Best mountain passes around Bielsko-Biała are found at the foot of the Beskid Mountains in southern Poland, offering access to several passes in the surrounding Silesian and Little Beskids ranges. These passes are notable for their scenic routes, recreational opportunities, and historical elements. The region provides diverse terrain for activities such as hiking and cycling.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
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It's worth trying your hand at it. The climb to the pass is over 7km of climbing, which, without any flat spots, is an option for the more experienced. In comparison, it's much more difficult than Żar or Przegibek.
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I would like to offer the pilgrim pausing before this magnificent, small sacred monument, Pope Leo XIV's welcoming words as a brief meditation. Immediately after his election, before he bestowed the traditional blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) on the waiting faithful, he addressed the people gathered in St. Peter's Square, as well as those participating via radio, television, and the internet, with these moving words: + "Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd... I too desire that this greeting of peace enter your hearts, reach your families, all people, wherever they are, all nations, the whole earth. Peace be with you! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, the God who loves us all unconditionally." (Robert Francis Prevost / Pope Leo XIV)
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Quite a long climb - over 15 km, which starts off quite gently, and eventually increases to 6-7%. Average gradient 3.3%. I recommend riding it during the week, because it can be crowded on weekends (cars and motorcycles on the route). The views await us after reaching Przełęcz Salmopolska (934 m above sea level), because before that you ride mainly through the forest.
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Kołowrot Peak, located in the Mikuszowice region near Bielsko-Biała, is located on the border of the Silesian and Little Beskids and reaches a height of about 798 m above sea level. The trails leading to Kołowrot are quite gentle, and along the way you can come across numerous viewpoints with a panorama of Bielsko-Biała and the surrounding mountains. It is worth taking comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to extend the trip to further trails towards Klimczok or Szyndzielnia.
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Loop Szczyrk Brenna White Cross Małe Skrzyczne Szczyrk
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There are various places to stop for refreshments at the "Weißes Kreuz". The ski lift also ends here.
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For breathtaking views, consider visiting Salmopolska Pass, which offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. Kołowrót Pass also provides numerous panoramic viewpoints of Bielsko-Biała and the mountains. Szarcula Pass is another excellent choice for scenic routes.
Yes, both Salmopolska Pass and Szarcula Pass feature asphalt roads popular with road cyclists. They offer winding routes through the mountains, though the surface at Salmopolska can sometimes be poor. The ascent to Salmopol Pass from Rybarzowice is a notable climb for experienced cyclists.
Przegibek Pass is notable for its historical elements, including a stone pillar shrine with a statue of Sorrowful Christ from 1858 and a monument to World War II victims. Szarcula Pass also has historical ties to old-time hut farming.
Kocierska Pass is an excellent choice for families, featuring a hotel and SPA, a ropes course, and restaurants. It's also a starting point for undemanding hiking routes, including a red trail leading to Żar mountain, known for its small-gauge train and paragliding opportunities.
Many passes serve as starting points for hiking. From Salmopolska Pass, you can hike to Malinowska Skała and further to Skrzyczne. Przegibek Pass has a blue tourist trail towards Magurka and a black trail to Straconka. The trails leading to Kołowrót Pass are described as quite gentle, ideal for less strenuous walks. For more hiking options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Bielsko-Biała guide.
Yes, the trails leading to Kołowrót Pass are described as quite gentle, making it suitable for those seeking less strenuous hikes with rewarding scenery. Kocierska Pass also offers undemanding hiking routes, perfect for families or beginners. You can also find easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Bielsko-Biała guide.
Beyond hiking, the region offers excellent opportunities for cycling, particularly road cycling on passes like Salmopolska and Szarcula. Kocierska Pass is a popular spot for paragliding near Żar mountain. You can find various cycling routes in the Cycling around Bielsko-Biała guide.
You'll find hotels and amenities in the area around Salmopolska Pass. Kocierska Pass hosts a luxurious hotel and SPA, along with restaurants. Przegibek Pass has the Gawra bar, and the White Cross highlight also offers various places for refreshments.
The mountain passes are beautiful throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for enjoying the full range of outdoor activities, while winter provides opportunities for snow sports, though some roads might require winter tires or be less accessible.
For cyclists, the ascent to Salmopolska Pass from Rybarzowice is a long and challenging climb, with an average gradient of 3.3% over 15 km, and sections reaching 6-7%. Hikers can find more difficult routes in the Mountain Hikes around Bielsko-Biała guide, including trails to Klimczok and Szyndzielnia.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially from passes like Kołowrót Pass and Salmopolska Pass. The diverse terrain for hiking and cycling, the blend of natural beauty with historical sites, and the availability of amenities and family-friendly options also receive high appreciation from the komoot community.
While specific public transport routes to each pass can vary, Bielsko-Biała is well-connected to the surrounding region. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes connecting to towns near the passes, such as Szczyrk or Międzybrodzie Bialskie, which can serve as starting points for your journey.

