Kostrza (730 m a.s.l.) is a classic example of the Beskid Wyspowy — the so-called 'Island Beskids' — where individual forested summits rise like green islands above a sea of fields and villages. Solitary, mysterious and rich in wildlife, this peak rewards visitors with a genuine sense of wilderness just a short hike from the valley.

The mountain has an elongated ridge with a strongly asymmetric profile: the north-eastern slopes plunge steeply into the Rybski Potok valley, while the remaining flanks descend much more gently. Storm damage to the forest near the summit has opened up a pleasant southward view. The old beech forest on the northern slopes is breathtaking in spring and autumn alike, and the summit clearing — equipped with benches, a table and a large map of the Beskid Wyspowy range — makes a perfect resting spot. Expect to share the forest with wild boar, roe deer and brown hares.

• From Jodłownik — approx. 2 h 15 min (descent approx. 1 h 45 min), 400 m elevation gain, moderate
• From Tymbark via Zęzów — approx. 2 h (descent approx. 1 h 45 min), 500 m elevation gain, moderate

• A geodetic survey marker is set into the ground at the summit.
• The northern slopes are protected as the Kostrza Nature Reserve — stay on marked trails.
• The reserve is also part of an EU Habitats Directive protected area.

Local people once called the summit 'Piwnicysko' and searched here for traces of a prehistoric hillfort that — according to legend — sank into the earth. The curious hollow near the top keeps the story alive, even if its origin is entirely natural. Look out for the ancient 'Pan Buk' beech with a girth of 5.5 m and the magnificent 'Parasol' fir tree.