Turbacz (1310 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak of the Gorce range and its undisputed heart — a massive summit from which ridges radiate in every direction. It combines spectacular Tatra panoramas, a welcoming mountain hut, rich wartime history, and one of the most extensive trail hubs in the Polish Beskids. If you visit only one summit in the Gorce, make it this one.

The terrace in front of the nearby PTTK mountain hut frames one of the finest views in the Polish Carpathians — from the Bielskie Tatras with Hawrań, across the High Tatras with Lomnický štít, Gerlach and Świnica, all the way to the Western Tatras with Kasprowy Wierch, with the Pieniny ridge shimmering in the distance. The actual summit was long hidden in dense spruce forest, but after a powerful storm cleared the trees it now offers open views to the north and west. In winter the surrounding ridges are draped in snow; autumn colours in the Gorce are simply unforgettable.

• From Rabka-Zdrój — red trail (Main Beskid Trail), approx. 5 h 35 min, 16.7 km, 970 m ascent — demanding
• From Knurowska Pass — red trail, approx. 3 h, 8.5 km, 610 m ascent — moderate

• PTTK Hut on Turbacz (1283 m a.s.l.) has over 100 beds — advance booking recommended in summer and winter
• The actual summit is a 5-minute walk from the hut and lies just outside the Gorce National Park boundary
• A Museum of Mountain Culture and Tourism (open since 1980) is located next to the hut — well worth a visit
• Every year on the second Sunday of August the 'Święto Gór' (Mountain Festival) takes place on the nearby Rusnakowa clearing — expect large crowds that day
• Turbacz is the highest point on an annual MTB marathon from Rabka-Zdrój — trails can be busy with cyclists in summer
• The peak is included in the 'Korona Gór Polski' — the Crown of Polish Mountains challenge

In 1832, the Polish poet Seweryn Goszczyński wrote that the view from Turbacz was the most beautiful he had ever seen in his life — and that with a telescope you could spot Kraków from the summit. The forest has grown since then, but the magic of this place is very much alive.