"Holidays under the pear tree" (wczasy pod gruszą) is both a popular subsidy from the company social fund and a symbol of returning to simple, idyllic holidays in nature. We explain how the rules for granting these funds work and where to look for places that combine peace with modern comfort.
In the Polish language, this term has two meanings. On the one hand, it refers to a benefit from the Company Social Benefits Fund (ZFŚS), which employees gladly use to boost their household budget before a trip. On the other hand, it represents an image of holidays that many of us remember from childhood: a wooden house, an old orchard, and a deckchair set up in the shade of trees.
In this text, we analyze both of these threads. First, we will look at the legal and financial specifics that determine who can receive a holiday subsidy and when. Then, we will show what such trips look like today – when we are looking for rest without unnecessary pomp, but with access to coffee with a view of the Beskidy Mountains or a children's pool.
"Holidays under the pear tree" as a benefit from the ZFŚS
"Holidays under the pear tree" is a colloquial name for a holiday subsidy that an employer pays out from the company social benefits fund. The rules for granting this money are regulated by the 1994 ZFŚS Act and the internal regulations of a specific workplace. It is in the company's regulations that you can find information about what criteria must be met to receive support.
The benefit amounts can vary greatly. Depending on the internal arrangements and the employee's life situation, the payout can range from several hundred to over 3,000 PLN. Each employer sets these thresholds independently, relying primarily on the income of the employees and their families.
Who can receive the subsidy?
Access to money for "holidays under the pear tree" depends on the size and nature of the workplace. The obligation to create a social fund applies to companies employing at least 50 full-time equivalent employees and all public sector entities. In smaller enterprises, running the fund is voluntary, so it is worth verifying information about subsidies in the work regulations or your contract.
These funds are primarily used by full-time employees and their families. Pensioners and retirees who are former employees of a given company also have the right to support. Separate rules for granting funds apply in the education sector, where these issues are regulated by the Teacher's Charter (Karta Nauczyciela), and in state institutions.
How much can you get for "holidays under the pear tree"?
The amount of the subsidy depends on two factors: the provisions in the company's regulations and the employee's financial situation. According to the ZFŚS regulations, the social criterion is decisive, which is usually the average income per family member. The lower it is, the higher the amount you can receive – in practice, this bracket ranges from several hundred to over 3,000 PLN.
It is worth knowing that this money is completely exempt from ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) contributions, provided it was granted in accordance with social rules. The issue of income tax is different. In 2026, the tax-free amount for benefits from the fund is 1,000 PLN per year, and any surplus above this limit is taxed on the same rules as a regular monthly salary.
Do you have to take 14 days of leave?
Many myths have grown around the requirement of a two-week holiday, which do not always coincide with reality. Although the Labor Code in Art. 162 suggests that at least one part of the vacation should last at least 14 consecutive calendar days, this applies to the general rules of physical regeneration for every employed person. However, the code provisions themselves do not directly condition the payout of money from the social fund.
The rules for granting "holidays under the pear tree" are defined by the internal regulations of a given company. Many enterprises decide to introduce a threshold of 10-14 calendar days, which is meant to encourage a longer rest from professional duties. Nevertheless, there are workplaces where no minimum limit is specified, so it is worth checking the detailed conditions directly with your HR department.
When is the money for "holidays under the pear tree" paid out?
The date of receiving funds depends on the internal arrangements of each employer. Some companies pay the money a few weeks in advance, which allows the employee to finance current expenses related to the trip even before it starts.
Sometimes, however, the subsidy hits your account only after you return from vacation and confirm you have taken it in the HR system. Therefore, before booking accommodation, it is worth checking whether the cash will boost your budget before the trip, or whether it will be a form of later reimbursement for incurred costs.
"Holidays under the pear tree" in practice: where to look for peace?
After discussing the formalities, it is worth considering how to organize "holidays under the pear tree" so that they bring authentic value. The contemporary interpretation of this idea focuses on silence and closeness to nature, giving up the rush typical of popular resorts.
"Holidays under the pear tree" in practice means choosing places that offer the freedom often lacking in mass tourist offers. Instead of rigid sightseeing hours and queues for the hotel bar, such a trip allows for long breakfasts and afternoons without an imposed plan. It's time to take a break from constant phone notifications and go for a walk without looking at your watch.
An example of such a location is Wisła Malinka, situated far from the crowded city center. In this part of the valley, the forest is directly adjacent to the buildings, and in the morning, instead of traffic, you can hear the sound of a stream and the bells of a nearby church. From the windows, you can observe the Beskidy forests and the Cieńków ridge.
