Bieszczady
Trail of Bieszczady Orthodox Churches
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About this route
Apart from the enchanting nature, the Orthodox churches and Tserkvas are the distinguishing feature of the Bieszczady Mountains. You'll see them in most villages, and this route will introduce you to some of the lesser-known ones. During the trip, you will see four beautiful and unique sacred buildings located on a loop that begins and ends in Komńacza. While passing through the mentioned towns, take in the beauty of the Bieszczady nature reserves. When passing through fords on the section from Mików to Duszatyn, you will feel the true "survival" nature of the route.
Practical advices
A route with a moderate level of difficulty will allow you to test your fitness. Remember that the terrain has a huge impact on how many kilometres you can cover. Trails on flat roads are less strenuous than those on hills or mountain roads.
Planning a group trip? Match the route to the fitness of the weakest participant.
A helmet and light clothing made of breathable materials will be essential for safety and comfort on the route. Other than that, only put on the essentials. Heavy luggage will make your ride more difficult. Also, think about what you will carry the necessary items in. We suggest a backpack or panniers for your bike.
Be prepared for possible breakdowns on the route. It is a good idea to carry the most important tools for a quick fix, such as inner tubes or patches, a pump or a multi-tool. Make sure you have enough water and food, as well as navigation equipment.
Is it looking like a warm and sunny day? Remember sunscreen and sunglasses. If you are planning sightseeing or other activities along the route, a bike lock will also be very useful. Before you leave, carefully examine your route for the trip. Consider whether your skills and equipment are adequate for the level of difficulty of the route.
Bieszczady
Audiodeskrypcja tekstowa
Route details
Komańcza - Radoszyce - Radoszyckie Spring - Osławica - Nowy Łupków - Smolnik - Mików - Duszatyn - Prełuki - KomańczaStart
- 1Komańcza0 kmKomańcza
Your journey begins here, at the Komańcza Forestry Inspectorate's car park. From here, follow the regional road south. The red bicycle trail signs will guide you for the majority of the route.
There are two Orthodox churches in Komańcza. Former Greek Catholic Parish Tserkva of the Protection of Our Most Holy Mother is the first. It is in Komańcza, but you must deviate slightly from the planned route to see it. It is, however, worthwhile! The church was constructed between 1985 and 1988, and its interior features an iconostasis, polychrome, and a miraculous icon of the Mother of God. The Museum and Ethnographic Chamber are located in the church's basement.
The second temple in Komańcza is The Orthodox Church of the Protection of Our Most Holy Mother, which is a short distance away. It was constructed in 1802 and was rebuilt after a fire in 2010. The church is designed in the East Lemko style, and its interior features a new iconostasis.
- 2Radoszyce5 kmRadoszyce
Turn right at the junction in Radoszyce. It's time to explore this village. But first, a short ride to the Radoszyce spring. You'll pass by the village's buildings on your way back. Look for old Lemko cottages and a wooden Orthodox church here.
The former Greek Catholic tserkva of st. Dimitri in Radoszyce in Radoszyce dates back to 1868. Its construction is tripartite, and the interior features a 19th-century iconostasis. The temple is currently used as a Roman Catholic church.
Continue south on the regional road no. 897. You're on your way to the picturesque Osławica valley.
- 3Osławica14.3 kmOsławica
In this small village, you can see the nearby beaver lodges or visit the shepherd's hut and taste the local cheeses.
- 4Nowy Łupków17.8 kmNowy Łupków
In Nowy Łupków, the road leading to the main part of the village diverges to the right. Here you can find the famous railway station, where over 300 Galician dignitaries bid Emperor Franz Joseph I farewell after he visited the Przemyśl Fortress in 1880.
From the scenic Rysawski Wierch, you descend into the valley of the Smolnik stream. At the twentieth kilometre, leave the regional road, going left towards the village of Smolnik.
- 5Smolnik20.6 kmSmolnik
You will ride along the Osława river until you reach Prełuki. Continue north on the asphalt road. You will pass the former tserkva of the Relics Transfer of Saint Nicholas in Smolnik on the way. It was built in 1806. A bell tower next to the building is surrounded by a traditional Lemko stone wall and an old cemetery.
A little further on is the steep slope of Kiczera, where there is a chalet with a small aircraft airstrip.
Smolnik is an excellent place to stop for a meal. Along the way, there are two restaurants: Zagroda Chryszczata and Bieszczadzkie Smaki.
- 6Mików26.4 kmMików
You must cross the first ford in Mików. There will be four fords across the Osława on the way to Duszatyn. It is possible to cross them on concrete slabs.
- 7Duszatyn29.4 kmDuszatyn
After passing through Duszatyn, you will ride through a reserve that protects the river's picturesque gorge. In the reserve, you can admire the beautiful landscape and flora that are protected. The reserve's goal is to protect the gorge section of the Osława river valley, as well as the surrounding forest stand.
- 8Prełuki32.3 kmPrełuki
After the bridge and the railway line in Prełuki, turn left. A serpentine gravel road leads to a pass, then a downhill ride takes you to the outskirts of Komańcza.
- 9Komańcza36.2 kmKomańcza
Your journey concludes where you started.
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