The pass separates the Moravian-Silesian Beskids and the Jablunkov Intermontane mountain ranges. In a broader sense, it separates the Moravian-Silesian Beskids and the Silesian Beskids.
Archaeological researches suggest it was an important route long before the Middle Ages. Travelling caravans were frequently attacked by bandits, so some fortifications were built in the place of today's Mosty u Jablunkova. Archaeologists presume they were built in the 13th century. Importance of this trade route grew over time and in 1529 in the fear of Turkish attack, new fortifications were built. It played an important role during the Thirty Years' War. After war it was renovated and new larger one were built nearby by Duchess Elizabeth Lucretia. It eventually became a station with permanent garrison. Fortifications were last time renovated in 1808. It dilapidated from that time and locals picked up its parts as a construction material. Remains of this fortifications are today a popular tourist spot.
In October 1938 the whole Trans-Olza area, including this mountain pass, was captured by Poland. On the night of 25–26 August 1939, the Jabłonków Incident occurred here, when a group of armed GermanAbwehr agents of the Brandenburg Regiment attacked the rail station in Mosty. The Jabłonków Incident has been named the first commando operation of World War II.[1]
