9 spots in the remarkable Beskid Wyspowy in Poland

Is there a better endorsement for pierogi than a feature in a Japanese guide to Poland? We didn’t think so. The hostess here is Kasia, who once studied art and now practices the art of hospitality at Leśniakówka. There’s an organic farm with an orchard and a century-old apiary, and a kitchen that follows the seasons. A spacious workshop area is beloved by artistic and yoga groups. In the kitchen runs grandma Marysia (the pierogi expert), also known as Maria the Queen of Bees. On the table you’ll find whatever’s ripe in the garden and on the trees—healthy, seasonal, and delicious. We could use many adjectives to describe Leśniakówka, but Radek said it all. Read for yourself:

‘There aren’t many places like this. Leśniakówka is more experience than luxury. You arrive somewhere steeped in tradition. There are no big TVs or carpenter-made countertops with black legs. Instead you’ll find grandma’s chairs, a sofa, an old fireplace, and all the peace you can handle. I recommend it especially to those who really want to relax—lie in the orchard, walk through the woods, sit by the fireplace with a glass of wine, or play the piano. Add an accordion in the background, a fantastic hostess (Kasia, chapeau bas), and a traditional breakfast made from healthy ingredients, and you get a break from the madness brought from the city. I never return to the same place, thinking life’s too short for reruns. Here, however, I will return gladly—and sooner than you’d expect. Book it, just leave us at least a few days a year…’‍

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Slowhop’s take

There are two houses and one apartment available. A beautiful orchard and plenty of space to lounge under a tree. Don’t miss Kasia’s herbal elixirs.

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It might surprise you when you get directions to Trzecia Góra. The house has no address and only locals know which mountain is the ‘third’. You may doubt your navigation skills, but that’s all part of the adventure.

In winter, low-clearance cars stay behind. The steep road, especially at night, always makes an impression, but real mastery comes after a week here—drivers from other regions handle it with ease. At the top, the reward is a cabin with a fireplace and panoramic views of the Tatras, Babia Góra, and Beskid Wyspowy. Views you’ll keep under your eyelids long after vacation. If hunger strikes, just walk to neighbor Bronisława for milk, cheese, and potatoes, then to another for fresh eggs. The only thing left is finding someone to turn it into breakfast and serve it on the bench outside—it tastes best there.

‘Trzecia Góra is absolutely exceptional! I visit mountain cabins regularly, but for the first time the views around the house took my breath away! A jaw-dropping mountain panorama (including the snowy Tatras) on three sides of the cabin! Just WOW! Getting here isn’t easy—the road through the woods to the end of the world—but once you arrive, you’re in paradise :) [...] A wonderfully warming stove, huge windows, and every convenience you can imagine. Nothing was missing! [...]’

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Slowhop’s take

Hey, mushroom hunters! Ever seen an Australian cage fungus? Here you can. Its red tentacles appear from early summer to late November. It looks like a red octopus and doesn’t smell like a mushroom… and it’s definitely inedible. A note on sleeping: it fits four guests, perfect for families with older kids or small groups. You can also come as a couple—lie on the grass, pick raspberries, and stare at the sky. Hikers can head to nearby towers: Jaworz, Modyń, or Mogielica.

We have an important update on soaking your backside: a viewpoint tub. It’s actually a sky-view bathtub in the top room of Flądrówka’s highest tower. The kind of view that fills your phone’s memory. That alone sums it up, but there’s more. The hosts are ruin rescuers with a nose for stories: during the war, Flądrówka hosted a kitchen for partisans. Today, a group of six can arrive and admire the mountains from the tub, through the windows, or from the large terrace. There’s even a genuine Westfalia stove—everything tastes fabulous, as long as you can cook. And let’s be honest, most of us can.

‘We went to Przysiółek with a couple of friends and an elderly dog. The cabin is set very close to nature, practically on the trail to the most beautiful regions of Beskid Wyspowy. The view from the terrace stopped my breath, and the place’s unique history completed the picture. We can’t forget the helpful owners, who answered every question immediately. We got much more than we expected and will definitely return. Thank you!’

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Slowhop’s take

Beyond the sunrise-to-sunset views, you can ceremonially fire up Netflix from the water. That’s right: no drowned phones, just a TV in the bathroom. For hikers, options abound: from the doorstep you can head to Mogielica (the highest peak), Modyń (tower), Jasień, Gorc (tower), or Turbacz. In winter, 4WD and chains are essential.

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And here we land in the heart of Beskid Wyspowy, in the valley between Limanowa and Mszana Dolna. We’re not sure how they do it, but Wyspowa Dolina always draws great company. Wojtek and Ewelina moved here from Kraków with a mission to stay close to nature. They grow vegetables in their eco-garden, host yoga weekends, and know all the best running trails in the region. They’re always building and improving, and to top it off, they organize a bass music festival—The Weekender—on the Beskid meadows. Two stages, glamping in Wyspowa Dolina (or tent camping), workshops, and good vibes. All done with respect for nature and each other. This year’s fourth edition details are here. As for sleep, choose from four rooms (three in the Sunflower House, which can be rented entirely—ideal for bigger groups), one yurt, and a camper trailer. All with stunning views and a shared space in a big house for yoga or even a climbing wall.

