Wetlina: Trails, History and Nature

Hiking on Marked Trails

The section of the ‘Połonina Wetlińska’ nature trail begins in Brzegi Górne and ends in Wetlina; it is 12.20 kilometres long. The average walking time is four hours uphill and three hours and 55 minutes downhill. The uphill and downhill times therefore differ by just five minutes; both refer to the same route. The trail first follows the red-marked path from Berehy Górne to Przełęcz Orłowicza, then the yellow-marked path to Wetlina-Stare Sioło. The start and end of the section, as well as the change in trail colour and the intermediate point, describe different points of orientation along the same route. After rain, the trails become slippery because of the clay soil. Take this into account when planning, and check conditions before setting out.

Other marked hiking trails lead from Wetlina to different named destinations. A yellow-marked trail leads from Wetlina to Przełęcz Orłowicza; another yellow trail passes through Jawornik and Paportna to Rabia Skała. Green-marked trails lead from Wetlina to Mała Rawka and to Jawornik. These names can help you compare routes: Jawornik is the destination of a green trail and also an intermediate point on the yellow route to Rabia Skała. Przełęcz Orłowicza likewise appears in two contexts—as the destination of a yellow trail from Wetlina and as a point on the nature trail. So when comparing hiking options, both endpoints and trail colours are useful; colour alone, however, does not replace the specific destination name.

Local History and Natural Features

Wetlina’s history dates back to the first half of the 16th century. The village was founded under Wallachian law on the estates of the Kmita family from Lesko. This establishes not only the period but also the legal basis and family connection behind its founding. A later historical landmark is Wetlina’s first wooden Greek Catholic church: it was built in 1786 and dedicated to Saint Demetrius the Great Martyr. More than two centuries separate the founding in the first half of the 16th century from the construction of the church. These two details mark different stages in the village’s history.

Natural features include an ash tree in Wetlina that is protected as a natural monument. The ‘Siklawa’ waterfall is associated with the section between Stare Sioło and Wetlina. The locations differ: the ash tree stands in Wetlina, while the waterfall is associated with a section between Stare Sioło and Wetlina. Cross-country ski trails are also among the activities associated with Wetlina. Thus, the marked hiking trails are complemented by a natural monument, a waterfall and a winter activity.

Discover more destinations: Solina, Łukawica, Myczków, Manasterzec, Baligród, Wańkowa, Lesko, Mchawa

Go to the overview of the wider area: Leski.