In the vicinity of the border with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, on the slopes of the Złoty Groń mountain, Istebna is sometimes green, sometimes covered with snow, and always undulating. It was asking for a nice idea and one that's favourable for us too. We found two shipping containers that have sailed around the world several times. We transported them to the mountains and gave them a new life. Adapting a rectangular metal eco house box was a challenge. Along the way, everything was uphill, which is normal in the Beskids. But it was worth it!
We put our whole heart into the creation of Woodboxes to be able to share with you good energy, brilliant skiing conditions, beautiful walking routes, a forest full of mushrooms, a gurgling stream nearby, coffee on the terrace and sledging down the hill. See what we managed to create when we boldly combined unconventional design and ecology.
There are 5 original air-conditioned houses at your disposal. 3 of them are for 6 people, and two MINI are designed for 2 people, these are two apartments in the shape of one container. Bearing in mind the good of the environment, we have created them from recycled sea containers. They are minimalistic, compact, and at the same time functional and modern. In line with our beliefs and out of concern for the planet, we have used nature-friendly technologies.
Large woodboxes can accommodate 6 people, and mini 2 people who will be able to sleep comfortably in fragrant bedding. We assure you that you will not have to pack the entire trunk of equipment and gadgets - everything you need to be happy is there.
In large Woodboxes you will find:
- a large bed in the form of a capsule with a huge window to the world,
- a sofa that, when unfolded, can accommodate two people,
- a large bed that is magically hidden in the wardrobe, which also creates a table,
- a kitchenette where you will find everything you need to prepare a tasty breakfast, afternoon tea or a romantic candlelight dinner,
- a terrace where every coffee tastes better and the book is more captivating,
- a minimalist bathroom that has been designed to make comfort a priority. There are also soft towels, colorful soaps and a dryer.
Each cottage has a lockable ski room and a bicycle room with a separate entrance.
There will also be:
- Wi-Fi
- parking lot,
- tv,
- board games.
To meet the expectations of our dear guests, we decided to create a two-person MINI Woodbox. The concept was already difficult and complicated, as it turned out and this time, it could not be otherwise.
MINI apartments, which were created, are housed in the shape of one container, which has been perfectly divided in half. They are exact mirror images, they differ only in color additions. In one pattern, he adds gold, and in the other, bottle green favors relaxation.
You will find a minimalist bathroom, a compact kitchenette, a sofa and a table, and a comfortable capsule with a large window to the world. From a crazy idea, two cozy apartments were created, each with its own entrance and a set of furniture on the terrace.
Dogs are welcome after prior arrangement and additional payment.
Oh my dears, in the Beskids you have to forget about counting calories and throw yourself into the vortex of oscypek, pancakes a la zbójnicku, kwaśnica, red cabbage, dumplings and roulades. In Woodboxes you have at your disposal compact kitchens, in which you will find everything you need to prepare breakfasts, snacks, lunches and warming suppers. Cocoa, mulled wine, tea with electricity and coffee with cinnamon are must-haves in winter Istebna. In the cupboards you will find cutlery, ladles, corkscrews, plates, bowls, pots, cups, glasses, wine glasses and more, containers full of aromatic spices, various types of teas and something sweet for those with a sweet tooth.
There are also several interesting culinary addresses in the area, and we know how to find them and will be happy to advise you.
Złoty Groń in Istebna is a place worth visiting. At the top of the hill there is a hotel and a restaurant of the same name. Right next to the ski lift, so two birds with one stone guaranteed. Everything here is brand new, fresh and well-kept.
Dwór Kukuczka is located on the main road that connects Istebna with Koniaków and Jaworzynka. The local cuisine is based on natural and regional Beskid ingredients. In the restaurant's menu you will find, among others, kwaśnica with smoked lamb, roast lamb, lamb loin, wild boar goulash, traditional pancakes from a sheet pan or pork loin with bone fried in lard. Finger-licking good..
A shepherd's hut in Koniaków, where from March to June you can buy original sheep's oscypek cheese. They are excellent, fresh and top-notch! You can choose from more or less smoked.
