Huzele: Landscape, Trails and History

Huzele lies on the San River, at the foot of 583-meter-high Mount Gruszka and opposite Lesko. When looking for hotels in Huzele, the character of the area is a useful starting point: the river and mountain landscape, routes through the area, and historical themes offer different ways to plan your trip. Consider whether hiking, cycling, fishing, or the history of the place matters most to you.

Landscape and Location on the San River

The bridge in Huzele that stands today was built in the 1920s and is an interesting feature of the San River landscape and its surroundings. It is located on Voivodeship Road 893 between Lesko and Cisna. From the summit of the former ski lift in Huzele, you can enjoy a panorama of Lesko, the Słonne Mountains, and the surrounding villages.

Local History and Remembrance

The history of the settlement goes back a long way: Huzele was mentioned in 1436 under the name “Wrzele.” The Kmitas founded Huzele under Wallachian law. The history of oil also goes back a long way: Huzele was one of the oldest oil-mining centers in the world, with oil pits there before 1884. The thematic wooden architecture route through the municipality includes churches and farmhouses in Huzele, Tarnawa, and Łukowe; it focuses on Lemko cultural heritage. Check access to individual buildings locally.

During the Second World War, the bridge in Huzele was a border crossing between German-occupied Huzele and Soviet-occupied Lesko, as the border ran along the San River. About 2.5 km from Huzele, near the road to Tarnawa Górna, a memorial commemorates 115 Poles murdered by the Nazis in 1940 on Mount Gruszka. Check the memorial’s condition and accessibility locally.

Hiking, Cycling and Nature

The best-known trail in Huzele is a green mountain hiking trail established by PTTK. The green trail through the area connects the surroundings with the ruins of the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Zagórz and Bieszczady National Park. Check trail markers and possible detours before hiking.

The “Wzgórze Gruszka” cycling route runs from Lesko through Huzele and Tarnawa Górna to Mchawa. Markers and trail surfaces may change; check the current route and trail conditions before setting out. The forest paths around Huzele also pass through an area with diverse flora and fauna.

A route description published on January 27, 2026, takes the black walking trail from the Bieszczadzkie Tourist Information Center through Huzele, the ski lift, and Mount Wzgórze Gruszka to the Lesko-Ski resort, then continues to Weremień and returns to the tourist information center via Huzele. Check the route and signage before setting out.

Huzele is a recreational destination visited mainly by anglers. If you are traveling there to fish, check the specific access arrangements and applicable rules locally.

For the main travel overview: Łukawica.