Chryszczata (998 m a.s.l.) is one of the most intriguing peaks in the Bieszczady Mountains of southeastern Poland, where dense beech forests hide traces of battles stretching from World War I all the way to the late 1940s. It is a place that rewards curious hikers with both natural beauty and a palpable sense of layered history.

The summit sits within the Wołosań ridge, also known as the Great Ethnographic Divide. The scenery is classically Bieszczady — sweeping forest ridges, open highland meadows and long views across rolling hills. Spring brings vivid green to the beeches, autumn turns the slopes into a blaze of gold and red, and even in winter the solitude up here feels extraordinary. At the very top stands a concrete geodetic survey obelisk dating from the era of the partitions of Poland — a quiet, unexpected monument on an otherwise wild summit.

• Duszatyn — trail via the Duszatyńskie Lakes to Chryszczata, continuing to Wołosań and Cisna (Main Beskid Trail) — approx. 2–3 h to the summit, moderate difficulty
• SBN Rabe — access path to the campsite and summit, moderate difficulty
• Chryszczata – Suliła – Pogary — southward descent route, a good option for a loop

• On the northwestern slopes, in the Olchowaty stream valley, lies the 'Zwiezło' nature reserve (484 ha) — home to two rare landslide lakes called the Duszatyńskie Lakes, well worth combining with your hike.
• The Duszatyńskie Lakes are among the very few natural landslide lakes in the Polish Carpathians.
• Overgrown trenches, bunker remains and traces of military cemeteries from both World Wars are still visible on the slopes today.

The name 'Chryszczata' likely derives from the Lemko word for herb Paris (a woodland plant) or from the Ukrainian word for a crossroads — fitting for a summit where nature, history and hiking trails all converge.