Turbaczyk (1078 m) is a modest but wonderfully scenic peak in the Gorce Mountains, perched on the ridge running north from Turbacz itself. This is a spot worth lingering at — a wide-open meadow and benches invite you to sit down and simply take in the view.

The ridge on which Turbaczyk sits runs from Czoło Turbacza through Kopieniec and Wierch, continuing to Basielka and the Łąki meadow. On the northern and eastern slopes stretches the panoramic Turbaczyk meadow, and at its western edge stands an old, slowly crumbling shepherd's hut with a distinctive four-sided roof. The view from here is genuinely wide — the Beskid Wyspowy range, the Raba valley, Beskid Makowski, Beskid Żywiecki with Babia Góra, and even Wielki Chocz across the border in Slovakia. In summer it's a haven for meadow and view lovers, in autumn the surrounding slopes glow with color, and in winter the snow-covered clearing can be breathtaking.

How to reach the summit

• Niedźwiedź – Orkanówka – Łąki – Turbaczyk – onward to Spalone and Czoło Turbacza – Turbacz; the full route is 10.8 km, with 970 m of ascent and 240 m of descent, taking about 3 h 25 min one way and 2 h 20 min back; moderate difficulty
• The 'Turbaczyk' educational trail starting at the Oberówka meadow and campsite — a good option for a shorter, gentler walk

Practical information

• Near the summit, the Gorce National Park has installed an information board and benches — a nice spot for a rest
• The peak lies within Gorce National Park, so hikers must stick to the marked trails

According to a character in Władysław Orkan's novel 'W roztokach', the nearby Wierch was said to hide a mysterious opening leading deep into the earth, with stairs descending into the unknown — a legend that still gives this place a touch of mystery.