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.
We offer five unique, air-conditioned cabins. Three of them sleep 6 people, and two MINI cabins sleep 2 people. These are two apartments housed in a single shipping container. With the environment in mind, we created them from recycled shipping containers. They are minimalistic, compact, yet functional and modern. In keeping with our beliefs and caring for the planet, we have used eco-friendly technologies.
The large cabins accommodate 6 people, while the mini cabins accommodate 2 people, who will be able to sleep comfortably in fragrant bedding. We guarantee you won't have to pack a trunk full of equipment and gadgets – everything you need for a happy stay is right there.
In the large Woodboxes, you'll find:
- a large capsule bed with a huge window onto the world,
- a sofa that can be folded out to accommodate two people,
- a large bed that magically hides in the wardrobe and doubles as a table,
- a kitchenette with everything you need to prepare a delicious breakfast, afternoon tea, or a romantic candlelit dinner,
- a terrace where every coffee tastes better and a book is more captivating,
- a minimalist bathroom designed with comfort as a priority. It's stocked with soft towels, colorful soaps, and a hairdryer.
Each standard cabin has a lockable ski/bike room with a separate entrance.
To meet the expectations of our dear guests, we decided to create a two-person MINI Woodbox. The concept was already challenging and complicated, and as it turned out, it couldn't be any different this time.
The MINI apartments that were created fit within a single container, which was perfectly divided in half. These are exact mirror images, differing only in color accents. In one, gold adds elegance, while in the other, bottle green promotes relaxation.
You'll find:
- a large capsule-style bed with a huge window to the world,
- a sofa and table,
- a compact kitchenette,
- a minimalist bathroom,
- a terrace with loungers overlooking grazing horses.
All cottages also feature:
- Wi-Fi,
- TV,
- air conditioning,
- board games.
Parking at Woodbox is included in the price.
Pets are welcome by prior arrangement and for an additional fee.
Oh my dears, in the Beskids, you have to forget about counting calories and plunge into a whirlwind of oscypek cheese, highlander pancakes, sauerkraut soup, red cabbage, dumplings, and roulades. At Woodbox, you'll find compact kitchens where you'll find everything you need to prepare breakfasts, snacks, lunches, and warming dinners. Cocoa, mulled wine, tea with ice, and coffee with cinnamon are must-haves in wintery Istebna. In the cupboards, you'll find cutlery, ladles, corkscrews, plates, bowls, pots, mugs, glasses, wine glasses, and more, containers full of aromatic spices, various types of tea, and something sweet for those with a sweet tooth.
There are also several interesting culinary spots in the area, and we know how to find them and will be happy to recommend them.
Golden Groń in Istebna is a place worth visiting. At the top of the hill is a hotel and restaurant of the same name. Right next to the ski lift, so you're guaranteed to hit two birds with one stone. Everything here is brand new, fresh, and well-maintained.
Dwór Kukuczka is located on the main road connecting Istebna with Koniaków and Jaworzynka. The cuisine is based on natural and regional Beskid ingredients. The restaurant's menu includes sauerkraut soup with smoked lamb, roast lamb, lamb saddle, wild boar goulash, traditional pancakes, and bone-in pork loin fried in lard. It's delicious...
Shepherd's hut in Koniaków, where you can buy authentic sheep's cheese from March to June. They're excellent, fresh, and top-notch! You can choose from both smoked and unsmoked varieties.
The atmospheric Bukova Restaurant serves Italian cuisine based on authentic products from the Apennine Peninsula. It may not be a very regional product, but pizza is always and everywhere :)
At Woodbox Istebna, relaxation is versatile and enjoyable, year-round. Guests can enjoy an exclusive sauna (additional fee) and a complimentary, communal jacuzzi, allowing for true relaxation regardless of the weather. Next to the sauna is a comfortable relaxation area with a shower, and for the more adventurous, a cold tub is also available, perfect for cooling down after a sauna session. Additional towels, both small and large, are provided for sauna goers, ensuring everyone can fully focus on relaxing in complete comfort.
In summer, guests can enjoy the complimentary swimming pool and lounge chairs, perfect for blissful laziness in the fresh air. This is also the perfect time to cozy up on the terrace with a cup of fragrant coffee overlooking the neighboring horses, before heading out on a mountain hike along the nearby trail. Autumn in Istebna is breathtaking – the abundance of mushrooms, the abundance of herbs, and the vibrant colors of the forest encourage long walks and leisurely hikes. Winter, on the other hand, is a treat for winter sports enthusiasts – the nearest ski lift is a short walk away, and two other ski resorts are within easy reach.
