Some of the best ski resorts of Poland are situated in the area of the Western Beskid Mountains. The majority of skiers head to Szczyrk, the winter capital of the region. Mt Skrzyczne is accessible to skiers with its cable car and many ski lifts to get to the more than 60 km of slopes, popular among snowboarders. Among the other great ski destinations are Wisla and Ustron, but if you are interested in winter sports, you can also visit Korbielow, Zwardon, Bielsko-Biala, Brenna or Myslenice.

Babiogorski National Park, established in 1954, is a haven for rare species of birds, animals and plants. Some of them are described as endemic as you can only find them there. Wandering around the trails crossing the park gives you an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Beskid Mountains.

There are three artificial lakes created on the Sola River by a system of dams: Lakes Czanieckie, Miedzybrodzkie and Zywieckie. They are recommendable for all who like sailing, canoeing, swimming or fishing. Another lake in the area is Lake Dobczyckie; however it is not accessible for water sports, although forming a picturesque area good for hikers.

The vast bulk of visitors head for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Luring both tourists and pilgrims, this Way of the Cross reminds one of the last hours of Jesus Christ. There are also interesting towns in the region, such as Sucha Beskidzka with its gorgeous palace and the beautiful ancient town of Cieszyn.

Wadowice is famous as the place where Karol Wojtyla, later pope John Paul II, was born and grew up. An important destination for every Catholic traveller, and still an interesting one for others, Wadowice has a museum in the former house of the Wojtyla family and a basilica.

If you are more sightseeing-oriented, you can visit one of the local museums. The most original ones can be found in Koniakow with its Museum of Lace, which was manufactured locally for centuries using traditional methods, or in Zywiec where the old brewery gives an occasion to learn about old recipes of beer production.

Those who love extreme sports might want to visit Mt Zar and try gliding or paragliding. There is a cable car to the top, and equipment rental and special courses for the beginners are provided.

To get to know the folk heritage of the region, visit the open-air museums in Zubrzyca or Zawoja. You can also go to Lipnica Wielka – a traditional Orawa village. If you come in July or August, you could take part in the “Week of Beskid Culture” festival organised in Szczyrk, Wisla, and Istebna.