The surroundings of the Silesian Beskids allow for an active way to spend time without the pressure of ticking off more trip points. A walk to the Adam Małysz ski jumping hill takes 15-20 minutes from Malinka and leads through peaceful, green areas. Aren't these the best conditions to finally put down the smartphone and focus exclusively on your surroundings?
Rest without the need to plan
Hotel Vestina favors the idea of an unhurried rest, offering infrastructure that makes your plans independent of the weather. The outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and SPA zone ensure that even a rainy afternoon allows for full regeneration. Thanks to its own restaurant based on regional flavors, guests can enjoy shared meals without having to commute to the crowded center of Wisła.
The area around the facility is spacious enough that children can find a place for active play, while adults can read a book in silence in the fresh air. This is exactly what contemporary "holidays under the pear tree" can look like, where modern comfort is combined with an idyllic mountain setting.
For those who feel the urge to move, the area offers trails adapted to every fitness level and age. You can go for a walk to the Biała Wisełka waterfalls or climb Barania Góra. An interesting option is also a visit to Ustroń and taking a chairlift to the top of Czantoria, from where, with good visibility, a panorama of the Beskidy Mountains stretches out.
In nearby Szczyrk, a summer attraction is watching cyclists riding down specially prepared downhill trails straight from the terraces of cafes at the ski station. The proximity to the borders means that a one-day trip to the Tri-border point in Jaworzynka, to the Czech city of Ostrava, or to Slovakia does not require hours of preparation and diversifies the stay. Isn't that reason enough to allow yourself a longer moment to breathe?
Using the subsidy: packages supporting "holidays under the pear tree"
The hotel offers a few proposals that naturally fit into the concept of "holidays under the pear tree". Thanks to well-thought-out packages, you can easily adjust the length and standard of your rest to the formal requirements of company funds.
The "Holidays for seniors in the mountains with board" package is an offer created for people needing at least a seven-day, peaceful rest. It allows pensioners and retirees to use benefits from their former workplaces, offering full board in the price. This relieves guests of the obligation to plan meals, allowing them to fully focus on regeneration and walks in the mountain valleys.
On the other hand, the "Holidays in the mountains with children with board" package usually covers a two-week stay with access to a pool and animations. This solution allows families to enjoy the charms of the Beskidy Mountains, having breakfasts and dinners provided within a single reservation. This makes it easier to control holiday expenses while utilizing the allocated social funds.
In each of these cases, the duration of the stay can be flexibly adjusted to the 14-calendar-day requirement, which often appears in the internal regulations of companies. However, if the regulations in a given workplace do not impose a strict time frame, the reservation can be freely modified. It's worth asking HR about this before making the final reservation in Wisła.
"Holidays under the pear tree" – summary
"Holidays under the pear tree" are a practical form of supporting the household budget, allowing for authentic rest close to nature. It is worth checking the rules for granting them in your company to enjoy a peaceful vacation in the Beskidy Mountains.
The amount of the subsidy and the date of its payout depend on the individual arrangements in the workplace regulations, so the first step should be a conversation with the HR department. Although formalities are important, the most important thing remains the very idea of an unhurried trip. It is an opportunity to choose a rhythm determined by nature and your own needs instead of the everyday rush.
Two weeks in a mountain valley, no strict plans in the calendar, and a coffee drunk on a balcony with a view of the forest are the foundation of successful regeneration. Thanks to the distance from the city's hustle and bustle, a location like Wisła Malinka allows you to fully use the allocated funds for valuable time with your loved ones. Hotel Vestina provides conditions in which modern comfort favors the return to these simple, proven forms of rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get "holidays under the pear tree" if I don't go anywhere on vacation?
Yes. The benefit is linked to the fact of taking annual leave, and not to a specific trip. So you can get it by sitting for two weeks at your summer plot, at home, or exactly in a hotel in Wisła. The employer does not require an invoice from a travel agency.
Can my employer refuse to pay me?
Yes, if you do not meet the criteria specified in the ZFŚS regulations or if you did not submit the application on time. The mere fact of employment is not enough. If the regulations condition the benefit on an income threshold and you exceed it, the subsidy may be lower or you might not get it at all.
Can you get "holidays under the pear tree" several times a year?
As a rule, it's once a calendar year, but there are regulations that allow partial payouts. In that case, the total amount cannot exceed the annual limit specified in the regulations.
Where can I buy a voucher for "holidays under the pear tree"?
The subsidy is paid in cash or by transfer to the employee's account – not in the form of a voucher. Hotel Vestina honors reservations paid in any way, so the money from the benefit can simply be used when paying for your stay.
How to book a stay online?
The fastest way is through the hotel's website, where you can check current prices and availability for your selected dates. Reservations can also be made by phone or email if you prefer to talk to the reception and clarify details.
