Best mountain passes around Lipnica Wielka provide access to the surrounding mountainous terrain, including the Babia Góra National Park. The area is situated in the historical Orava region, bordering Slovakia. Przełęcz Krowiarki serves as a primary gateway to the Babia Góra National Park, offering access to hiking experiences in the Polish Beskids. This region features diverse plant and animal species, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more mountain passes around Lipnica Wielka.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A resting place before or after climbing Babia Góra. From Przełęcz, you can also hike to Cyl (Little Babia Góra), which is less than 30 minutes away.
0
0
Krowiarki Pass. Here you'll find a bus stop, parking, and the Babia Góra National Park ticket office (tickets can also be purchased online on the Babia Góra National Park website – 8 PLN, concessions 4 PLN). There's also a toi-toi and a souvenir shop.
0
0
Okay, the pass itself is actually right there, a minute's walk north, but right next to it is a place with a truly amazing mountain view that you have to see—not on the Main Beskid Trail itself, but come down, take a look, and enjoy.
0
0
Here starts the route and directly the climb to the top of the Babia Gora mountain. Please note that this is a national park and you have to buy entrance tickets. (Costs in 2023 - €3 p.p.) solid climb of about 800 meters in height over 3.5 kilometers in length.
0
0
One of two road climbs to the Krowiarki pass. Starting from the roundabout in Zawoja, we cover 9.2 km and 410 m of elevation, with an average gradient of 4.5%. The asphalt is new and very nice, the views especially in the first part. On weekends and in the summer months, car traffic can be heavy. Two interesting serpentines along the way, if you plan to return the same way.
1
0
The Brona Pass is at an altitude of 1412m above sea level and divides the Babia Góra massif into eastern and western parts. There are several gorges and a pond near the pass. The name of the pass ("brona") comes from the old Polish "brama" and has been called that since 1925. Previously, it was called Siodło.
1
0
A nice approach to the trail, something different than the usual Krowiarki
1
0
The main gateway to Babia Góra National Park is Krowiarki Pass. It's a popular starting point for ascents to Babia Góra, Sokolica, and Gówniaka, offering diverse hiking trails and stunning mountain panoramas.
Yes, Brona Pass is a notable viewpoint at an altitude of 1412 meters above sea level. It divides the Babia Góra massif and offers vistas of Zawoja and the Jałowiec range. You can also find several gorges and a pond nearby.
From Krowiarki Pass, you can access several well-marked trails. The red trail, part of the Main Beskid Trail, leads to the summit of Babia Góra and is known for its steep sections and spectacular views. An easier blue trail is also available, and you can combine trails for loop routes, such as ascending via the red trail and descending through Brona Pass.
You can take the Ascent to Brona Pass from Zawoja Markowa. This trail follows the green trail to a shelter and then the red trail to the pass, offering a different approach compared to starting from Krowiarki Pass.
Krowiarki Pass features a large paid parking lot. However, during holidays and on weekends, especially after 7 a.m., finding a space can be challenging due to its popularity as a trailhead.
While Lipnica Wielka is a village, Przełęcz Krowiarki is accessible by road (Voivodeship Road No. 957). For specific public transport schedules from Lipnica Wielka to Krowiarki Pass, it's advisable to check local bus services, as direct routes might be limited.
Babia Góra National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its diverse plant and animal species. It is unique in the Polish Beskids for featuring all vegetation zones, from lower forest to alpine, offering a rich natural experience.
Yes, there are dedicated cycling routes. You can experience the Ascent to Krowiarki Pass from Zawoja, covering 9.2 km with an average gradient of 4.5%. Another option is the Ascent to the Krowiarki Pass from Zubrzyca Dolna, which is 11.5 km long with a 3% average gradient.
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including mountain hikes and easy hikes. For cyclists, there are options for gravel biking with routes offering views of the Tatra Mountains.
Yes, there are several family-friendly hiking trails in the area. You can explore easy hikes around Lipnica Wielka, including loops from Zawoja or Barańcowa, and trails leading to Mosorny Waterfall, which are generally suitable for families.
The best time to visit is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when trails are clear of snow and weather conditions are more stable for hiking and cycling. This allows for optimal enjoyment of the scenic views and diverse ecosystems.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning mountain panoramas, the diverse hiking opportunities, and the accessibility to the unique natural environment of Babia Góra National Park. The well-marked trails and the sense of being in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve are frequently highlighted.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Lipnica Wielka: