Huzele: Trails, San River and History
Accommodation in Huzele
Huzele combines its location on the San River with hiking trails, cycling and an unusually layered history. The village lies at the foot of the 583 m-high Mount Gruszka, opposite Lesko. Those considering a holiday apartment in Huzele can shape their stay around their interests: for example, exploring trails through the countryside, learning about cultural history, or both.
On the San River, opposite Lesko
The riverside location has also shaped the village’s history. The present-day bridge in Huzele was built in the 1920s and is a feature of the landscape along the San River and its surroundings. During the Second World War, the bridge served as a border crossing between German-occupied Huzele and Soviet-occupied Lesko; the border ran along the San River. The bridge is on provincial road 893 between Lesko and Cisna. A new bus terminal or bus stop was also established in the Huzele sołectwo (village administrative unit).
Stories spanning several centuries
Huzele was mentioned in 1436 under the name “Wrzele.” The Kmita family founded the village under Wallachian law. Its earlier economic importance is also noteworthy: Huzele was one of the world’s oldest centres of oil extraction, with oil wells there before 1884. These milestones tell the story of a place whose history extends far beyond its location on a modern-day road.
The Wooden Architecture Route is a themed touring route through the municipality. It includes churches and farmhouses in Huzele, Tarnawa and Łukowe, and offers a way to discover Lemko cultural heritage. Travellers especially interested in architecture and local history will find this a different way to explore the area than following nature trails.
Another place of remembrance lies about 2.5 km from Huzele, near the road to Tarnawa Górna. The monument commemorates 115 Poles murdered by the Nazis on Mount Gruszka in 1940. A visit to this memorial can be a distinct historical focus when exploring the area.
Hiking and cycling around Huzele
The best-known trail in Huzele is a green mountain hiking trail established by PTTK. A green trail through the area connects the surroundings with the ruins of the Barefoot Carmelites’ monastery in Zagórz and Bieszczady National Park. In 2026, a temporary alternative route was introduced for a section of the green Zagórz–Krysowa trail because of urgent forestry work in the Gruszka Forest District area near Huzele.
The forest trails around Huzele also pass through an area rich in flora and fauna. A different perspective is offered by the black “Wzgórze Gruszka” walking trail: it runs from the Bieszczadzkie Centrum Informacji Turystycznej through Huzele, past the ski lift and Mount Wzgórze Gruszka to the Lesko-Ski ski area, then on to Weremień and back through Huzele to the tourist information centre. From the summit of the former ski lift, there are panoramic views of Lesko, the Słonne Mountains and the surrounding villages.
Cyclists can follow the “Wzgórze Gruszka” cycle route. It runs from Lesko through Huzele and Tarnawa Górna to Mchawa. Those travelling together can weigh up these different options to decide whether hiking, cycling, cultural heritage or remembrance will play a bigger part in their stay. Huzele is also a recreational destination visited mainly by anglers.
For the broader trip overview: Łukawica.
