Góra Żmijowa (595 m a.s.l.) is a quiet, pleasant peak in the Żurawnica Group, part of the Beskid Mały range in southern Poland. It may not be the tallest summit around, but it rewards hikers with open views and a wonderfully peaceful forest atmosphere — a perfect half-day escape from the bustle of nearby towns.

The northern slopes are mostly forested, dropping down towards the Tarnawka valley, while the southern side opens up into meadows that fall gently towards the Błądzonka stream valley. The real highlight is the viewpoint at the saddle between Żmijowa and Prorokowa Góra — thanks to the open farmland here, you get a sweeping panorama. To the north you can spot the village of Śleszowice, Tarnawska Góra, the Leskowiec ridge with Jedlicznik, Jaszczurowa Góra and Suszycą. Further east, beyond the Skawa valley, the eye reaches Jaroszowicka Góra, Działy Stryszowskie and Żar. To the south, the Żywiec and Maków Beskids unfold in full glory. Spring brings fresh green to the meadows, while autumn turns the forest into a blaze of colour.

• Krzeszów → Żmijowa → Zembrzyce — red trail (Mały Szlak Beskidzki / Little Beskid Trail), difficulty: easy to moderate. The route follows the main ridge through Carchel and Gołuszkowa Góra, continuing on to Prorokowa Góra.

• A small roadside chapel stands at the saddle between Żmijowa and Prorokowa Góra — a handy landmark on the trail.
• The summit ridge marks the administrative boundary between the villages of Śleszowice (north slope) and Sucha Beskidzka (south slope), both in Małopolska region.
• Note that Compass maps list the elevation as 585 m, while more precise contour data from Geoportal shows two tops: the western one at 591 m and the eastern at 534 m.

The name 'Żmijowa' comes from the Polish word for viper — these sunny, rocky slopes were once home to many of these snakes. Today the mountain is a serene corner of Beskid Mały, popular with locals from Sucha Beskidzka and the surrounding villages.