Panoramas seen from a bird’s-eye view elicit emotions that have previously been unknown to us. A sense of unlimited space and sky-high freedom “gives you wings”. Air travel does not only mean adrenaline rush, it is also an opportunity to see what has previously been inaccessible.
A look towards the hills of the Bieszczady from this perspective brings to mind a fragment of Vladimir Vysotsky’s song saying that more beautiful than mountains can only be other mountains...
In the Podkarpackie Region it is possible to experience such adventures as flying a plane, gliding or paragliding. In the region there are seven aero clubs offering tours by plane, or ultra-light trike and paraglider flights, as well as parachuting and gliding courses.
Wonderful terrain, good technical facilities, as well as professional training personnel will enable those fond of air tours to enjoy their favourite form of relaxation. The glider landing site in Bezmiechowa, recognized as the cradle of Polish gliding, has become part of the aviation traditions of the region. The place is known for wave-like and ascending air currents, rarely encountered elsewhere. These enable fast ascent and long-lasting flights. The uniqueness of air turbulences in this region is for instance reflected by an event from 1938 when a glider flown by Tadeusz Góra covered a distance of over 577 km. Starting from Bezmiechowa, the pilot flew as far as the outskirts of Vilnius, setting a record which for years remained unbeaten.
Adrenaline rush can also be experienced by those watching Podkarpackie Air Shows which are regularly organized in the region. Those into aviation can also watch Mountain Balloon Competitions in Krosno. On the latter occasion the sky in the area for a few days remains concealed behind a plethora of colourful balloons.
Tourists seeking strong emotions and adventures can also spend their time driving quads, off-road vehicles and amphibious vehicles.
Abseiling and crossing precipices or rushing rivers over a so-called “Panama bridge” is also quite popular. Amateurs of climbing can test their abilities in rocky areas of Podkarpackie. Great adventures are also guaranteed by trapper-style tourism - sleeping outdoors, washing in cold water, starting fires without matches, or simply - the art of survival. Trips of this kind most of all test tourists’ endurance.
Enthusiasts of water tourism will definitely enjoy water trails leading through the areas of the Przemyśl and Strzyżów Foothills. The most popular routes follow the lovely river valleys of the San and Osława. The “Błękitny San” water trail is particularly noteworthy as it can be covered in a canoe, pontoon or a raft. The amazing river bends and ravines, as well as the highland and lowland sections with varied degree of difficulty attract more and more canoeists. Boating trips can also lead through the Słonne Mountains Landscape Reserve.
The rivers of the Podkarpackie with their scenic beauty and rapid current, are as attractive as the popular Dunajec river. So, it may be a good idea to check whether you can travel the rapid and foaming rivers of the Podkarpackie in a canoe without capsizing in the cool water.