountain walking.
• Getting there: By car from Kraków approx. 1.5–2 hours; direct trains and buses to Krynica-Zdrój and Nowy Sącz.

Did you know? Until 1918, this range was called the Beskid Nadpopradzki — its current name only came into use after the post-WWI borders were drawn, tying the mountains to the nearby city of Nowy Sącz.