Szelust, also known as Beskid Krzyżowski, is a quiet, forested peak in the Pilsko Group, sitting right on the Polish-Slovak border. It's a great pick for hikers who prefer solitude over crowded trails, while still walking a stretch of the famous Main Beskid Trail on the way toward Babia Góra.
The summit is almost entirely covered in forest, while its Polish foothills open up into fields and the scattered houses of the village of Krzyżówki, creating a lovely contrast between deep woodland and gentle rural scenery. On the Slovak side, the slopes are thickly forested all the way down to the Polhoranka valley, giving that side a wilder, more remote feel. In summer expect shaded forest paths, in autumn colourful foliage, and in winter a peaceful, snow-covered trail perfect for those equipped for winter conditions.
How to reach the summit
Practical information
Fun fact: the mountain's name is a matter of local debate — official maps use 'Szelust', but locals have long called it 'Beskid Krzyżowski', a name recorded as far back as the 18th-century writings of Andrzej Komoniecki.