Biała (Vistula)

Biała is a Polish adjective and noun, commonly used as part of a geographic name, often referring to a river or a town located near a river. In the context of the Vistula (Wisła) river, "Biała" signifies the White Vistula, one of the two source streams that combine to form the main Vistula River.

The Biała Wisła (White Vistula) originates in the Silesian Beskids (Beskid Śląski) mountain range in southern Poland. It is considered one of the headwater tributaries of the Vistula. The stream flows generally northward, eventually converging with the Czarna Wisła (Black Vistula) near the town of Wisła to form the actual Vistula River.

The name "Biała" (meaning "white" in Polish) likely refers to the clearer, faster-flowing, and often more visibly lighter-colored water of this source stream compared to the Czarna Wisła. This difference in color can be attributed to variations in sediment load and the nature of the terrain the rivers flow through.

The Biała Wisła is an important element of the Vistula's watershed, contributing to the river's overall flow and ecological character. The area around the Biała Wisła is a popular tourist destination for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Silesian Beskids.