Rzeszów 2016 Acrobatics in the sky PODKARPACKIE during the Podkarpackie Air Show. (MM) – INFINITE POSSIBILITIES The Region of Podkarpackie – a gateway to the European Union, land comprises an area of 18,000 km2 and has a population of over of modern economy, unpolluted natural environment, wealth of cul- 2 million. Its neighbours include Slovakia in the south, and Ukraine in ture, and... opportunities. Here, innovative technologies of aerospace, the east - across the external border of the European Union. This is also information and automotive industries come side by side with active the cross-roads for the trading routes of Central Europe. The motorway leisure, mountain adventures, multiculturalism and creativity. Interna- linking Western and Eastern Europe, Via Carpathia designed to con- tional airport, EU border crossings, East-West motorway, areas desig- nect North and South in the future, as well as the modern airport with nated for investments and resources of well-educated young people international passenger and cargo terminals are the reason why are the reasons why global companies bring their business here. And operations of numerous manufacturing, trading and logistics compa- after work? Anything goes! From the atmosphere of urban cafeterias, nies are located here. The region’s capital with a population of nearly pubs, theatres, and concerts, to recreation activities on the ground, on 200,000, Rzeszów is a vibrant, youthful and modern city, one of the the water and in the air, amidst wildlife, Carpathian landscapes, and most rapidly growing urban agglomerations in Poland. This is also home legends of the Bieszczady and Beskid Niski. On top of that, one can to the Aviation Valley. Aerospace, information, and automotive industry absorb the culture, architecture and art of the borderland, and find time as well as quality of life are four smart specializations of the Podkar- and place for leisure, creativity and taking bird’s eye view of the hectic packie. Clean, ecological farming, healthy traditional food, and a wealth world, from above. of natural and cultural assets as well as tourist attractions contribute to Located in the south-east of Poland, the Podkarpackie Region the fact that Podkarpackie is an excellent place to live at. The Bieszczady Mountains. View from Mount Połonina Wetlińska towards Połonina Caryńska. (KZ) 3 PODKARPACKIE – SPACE AND TIME FOR LEISURE Lake Solina. (KZ) You are invited for an unusual tour of the Podkarpackie. You will learn Wildlife can be admired in two national parks: Bieszczady and about the most beautiful corners of the Region and the multitude of Magura. There are also 10 landscape reserves, 13 areas of protected leisure-time options; you will find out where you can get the taste landscape, 94 nature reserves and thousands of natural monuments. of delicious traditional cuisine. First we will take a plunge into the This is a region of Poland with the least polluted environment. wilderness of the Bieszczady, follow the trails in the Low Beskids Majority of farms here grow healthy, organic crops and local food and discover the magic of the Roztocze Highland. We will cruise Lake producers are leaders in the number of the registered regional Solina and explore the Region’s most impressive landmarks. products. Local wines are also worth tasting. We will tell you about a range of options in store for those who decide Here you will meet friendly people whose openness results from the to spend some time in Podkarpackie. Enthusiasts of active recreation centuries of harmonious co-existence of many cultures. will have a good time here throughout the year. Hiking along the Podkarpackie is an excellent choice for those who want to take mountain trails, horse-riding tours, bike trips, sailing or gliding – all a break from hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to places of these options are at the reach of your hand. And in winter? In the natural beauty, where the time slows down. Here you can forget region there are about 30 ski lifts, and dozens of routes for cross-coun- about troubles, put things in the right perspective, and even redefine try skiing and ski touring. And if you prefer vacation in quiet places, your life. to relax, chill out, recharge your batteries, and revive your health and beauty, we can recommend our holiday resorts with a wide range of wellness and spa treatments. For all those who, in addition to its historical landmarks, want to ex- plore the region itself, Podkarpackie is a “green paradise”. Indeed, Mountain grasslands seen from the saddle. (TP) this is a unique place in Europe, in terms of the varied landscapes and the wealth of flora and fauna. This is where visitors will see rel- ics of Sandomierz and Carpathian primeval forests, a rarity elsewhere. (JW) 5 MYSTICAL LAND OF FREEDOM The Bieszczady Mountains are the most recognizable area