There's also a communal barbecue area with comfortable hammocks, as well as separate garden grills. The terraces are furnished with soft cushions and additional loungers in storage. In summer, you can access mini-gardens with fresh herbs at each cottage! Scrambled eggs with wild garlic and chives? Mmm, perfect!!
Be careful on the road to Istebna, as it's winding, and the dangerously otherworldly views are everywhere. It's easy to get lost in the scenery. There are many viewpoints, but explore the most interesting ones. The Ochodzita in Koniaków is a place where, in good weather, you can even see the Tatra Mountains. The second is Złoty Groń in Istebna, on top of which stands a magnificent hotel. From here, you can admire the hills surrounding the entire Beskid Triviæ region while sipping delicious coffee on the hotel terrace.
Other viewpoints:
- Koczy Castle
- Kubalonka Pass
- Stecówka
Tourist attractions to see:
- Regional Product Center
- Koniaków Lace Museum – Maria Gwarek Memorial Room
- Regional Museum on Grapa
- Jan Kawulok's Cottage in Istebna
- Jerzy Kukuczka Memorial Room in Istebna
🥾 Hiking Trails:
🔴 Red – Kubalonka Pass → Szarcula Pass → Stecówka → Przysłop
A classic route connecting important points of the Silesian Beskids, leading through picturesque forest areas and ridges.
⚫ Black – Jaworzynka Głębokie → Jaworzynka – Hrčava border crossing
A short section of the border trail, perfect for a walk and exploring the Polish-Czech border.
🟡 Yellow – Koniaków Centrum → Istebna (PKS Las / Zaolzie) → Szarcula Pass → Kubalonka
A longer section connecting Koniaków with Kubalonka via Istebna and Szarcula, perfect for a leisurely hike with views.
🟢 Green – Istebna (Tartak stop) → Prądowiec → Wilcze → Młoda Góra → Kiczory
A picturesque route to popular peaks in the area – Młode Góra and Kiczory – with beautiful panoramas.
🟢 Green – Istebna (Tartak stop) → Zaolzie → Łączynia → Pietraszonka → Przysłop
A beautiful trail through the Beskid glades and forests, connecting Istebna with Przysłop.
🟢 Green – Jaworzynka Trzycatek → Trójstyk
A walking trail leading to the border triangle, great for shorter trips and family walks.
🟢 Green – Jaworzynka Trzycatek → Zapasieki → Jaworzynka Wyrchczadeczki
A beautiful, easy trail through Beskid hamlets and forest sections.
🔵 Blue – Koczy Zamek → Przełęcz Koniakowska → Przysłop
A moderately long trail leading through a pass with beautiful views of the Beskid ridges.
🔵 Niebieski – Koczy Zamek → Przełęcz Rupienka → Solowy Wierch
A route through the popular Beskid peaks, often chosen by lovers of panoramic views and active walking.
A new tourist attraction in Istebna is a Nordic walking park. Three trails are already available for Nordic walking enthusiasts. All trails begin at the "Kempaland" center in Bukowiec, where you can also rent equipment and find an instructor. You can choose from:
- GÓRALSKA trail (15.2 km)
- BUKOWIECKA trail (11.5 km)
- ISTEBNIAŃSKA trail (9.7 km)
Be sure to bring your skis and snowboards, because the slopes are waiting for you:
- Chichot 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 hikers:
- Blue – Jerzy Kukuczka Trail (Istebna Centrum – Wilcze – Olecki – Kubalonka)
- Red – Beskidzka Planetarium Path (Kubalonka – Olecki – Wilcze – Prądowiec – Jasnowice – Muzeum na Grapie – 12 km)
Kids have a true paradise to explore here. In addition to a large clearing for romping, huts for building, and a stream for soaking their feet, the little ones can also enjoy a playground with a slide, a wooden house, and a sandbox. When the weather encourages activity, you can grab some badminton rackets, and for quieter moments, there are board games, perfect after a day full of excitement. Nature does the work itself, effectively banishing boredom from children's minds.
Whenever the snow falls, boredom is nonexistent at Woodbox. There are wet gloves, cold noses, happy faces, and snowmen in front of the houses. In winter, during the day, it's worth trying snow baths, building igloos, or going cross-country skiing, and in the evenings – with a cup of hot cocoa – playing board games and reading books.
Don't forget to involve your children in all the activities you participate in: skiing, mushroom picking, mountain walks, and at the top – a mandatory hot chocolate in the mountain hut.
In summer, the meadow surrounding the cottages offers endless possibilities – you can play football, fly kites, organize a picnic, or even spontaneously catch butterflies. It's a place where childhood savors freedom, movement, and closeness to nature.
