Poland's mountain tourism hit by bear attack and severe cold

A bear attacked and killed a 58‑year‑old woman near the village of Płonna in the Bieszczady Mountains on 23 April 2026. The incident, widely reported in Poland, prompted several tourists to cancel plans for the early‑May weekend. Visitor numbers to the Bieszczady National Park fell to 22,9 thousand that weekend, down from 34 thousand in 2025 and over 50 thousand in 2024.

At the same time, the Tatra National Park recorded a strong cooling spell. Snow fell on the highest peaks, temperatures dropped below zero and many trails became icy and slippery. The park authority warned that visibility was reduced by low cloud cover, water levels in streams were high, and several sections of popular routes—such as the approach to Zawrat and the Kozią Przełęcz—required extra caution. The rescue service TOPR urged hikers to adjust their plans, and a ban on night hiking on all park trails remains in effect until 30 November. Park rules also remind visitors to stay on marked paths, avoid wildlife, and keep the environment clean.