of the Pod- Extending from the Tylicka Pass to the Łupków Pass, there is the wid- karpackie Region. Shrouded in legends, for years they have attracted est and at the same time the lowest range of the Beskids aptly named tourists from all over Poland. Those seeking tranquillity more and the Low Beskids, with gentle slopes and dense forests. The uniqueness more often choose the enchanting landscapes of the Low Beskids and of this area, is linked with the exceptional wealth of its natural environ- Eastern Roztocze Highland. ment with an incredible number and diversity of species of flora and The Bieszczady Mountains are a part of the Eastern Carpathians, they fauna. Only here can one encounter such inaccessible places and real stretch on the borderland between Poland and Ukraine. The Polish wilderness, resembling genuine primeval forests. Indeed, here you can part from the west closes with the Łupków Pass, in the east with the wander for hours without meeting a single person, and the only compa- Uzsok Pass, in the north the mountains reach Lesko and Ustrzyki Dolne. ny comes in the form of wolf’s eyes, or brown fur of a bear. 6 The Bieszczady Mountains, Mount Połonina Wetlińska.. (TO) The Low Beskids. (WC) The Bieszczady Mountains, Mount Połonina Caryńska. (KZ) The Eastern Roztocze Highland is partly located within Podkarpackie, Hiking trips along the Sub-Carpathian trails leave enduring memories. and more specifically in the District of Lubaczów. This area is gaining Echoes of these can be encountered in innumerable poems and songs popularity among those who want to avoid hordes of tourists. What recalling “the Land of Placidity”. The appeal of the Bieszczady also does Roztocze hold in store? First of all it amazes with its wildlife, and lies in stories created by generations of travellers, legends of the beautiful landscapes dotted with absolute treasures of wooden archi- enchanted and secret places, and tales about the sense of endless tecture, such as the tserkovs in Radruż and Gorajec. Those interested freedom. in history can follow the trail of bunkers along the Molotov Line, relics In Podkarpackie, the mountain trails lead through areas which en- of the unusual events which once took place in this region. Famous chant enthusiasts of walking tours not only with unforgettable views people linked with Roztocze include St. Brother Albert and King John from mountain grasslands and summits, but also with the abundance III Sobieski. of flora and fauna. The natural environment of the Bieszczady, the Low Beskids and Those into more intense sensations, venturing into the natural beech Roztocze is a magical world, combining wildness with harmony, it is forest, can encounter a wisent, lynx, or even a bear. Yet, the Bieszcza- a world of fascinating impressions, and at the same time a peaceful dy Mountains are not only home to big predators; this is also natural and quiet area. Each tourist will find here the emotions they dream of. habitat for a large variety of birds. This is a rich world of colourful Mount Tarnica, the tallest summit in the Polish part of the Bieszczady (1346 metres) (KZ) Water cascades on River Tanew, Eastern Roztocze Highland. (TMi) 7 Red deer. (MS) Lynx - Symbol of the Bieszczady National Park (CĆ) insects, rare species of amphibians, and obviously variety of moss- es, lichens and flowering plants. The primeval environment of the Bieszczady is a perfect place for exploring nature and for tracking animals or bird watching. The unique value of the Bieszczady flora and fauna can be seen in the fact that here one can even encounter subtropical species, such as flycatchers, as well as the Aesculapian snake, native only to this part of Europe. In the Region there are over 90 hiking trails, in total exceeding the length of 2,800 km. Outlined in the Podkarpackie, the trails traverse the mountains, the foothills, and the lowlands. Because of their scenic qualities, the trails located in the Bieszczady and the Low Beskids are most popular. However, the routes of the Przemyśl Foothills, Słonne Mountains and Roztocze can also be recommended as they lead to landmarks of material culture, and places of historical importance. Aesculapian snake. (KZ) Wisent in Muczne Wisent Enclosure. (MB) Lesser-spotted eagle. (CĆ) 8 Dahany, Eastern Roztocze. (TM) The Low Beskids. (PC) 9 FOLLOWING THE GREEN VELO TRAIL AND MORE Do you travel on two wheels? Feel invited! Diversified landscape are greeted by the town of Narol featuring the Palace of the Łoś of Podkarpackie is perfect for various kinds of cycling tourism: road family and then by Horyniec Zdrój spa resort, beyond which the finest cycling, mountain biking or family rides. All together there are over attractions of the area await: the unique wooden tserkovs in Radruż 3,000 kilometres of bike trails in the region. and Chotyniec, both listed as UNESCO world heritage sites.