Poland: Pieniny and Tatra Mountains Hike

On arrival in Krakow make your way to your hotel in the centre either by taxi or by tramway. Krakow has been well preserved and its old town is UNESCO’s listed since 1978. It is a pleasure to discover this historic centre on foot or to relax in the main square, surrounded by impressive architecture and a thriving cultural scene.

In the morning you take a local bus to Szczawnica (approx 2.5hrs, 9am-11.20am), the main resort in the Pieniny Mountains. You will be met and transferred to Jaworki*, a charming, small village in the valley of the Pieniny Mountains with a very developed shepherd’s life and beautiful orthodox church. After dropping your bags at your pension, take a circular hike in the Little Pieniny Range. From the ridge you have a marvelous view of the Polish and Slovakian side, with the high peaks of the Tatra Mountains in the background. Hike along the ridge through mountain pastures where sheep are pastured. Their milk is used in the production of the famous local cheese. Return to your pension. *Overnight Jaworki (or nearby Szczawnica if Jaworki is fully booked). Depending on chosen variant: +500-600m/ -500-600m, 13-16 km, 4-5 hrs of hiking Note: for great jazz concerts in Jaworki you should schedule your trip to be there on a Friday or Saturday evening in June and September or a Thursday to Saturday in July and August.

After breakfast, you take a local bus to Szczawnica. The hike begins by crossing the river Dunajec by barge, because of the lack of a bridge. You enter the National Park of the Pieniny Mountains, the oldest Polish national park. The park is famous for its characteristic limestone, eroded with the passage of time. This park stretches to the Slovakia border. The climb is steep up to Sokolica (747m), but the views from the top of the gorges of Dunajec are worth the effort. The hike continues along the main ridge of the Pieniny Mountains to the highest peak of national park, which is called Three Crowns because of its characteristic shape. Descend to Kroscienko. From here you have three options. Either (a) return by local bus to Jaworki via the Szczawnica SPA resort or (b) descend directly to Sromowce Nizne and take a rafting trip down the Dunajec River to Szczawnica SPA resort (3hrs). The final descent option includes an extended route down to Sromowce Nizne with the option to raft to Szczawnica. The raft trip is well worth it, taking in a different perspective of the gorges and the dramatic landscape of the river along the Polish-Slovakian border. All options continue to Jaworki by local bus. Overnight Jaworki (or Szczawnica if Jaworki is fully booked). Depending on descent option, 15, 15.5 or 21km, +900, +900 or 1100m / -900, -900 or 1100m, 6 or 7.5hrs of hiking.

After breakfast a private taxi will take you to Zakopane (2-2.5hrs plus 1.5hrs to visit castle and Debno). On the way, there will be a break to visit the castle of Niedzica, built by the Hungarians in the 14th century. It is magnificently situated by the lake. Later on, visit a church in Debno, one of the most beautiful wooden churches in Poland, famous for its polychromes. You arrive in Zakopane around midday. Zakopane is a little bit like a Polish Chamonix; with wonderful mountain views and an undeniable charm with typical wooden architecture. After lunch, take a walk round the town to visit the wooden church and the promenade with the stalls and rambling vendors. OPTION: A) Short hike in the Pieniny of Spis on the way to Zakopane is possible. It offers a idyllic rural scenery of rolling hills with people working in the fields and great views of the Tatras. B) Take an e-bike trip in the Pieniny of Spis. Between 2 - 4 hours depending on the route you choose. Recommended route is part of bigger loop which is sometimes called the most beautiful cycling path in Poland. 50km, +/- 560m. Shorter cycling options available. E-Bike option must be pre-booked. These options will involve additional costs for the driver to wait for you. Ask for details.

The Tatra are the highest range in the Carpathians. There are many trails to explore and summits to ascend. We provide in our route book day hikes of varying degrees of difficulty including 1 balcony trail, 3 trails in the Western Tatra and 3 trails in the High Tatra. It is also possible to extend your trip to do more of the hikes. *Balcony Trail - 14km, +750m, -800m, 5-6hrs hiking Options in the western Tatra include:- *Chocholowska Valley and Rakon mountain (17.5km, 6.5-8hrs +1000m/ -1000m) *Caves of Koscieliska Valley (11km, 3hrs, +350m/-350m) *Kasprowy Wierch (Peak) and the Western Tatras (13km, 6.5hrs, +650m/-1700m) - cable car is used on this walk. High Tatra - a more alpine style hike to the col of Zawrat (2159m) (20km, 8-9hrs / +1350m / -1450m) Gasienicowa Valley - an easier option in the High Tatra Five Lakes Valley - also an easier option of the High Tatra without the Zawrat Pass

Another day to discover and explore the trails of this beautiful National Park before heading to Krakow the following day.

This morning return to Krakow by local bus (2hrs 10min). There are so many great sights to visit in Krakow including the Wawel Castle Hill, the Jagiellonian University, old synagogue, national museum and Town Hall Tower. We also recommend taking a boat trip on the Visula River.