Połonina Wetlińska is one of the most visited and most rewarding ridges in the entire Bieszczady Mountains. A broad, multi-summit massif draped in open subalpine meadows — called połoniny — it offers sweeping views in every direction and a cosy mountain hut waiting for you near the top.

From the ridge you can take in almost the whole of the Western Bieszczady — neighbouring Smerek, the highest peak Tarnica, and on clear days the Ukrainian and Slovak ranges beyond the border. The highest point is Roh (1255 m), closely followed by Osadzki Wierch (1253 m) and Hasiakowa Skała (1232 m), right beside which stands the beloved hut Chatka Puchatka. In summer the meadows are alive with wildflowers; in autumn the whole massif turns gold and crimson — arguably the most spectacular time to visit the Bieszczady.

• Wetlina village — yellow or blue trail via Przełęcz M. Orłowicza pass, approx. 2 hrs, moderate
• Berehy Górne — Main Beskid Trail (red), approx. 1.5 hrs, moderate
• Kalnica — via Smerek and Przełęcz M. Orłowicza (Main Beskid Trail), approx. 5 hrs, demanding
• Jaworzec PTTK hostel — trail via Krysowa and Przełęcz M. Orłowicza, approx. 2 hrs 40 min, moderate

• Most of the massif lies within Bieszczady National Park — leaving marked trails is prohibited.
• The mountain hut Chatka Puchatka (1228 m) sits just below Hasiakowa Skała and is the highest-altitude hut in the Bieszczady. Book accommodation well in advance, especially in summer and during the autumn foliage season.
• The nature trail 'Pełnik' runs alongside the hiking trails, connecting Wetlina with Przełęcz Wyżna pass.
• The massif gets very busy in August and in late September — expect crowds on ridge trails during weekends.

The slopes of Połonina Wetlińska shelter several plant species found almost exclusively in the Eastern Carpathians, including rare monkshood varieties. And if legends are your thing — somewhere up here, in a cave near the Hylaty stream, the famous Carpathian outlaw Dobosz is said to have hidden his treasures.