Przełęcz Jałowiecka Północna, also known as Tabakowe Siodło (Tobacco Saddle), is a forested mountain pass straddling the Polish-Slovak border, where a smuggling past meets present-day hiking trails. It is a place for those who enjoy quiet forest walks away from the crowds in the Żywiec Beskids.

The pass lies between Mędralowa and Jałowcowy Garb at 998 metres above sea level, right on the Great European Watershed. It is completely covered in forest, offering cool shade in summer and a peaceful, snow-covered atmosphere in winter. This is a more intimate spot than a scenic viewpoint - its charm lies in the borderland history and atmosphere rather than sweeping panoramas, since the trees largely block wider views.

How to reach the viewpoint

• Zawoja - via a trail heading towards Mędralowa or Diablak, time depends on chosen route, moderately demanding
• From the Slovak side - from Orawska Półgóra via a trail leading to Tabakowe Siodło

Practical information

• Five hiking trails intersect at the pass, making it an important trail junction
• Before Poland joined the Schengen Area, a tourist border crossing to Slovakia operated here
• The Polish slopes lie within Babia Góra National Park

The name Tabakowe Siodło is no accident - this was once a smuggling route used to bring tobacco from Hungary, and between the wars, shoes and lighter flints were smuggled here from Czechoslovakia. Confederates of Bar also passed through here twice, making this spot a genuine witness to borderland history.