Ostry Wierch is the second-highest peak in the Polish part of the Beskid Niski range, and a real find for anyone who loves wild, rarely visited mountain corners. Its name refers to the rocky outcrops scattered among lush greenery, giving the mountain a raw, slightly mysterious character.

The summit lies in the so-called Hańczowskie Góry Rusztowe, about 200 metres north of the Slovak border. The southern and south-western slopes, descending toward the springs of the Biała Dunajcowa stream, are steep and poorly dissected, while the north-eastern slopes toward Ropka and Ripka are cut by numerous ravines and small valleys. The whole ridge is forested, so views open up only in a few spots, which adds a sense of discovery to the hike. On the north-eastern slopes, at about 800 m, there's a distinctive rock outcrop — once home to a now-vanished cave known as Zbójecka Piwnica (Robbers' Cellar).

How to reach the summit

• Ropki — green trail via Biała Skała (903 m) to Ostry Wierch — moderate difficulty, through forested ridge terrain
• Mochnaczka Niżna — Wincenty Pol Trail via Lackowa (997 m), continuing to Ostry Wierch and down to Wysowa — a longer ridge route requiring more time

Practical information

• The summit itself sits close to the state border, but the green trail bypasses it — worth keeping in mind when planning your route
• Dense forest cover limits the views — don't expect panoramic viewpoints along most of the trail

An old local legend from Huta Wysowska tells of a suicide victim buried at the point where three village borders met — right on Ostry Wierch — whose ghost reportedly haunted mushroom-picking women until a shepherd-sorcerer from the Tatras was brought in to put him to rest.