Huzele lies on the San at the foot of the 583-metre-high Mount Gruszka, opposite Lesko. The bridge in Huzele that stands today was built in the 1920s and is an interesting landscape feature on the San and in its surroundings. It lies on provincial road 893 between Lesko and Cisna. Here, the riverside setting, mountain and history of the bridge come together—three concrete starting points for discovering the village and its surroundings.
Local history and oil mining
Huzele was mentioned in 1436 under the name “Wrzele”. The Kmitas founded the village under Wallachian law. This early mention of the name and the founding tell two sides of the settlement’s history. Oil mining is also part of it: Huzele was one of the oldest centres of oil mining in the world; oil wells existed there before 1884. The history of the village thus stretches from its early written mention to the era of industrial extraction.
Wooden architecture and Lemko cultural heritage
The Wooden Architecture Route, a themed driving route through the municipality, offers another cultural perspective. It includes churches and farmhouses in Huzele, Tarnawa and Łukowe and is intended to help visitors discover Lemko cultural heritage. Huzele is therefore part of a route that takes in several villages in the municipality. If you would like to visit particular churches or farmhouses, check their accessibility locally.
Hiking trails and views
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. Forest trails around Huzele pass through an area with diverse flora and fauna. From the top of the former ski lift, there are panoramic views of Lesko, the Słonne Mountains and the surrounding villages; check access before visiting. You should also check trail markers and any temporary detours before setting out.
A temporary alternative route was established in 2026 for a section of the green Zagórz–Krysowa hiking trail in the Gruszka Forest District near Huzele, due to urgent forestry work. Before setting out, check whether this route is still in effect. A route description from January 2026 also lists the black walking trail from the Bieszczadzkie Tourist Information Centre via Huzele, the ski lift and Mount Wzgórze Gruszka to the Lesko-Ski ski resort and on to Weremień; the return route goes via Huzele to the tourist information centre. Check the trail signs and route before setting out.
Cycling, fishing and getting there
The “Wzgórze Gruszka” cycle route runs from Lesko via Huzele and Tarnawa Górna to Mchawa. Markings and surface conditions may change; take this into account when planning your trip. Huzele is a recreational destination visited mainly by anglers. Ask locally about access for fishing and the applicable rules.
A municipal notice dated 25 September 2025 reported a new bus stop in the Sołectwo Huzele. Before travelling, check the current timetable and whether the connection suits your plans. This lets you combine the cultural and nature trails described here with travel arrangements based on current conditions.
For the broader travel overview: Łukawica.