‘A wonderful place, bathed in sun from morning to night, filled with barking dogs and singing birds. The hostess serves delicious, creative breakfasts. Kids have blocks, a climbing wall, hammocks, and a playground. Highly recommended—I’ll be back!’

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Slowhop’s take

You should know the bathrooms in the Sunflower House are shared. We know this setup can cause some people stress, so consider this fair warning.

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There are plenty of folk tales about how the village of Łostówka got its name. Our favorite tells of a lucky finder of a hundred złoty who exclaimed ‘ło, stówka!’ (‘oh, a hundred!’). It must ring true—since its Slowhop debut, Łostówka has collected 33 rave reviews. Guests praise Marzena and Wojtek’s eye for design and thoughtful details in their cottages. Located at the end of a country road on a gentle hill, they offer postcard views of the mountains. When you plan your holiday, expect to stay longer. You can choose a house for eight or a smaller cabin perfect for a romantic getaway (it even fits three if you’re cozy). The second option features a loft bed and a triangular window framing the greenery… pure inspiration.

‘Everything was perfect. We were amazed by the location, the cabin’s decor, and the hosts’ hospitality. Fantastic place, highly recommended—I’ll be back soon. And about the location—nothing could be better. The view from the windows, wild nature right outside, yet you can order food from nearby restaurants. IDEAL!’

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Slowhop’s take

Our recommended menu for Łostówka: kycioki, ślepera, and kwaśnica. Eat in any order. A great spot for kids, with a playground (the larger house also has a creative studio) and views of the neighbor’s cows. Close to Luboń Wielki and the iconic “Baba Jaga” mountain lodge. Psst, we’ve already featured Highlander Houses in Łostówka in our kid-friendly spots and trailside cabins roundups.

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A yurt fits Beskid Wyspowy like jam to a doughnut. Perfect match. That’s Jurta Jutra by Wojtek and Olena, with a generous terrace to watch hills lift above the mists. Inside, modern comforts abound—styled like a chic studio, but the setting is far more charming. We adore Olena’s hand-painted art and her handmade ceramics. You can even stay here in winter—it’s been tested and approved. Before you hit the red trail to the Astronomical Observatory on Lubomir (just steps away), ask the hosts for a basket of local goodies. And here’s a treat: next to the yurt stands a tipi where you can light a fire and feel like a true adventurer. It captivates both kids and grown-ups.

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Slowhop’s take

The hosts live right next to the yurt, but at a respectful distance so you won’t feel crowded.

This place will suit you if you want someone to take care of every aspect of your rest. Seen from above, it looks serious—and the drone doesn’t lie. Bring the kids, grandma, or a friend—everyone leaves thrilled. Must be the food; guests rave about it. The tomato soup with dumplings allegedly changes how you think about tomato soup forever, and coffee brewed with mountain water tastes like an Italian café. It must be true. As a bonus, Bliżej Nieba offers a sauna, hot tub, and massages. At sunset, gather on the terrace with a glass of something dry and watch the Beskidy fade to dusk. No one can think a bad thought after that.

‘Absolute revelation! The hosts’ warmth and dedication—from first call to personal farewell—are exceptional. Silence and views from the windows and nearby trails are fantastic. We stayed in the charming cabin, perfectly distanced from the main guesthouse when you crave privacy […] Breakfasts are a solid 6 stars. Our personal highlight was wild mushrooms we picked nearby, fried up and served in under 15 minutes with exquisite homemade herb oil. Unforgettable. Thank you!’

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Slowhop’s take

Before you arrive, check the road conditions—low-clearance cars might struggle. If you want something more intimate, consider the Cottage Under the Sky. In summer, a retro steam train runs nearby to the Railway Museum in Chabówka or to Kasina Wielka, where you can see prewar locomotives featured in films like Schindler’s List, The Spring, or Cold War. Details here.

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We’ll bet most kids today have no idea cucumbers have spines. Not their fault—times have changed. That’s why hosts like Ola and Mike get us excited. They’ve set out to grow a food forest in the Beskid Hills, following permaculture principles—planting species native to the ecosystem and integrating them into food production. Their boldest idea is a plant amphitheater with concentric beds for jazz concerts (Mike is a musician as well as a farmer). Will there be an ode to the cucumber? Maybe. In these surroundings, they’ve placed a tiny house with a red roof and a kitchen at its heart. You can pick fresh produce and cook with a view of the rolling hills. It’s simply awesome.

Slowhop’s take

You can watch sustainable farming in action, and kids finally see eggplants grow. The pride of a meal made from your own picks—that’s priceless.

Pod Wysokim Niebem appeared on Slowhop just as we thought we were done. We were about to hit enter when Zosia jumped up and yelled, ‘Stop! Don’t submit yet!’ All thanks to Kasia and Marcin. Zosia says it’s a masterclass in ruinner passion. They took on rescuing a century-old farmhouse and committed to zero waste. Thinking back, it’s a miracle they finished in three years. Every piece of furniture tells a story: a sofa from an old bed, a kitchen hiding a retired Thermomix collection. One last whisper: it’s a two-minute walk to an incredible Tatra panorama.

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Slowhop’s take

Okay, Pod Wysokim Niebem technically lies just outside Beskid Wyspowy, but just 6 km away. We don’t think that makes a difference, and we’re sure you’ll love it. Psst, if our eyes lit up at the kids’ room, yours will too.

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