In Bukova Restauracja z klimatem, Italian cuisine is served, based on original products from the Apennine Peninsula. It may not be a very regional product, but pizza is always and everywhere :)
In the summer, you can sit on the terrace, sipping fragrant coffee, and then go on a trip to the mountains along a nearby trail. Autumn in this area is breathtaking, the variety and abundance of mushrooms, the variety and availability of herbs and the intensity of colors encourage hiking in the forest. In winter, the nearest ski lift can be reached on foot, and there are two other ski resorts nearby.
Be careful on the road to Istebna, because it is winding and dangerously unearthly views are everywhere. It's easy to get lost. There are many viewing spots, but check out the most interesting ones. Ochodzita in Koniaków is a place where, when the weather is good, you can even see the Tatra Mountains. The second one is Złoty Groń in Istebna, on the top of which a magnificent hotel was built. From here you can admire the hills surrounding the entire Beskidzka Trójwieś, while sipping delicious coffee on the hotel terrace.
Other viewpoints:
- Koczy Castle
- Kubalonka Pass
- Stewhouse
Tourist attractions to see:
- Regional product center
- Lace Museum in Koniaków - Maria Gwarek Memorial Room
- Regional Museum on Grapa
- Jan Kawulok's cottage in Istebna
- Jerzy Kukuczka Memorial Room in Istebna
Hiking tourist trails
- Yellow - from Przełęcz Rupienka through Koniaków Centrum - Zaolzie - Istebna stop Las - Połom - Przełęcz Szarcula
- Czerwony - from Przełęcz Kubalonka through Przełęcz Szarcula - to Stecówka
- Zielony - from Istebna stop Tartak through Prądowiec - Wilcze - Młoda Góra to Kiczory
- Green - from Istebna stop Tartak through Zaolzie - Łączyna - Pietraszonka to Przysłop
- Green – from Jaworzynka Trzycatek to Trójstyk
- Green – from Jaworzynka Trzycatek through Wiedze – Zapasieki to Jaworzynka Wyrchczadeczki
- Blue - from Koczy Castle through Koniakowska Pass - Karolówka to Przysłop
- Blue – from Koczy Castle through the Rupienka Pass to Sołowy Wierch
- Czarny – from Jaworzynka Wiedzy to the border crossing Jaworzynka – Hrčava
A new tourist attraction in Istebna is the Nordic walking park. There are now three routes available for fans of this sport. All trails start at the "Kempaland" center in Bukowiec, where you can also rent the necessary equipment and find an instructor. The choices are:
- GÓRALSKA route (15.2 km)
- BUKOWIECKA route (11.5 km)
- ISTEBNIAŃSKA route (9.7 km)
Be sure to take your skis and boards with you, because the slopes are waiting:
- Chuckle 350m
- Złoty Groń 1.1 km
- Zagroń 1.3 km
- Kempaland (CZ) 9km
- Wisła 18km
- Ustroń 24km
- Szczyrk 37km
We also have walking trails for walkers:
- Blue – trail named after Jerzy Kukuczka (Istebna Centrum – Wilcze – Olecki – Kubalonka)
- Czerwony - Beskidzka Planetary Path (Kubalonka - Olecki - Wilcze - Prądowiec - Jasnowice - Museum on Grapa - 12 km
What’s there for children?
The kids have a large clearing for having fun, huts to build, and a stream for their feet. Nature does the work herself and chases boredom from children's heads.
As soon as snow falls in Woodboxes, there is no question of boredom. There are wet gloves, cold noses, happiness on the faces and snowmen in front of the houses. In winter, during the day, it is worth taking advantage of the "snow bath" by building an igloo or walking on cross-country skis, and in the evening play board games and read books.
Don't forget to involve your children in all the activities in which you will participate. Skiing, mushroom picking, mountain walks and hot chocolate in mountain huts.
In summer, you can organize many activities in the meadow around the houses, play football, fly kites, organize a picnic and catching butterflies.
