It was in Paris. On the playground, somewhere between the slide and the swing, a thought popped up in my head: what if I had to drop everything and go home, to the Bieszczady Mountains? The thought frightened us with its boldness, but it was quickly put into practice. After all, how to throw Parisian baguettes is only for Bieszczady freedom. A child under the arm and au revoir France!
Was it worth it? Definitely. Because we left the usual patterns behind us and unnecessary haste.
And since we've been here, we've been experiencing seasons almost imperceptible again in the city. In spring we munch on spring vegetables, in summer one of us interrupts our normal work and goes to the forest to professionally pick blueberries, in autumn we listen to rutting, and in winter we wander among the white trees. We wanted to share this experience with others, hence the idea for Biesczaderska Chatka. We created it ourselves, from shoveling to finishing. It is supposed to bring people closer, not move them away, which is why there are only two pairs of doors - exit and bathroom. The rest of the space, including the mezzanine bedroom, is open. However, not everyone likes this lack of walls, so we warn you in advance. But we invite everyone who is in love with nature and freedom, with all their heart in Bieszczady.
P.S Pack something warm for your clothes - on cloudless nights you can see from the hammock
up to 7,000 stars. It would be a pity to miss it just because you are a bit cold.
Biesczadersko cottages are located in Lutowiska, right under the Otryt range.
Wherever you look, there are mountains. You are welcome to visit us all year round, but if you decide to come in winter, remember to smoke in the fireplace. Additionally, we have two electric heaters, so you don't have to worry that it will be cold in the house after the hike. No one has been cold here yet.
Chatki is perfect for a couple, a small family or a small group of friends.
The small cottage on the mezzanine had room for a large bed and a large window in the treetops. You can also sleep on the fold-out sofa in the living room. However, privacy is difficult due to the space and layout of the rooms: the entire ground floor, excluding the bathroom, is open and has no walls. And the mezzanine will separate you from the rest of the world only by stairs.
In the Family Cottage, we have prepared two separate bedrooms and in one of them you will find a charming play corner for our youngest guests.
It's nice when guests come back. They appreciate the views, proximity to trails and silence. And a cozy interior where you can really be with someone, not next to them. If you also need these values, then - who knows - maybe you will come back to us for them?
Other practical things worth mentioning are:
- 1.5 km to the main road
- in winter, our road is sprinkled and cleared of snow, but good winter tires are a must
- in our town there is a shop, pharmacy, restaurant and ATM
- the nearest hiking trails are less than 500 meters from the Chatka
- the streetlights on the road are on until 9 p.m., then they turn off due to the Starry Sky Park
- so take a flashlight with you, preferably a headlamp, so that your hands are free in case of emergency
- Wellington boots come in handy in early spring and autumn
- there are other houses in the vicinity of the cottages, but the cottages are located in such a way that no one will disturb anyone else
Although we do not prepare food for guests, there is always something to try from the home pantry. Sometimes you will get jam, and other times fresh fruit from the forest. We will also tell you where to get the best eggs from happy hens and home-made cheese.
You can use all these delicacies to prepare breakfast on the terrace or dinner under the stars in the garden. We have put the necessary equipment in the cottage kitchen, which may not lead you to the MasterChef finals, but it will be enough for your vacation.
There are many interesting restaurants in our area, which you can look for even in Paris with a plate. We present a few suggestions below.
Maybe what we say will sound corny, but all seasons in the Bieszczady Mountains have something to fall in love with. Spring enjoys early spring and warmer days, summer conquers hearts with its intensity and the Perseid rain, autumn with rutting, and winter with unbelievable peace.
The nearest hiking trails from Chatka are less than 600 meters away. The green trail will lead you to the Sociologist's Cottage. There is no shop with a bar, but there are Otryckie Travel Meetings and astronomical shows. The red trail will make a pleasant loop around the entire Lutowiska. For cyclists, we recommend the cycle route around Otryt (37 km). There will be no shortage of ideas for trips, because around us there is the Star Sky Park and the San Valley Landscape Park, which smoothly turns into the Bieszczady National Park.
From May to October, astronomical shows take place at the Ryś observatory in Tarnawa Niżna (and in Lutowiska itself there is a star viewpoint). At the Konkret Cinema, Jola and Robert organize concerts and film screenings (you can find news on their cinema Facebook). And Trzynastka w Wetlina invites you all year round for coffee, cake and a good book.
SPRING
It starts later than in the lowlands, but once it starts, it surprises with its violence. Birds give crazy concerts, San rushes at breakneck speed, carrying pieces of ice, while some forest roads turn into muddy corridors. There are no people to feel the wild life waking up after winter.
SUMMER
Summer is associated with tourists on trails (especially in such popular places as, for example, pastures), longer waiting times in restaurants, but also with various events. All local shops are open, so it's not easy to leave here without delicious liqueurs or artistic souvenirs. The nights are long, warm and full of stars.
AUTUMN
In autumn, the Bieszczady Mountains take a deep breath after the summer madness. Roars of deer are reflected from the tops of Otryt, and it is worth taking a basket for mushrooms to the forest. Some places close down only to come back on weekends or until next summer. The open ones, however, have time for each guest, which makes autumn here the time to listen to the stories of the Bieszczady mountains. It is also a great time of year for more intimate, mountain hikes.
WINTER
Mud and gray in the lowlands, and snow around the cottage. The days are short, but bring back memories of childhood, when winter really was winter. The trails are empty - you can see more animal tracks than shoe prints. There are lifts, of which there are several in the Bieszczady Mountains. This is a special time for special souls.
What’s there for children?
In the Bieszczady Mountains, children have Bullerbyn, Neverland and a holiday with their grandmother in the countryside all in one.
Meadows and forests are just waiting to be discovered, and with the biggest night owls you can count the stars at night. On warmer days, your feet and feet are wonderfully cool in Sana, but in winter they tramp on the snow present here.
The Family Cottage has several board games, a bookcase and a play corner for rainier days. In front of the house, you can spend your free time playing in the sandbox or outdoor kitchen, there is also a swing and a slide.
