Limanowa Once Again Becomes the Capital of European Hill Climbing

From 17 to 19 July 2026, the eyes of the European motorsport community will once again turn to Stara Wieś, Limanowa and the Przełęcz pod Ostrą mountain pass. Poland’s legendary and longest hill climb course will welcome the continent’s top drivers for the 17th Limanowa Hill Climb.

The event will host Round 7 of the FIA European Hill Climb Championship (FIA EHC) as well as Rounds 7 and 8 of the Polish Hill Climb Championship (GSMP). As in previous years, the competition is organised by Auto Moto Klub Limanowa, in cooperation with the Limanowa County, the City of Limanowa, and the municipalities of Łukowica, Tymbark, Laskowa and Limanowa.

Over the years, the Limanowa Hill Climb has secured its place among the most important motorsport events in this part of Europe. This year’s edition marks a special milestone, celebrating twelve years since the Limanowa course became an official round of the FIA European Hill Climb Championship. Although the event’s history stretches back much further through the Polish Championship and the former European Hill Climb Cup, its status as the only Polish round of the FIA European Hill Climb Championship continues to attract the very best hill climb competitors from across Europe.

Drivers have long praised the Limanowa event for its outstanding organisation, uncompromising safety standards and the warm hospitality of the people of the Małopolska region.

The first official entries for this year’s competition have already begun arriving at the organiser’s office. The first confirmed entrant is distinguished Czech driver Petr Trnka, who will compete in his spectacular Nova Proto NP01-2 C. Although he has yet to claim overall victory on the Limanowa course, he has consistently finished among the leading contenders in previous editions.

With six rounds of the FIA European Hill Climb Championship already completed, the season has now entered its decisive phase following last weekend’s event in Italy.

In Category 1 (closed-body cars), Switzerland’s Reto Meisel leads the overall standings with 140 points, driving his powerful Mercedes-Benz SLK 340. He is followed by Croatia’s Matija Jurišić, competing in a Peugeot TCR 1.6, just eleven points behind. Austria’s Kevin Raith, driving a Porsche 992 GT3, currently occupies third place.

Among the Polish competitors, Krzysztof Mikołajczyk has enjoyed an excellent season. Competing in Group 5, he has claimed four podium finishes, including victory at the most recent championship round.

The undisputed highlight of the Limanowa FIA EHC round is always the spectacular Category 2 machinery. The championship is currently dominated by drivers competing in various versions of the Nova Proto prototype cars. Reigning champion Christian Merli leads the standings with a maximum points tally, followed by fellow Italian O’Play, while Spain’s Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta currently holds third place.

The history of the FIA European Hill Climb Championship in Limanowa began in 2014, when Czech driver Miloš Beneš claimed victory in Category 2 for open-wheel and sports prototype cars. However, the undisputed king of the Limanowa course is six-time FIA European Hill Climb Champion Christian Merli of Italy. Merli has celebrated victory in Poland on eight occasions and still holds the outright course record, set in 2017 behind the wheel of an Osella FA30. His remarkable time of 1:53.546 corresponds to an astonishing average speed of 174 km/h over the entire course.

The record for Category 1 (closed-body cars) belongs to Polish driver Grzegorz Rożalski, who completed the demanding course in 2:03.545 driving his Mitsubishi Lancer IX.

Measuring 5,493 metres, the course from Stara Wieś to Przełęcz pod Ostrą is the longest hill climb course in Poland. Its combination of ultra-fast sections, technically demanding corners and significant elevation changes requires absolute concentration from every driver while delivering spectacular action for spectators.

The Limanowa Hill Climb is far more than a sporting competition—it is a true celebration of motorsport. Every year, tens of thousands of fans travel to the Beskid Wyspowy region to witness Europe’s fastest hill climb cars, cutting-edge prototypes and spectacular touring machines in action. Visitors can also enjoy dedicated spectator zones and a wide range of accompanying attractions throughout the event weekend.

Detailed information, including the event timetable and spectator maps, is available on the official website at www.wysciggorski.pl. Fans unable to attend in person will be able to follow the action through a live online broadcast on the Auto Moto Klub Limanowa YouTube channel. As in previous years, the popular Race Radio commentary service will also be available on site, while live timing can be followed in real time at www.wynikionline.pl.