Pilsko

Pilsko (1,556.9 m above sea level) is a massive, far-visible mountain rising in the Orava Beskids and, on the Polish side, in the Żywiec Beskids. It lies about 16 kilometres northwest of Námestovo, right on the Slovak-Polish border — the border runs roughly 400 metres north of the summit itself, through a spot the Poles call Góra Pięciu Kopców.

Pilsko is among the highest and most famous mountains of the entire Beskid arc and has long been a destination for hikers from both sides of the border. Its distinctive, broad silhouette with a flat top can be recognised from far away, and together with nearby Babia Góra it forms a striking pair of Beskid "royal" summits.

The ascent of Pilsko is a classic mountain hike that rewards visitors with a wide panorama — on clear days you can see the Orava hills, the ridges of the Malá Fatra and Veľká Fatra, and deep into the Polish interior. The upper reaches of the mountain are covered with dwarf pine and mountain meadows, home to the true Beskid atmosphere of rugged yet beautiful nature. That's why Pilsko is popular year-round, for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

The most common starting point for the ascent is Oravská Polhora, Slovakia's northernmost village, from which marked trails lead all the way up beneath the summit. If you'd like to combine a demanding hike with relaxation, it's ideal to choose accommodation right in Oravská Polhora or the wider upper Orava area — from a cosy guesthouse or cottage you can set off for the ridge early in the morning and enjoy the calm of the foothill region on your return.