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Natural environment of medium‑sized mountains

The southern and southwestern part of our country features mountains whose true altitude reaches up to approx. 1500 metres above sea level (individual peaks are higher) and characterised by significant differences in relative altitude. In most cases, the peaks of these mountains are slightly rounded and there are deep valleys between them. We call them medium‑sized mountainsmedium‑sized mountainsmedium‑sized mountains. In Poland they include the Sudetes and the Carpathian Mountains.

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Fotografia ukazująca Pieniny. Góry o zaokrąglonych wierzchołkach i łagodnych stokach. Stoki porośnięte są roślinnością. U podnóża gór znajduje się zielony las, łąka i pastwisko z owcami.

The Sudetes are mountains composed of various rocks. They comprise several mountain rangesmountain rangemountain ranges divided by deep mountain passes. The highest mountain range of the Sudetes are the Giant Mountains (Karkonosze) and their tallest peak is Śnieżka with an elevation of 1603 metres above sea level. The more recognisable mountain ranges of the Sudetes include Izera Mountains, Owl Mountains and Table Mountains.

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Fotografia prezentuje szlak turystyczny prowadzący na szczyt Śnieżki. Szlakiem idą pojedynczo lub w grupach ludzie. Wzdłuż szlaku rosną niskie drzewa iglaste. Śnieżka od połowy pozbawiona jest roślinności. Na szczycie obserwatorium meteorologiczne.

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Fotografia prezentuje wysokie, o płaskich szczytach, skały Gór Stołowych, pomiędzy którymi rosną drzewa iglaste.

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Fotografia prezentuje wysokie o płaskich szczytach skały, które wieńczą wzniesienie. Wzniesienie pokryte jest gęstym lasem iglastym.

The Carpathian Mountains include, among others, the Beskid Mountains that comprise numerous mountain ranges. The majority of peaks in the Beskid Mountains are elevated 1000 to 1300 metres above sea level, with only individual peaks reaching higher elevations. The tallest peak of the Polish Beskid Mountains is Babia Góra with an elevation of 1725 m.a.s.l. The mountain ranges of the Carpathian Mountains also include the Pienin Mountains and Bieszczady. The Tatra Mountains – the only high mountains in Poland about which you will learn more on later lessons – also form part of the Carpathian Mountains.

Mountain weather

The mountains are characterised by specific weather. Summers are cold and winters are colder compared to lower‑lying areas. That’s why on tall peaks snow persists for such a long time. In addition, air temperature in the mountains drop as altitude increases (by approx. 0.6°C for each 100 m). Pressure also drops at higher altitudes, which may be troublesome for tourists. Strong winds blow there for the greater part of the year. Sudden weather changes in the mountains are very common. Sometimes storm clouds may appear within several minutes or unfavourable weather may suddenly start improving.

Economic importance of medium‑sized mountains

Medium‑sized mountain areas in Poland are being exploited in many different ways. Croplands have been formed mostly in valleys and on slightly inclined slopes. At higher altitude and even on certain mountain peaks there are also meadows and pastures. Mountain forests are used for acquiring lumber, but of course only outside protected areas.

One of the most important sectors of the economy is tourism. The mountains attract tourists with their unique landscape and unforgettable views, rare plant and animal life, and clean air. Mountain hikes are also a great way to improve fitness. Due to the slight inclination of slopes in medium‑sized mountains, numerous tourist trails have been designated so as to enable them to go on mountain hikes. There are numerous hotels, hostels and campsites. Many people travel to the mountains to practice sports. The most popular winter sports include skiing, but the mountains also attract the fans of other disciplines, such as rock climbing. Mountain health resorts are also popular.

Tourist attractions Sudet and the Carpathian Mountains

Tourist attractions Sudet and the Carpathian Mountains

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Fotografia prezentuje dolinę górską, otoczoną wysokimi ośnieżonymi szczytami. Na dnie doliny znajduje się budynek mieszkalny. Jest to schronisko górskie Samotnia w Karpaczu. Wokół schroniska nieliczne drzewa iglaste. Niebo niebieskie, bezchmurne.

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Fotografia prezentuje wąski wodospad górski Kamieńczyk. Dookoła wodospadu rosną wysokie świerki.

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Fotografia prezentuje szczyt górski, na którym znajduje się zamek Chojnik. U podnóża szczytu rosną liczne drzewa liściaste i iglaste. Fotografia wykonana jesienią.

In order to protect nature in medium‑sized mountains, two national parks have been created in the Sudetes, four in the Beskid Mountains and one in the Pienin Mountains. Many animal species have survived only in the mountains. The majority of Polish bears, wolves and lynx live in the Beskids, especially in Bieszczady. There is also a species that appeared in the Sudetes relatively recently. Namely the mouflon, i.e. wild mountain goats brought from the Mediterranean Sea islands.

Summary

• Medium‑size mountains – the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains – are located in southern and southwestern Poland.

• Medium‑sized mountains are characterised by rounded peaks divided by deep valleys.

• Mountains are a nature attraction of great importance to tourism.

Keywords

The Sudetes, the Carpathian Mountains, Śnieżka

Glossary