Walking Poland's Pieniny Mountains
$3100.00
Walks & Treks
7 nights in Poland
What to expect
Guided Walks
Head out on four expertly guided walks exploring the breathtaking trails, peaks, and valleys of the Pieniny Mountains with local guides.
Unique Experiences
Experience a unique and scenic journey on a traditional wooden raft down the winding Dunajec River, passing through dramatic gorges.
Stunning Scenery
Discover the spectacular beauty of the Pieniny National Park, with its dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and panoramic viewpoints.
Luxury Spa Hotel
Your home base is the five-star Szczawnica Park Resort & Spa, a charming mountain hotel blending tradition and modern luxury with exquisite cuisine and a relaxing spa.
About this trip...
What's Included
Airport transfers
Private Room
Half Board: Breakfast & Dinner daily
Welcome Drink
4 walks with a Licenced Guide in the Mountains-
1 Full day Niedzica Excursion with entry to Niedzica Castle & Cruise on Czorsztynskie Lake
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Traditional Bacówka Visit with Oscypek Cheese Making & Tasting
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Entry tickets: Chair lift to Palenica, Viewing platform in Trzy Korony, Viewing platform in Sokolica, Boat crossing Dunajec river
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Traditional Rafting cruise on Dunajec River approx. 2hrs
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Passports and visas
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrival in Krakow and Transfer to Szczawnica
- Palenica – Lesnica (Slovakia)
- Niedzica Castle – Czorsztyn Lake
- Day of Relaxation
- Hike to Trzy Korony
- Hike Through Homole Gorge and Wysoka
- Hike to Sokolica
- Departure Day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival in Krakow & transfer to Szczawnica
- Dinner included
Day Two: Palenica – Lesnica (Slovakia)
After breakfast, we begin our adventure with a scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Palenica (722 m), where breathtaking views open up over Szczawnica, the Dunajec Gorge, and the surrounding Pieniny peaks. From here, we set off on a gentle hike along the yellow trail, winding through peaceful forests and open mountain meadows. The fresh alpine air and sweeping panoramas reveal the beauty of both the Polish and Slovak sides of the Pieniny Mountains.
Our route takes us across the border into the charming Slovak village of Leśnica, known for its traditional wooden houses and cozy taverns. Here, we can pause to enjoy regional specialties and soak up the authentic atmosphere of this mountain community. After our break, we make our way back to Szczawnica, where dinner and a restful evening at the hotel await.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Trails: yellow, Length: 5.6km Duration of walk: 2 hours Elevation gain: 360 m up; 360 m down; easy. Total time: 5 hours
Day Three: Niedzica Castle – Czorsztyn Lake
After breakfast, we set out for an exciting day filled with a variety of experiences. Our journey begins with a transfer to Niedzica, where we visit the impressive Niedzica Castle. Once a vital border post of the Polish Crown, it remains the most important fortified stronghold in the Pieniny Mountains. From its walls, we can admire one of the most iconic castle silhouettes in Poland, beautifully framed by the distant Czorsztyn Castle across the lake.
From the castle, we stroll down to the harbour and board a boat for a relaxing sightseeing cruise on Lake Czorsztyn. With its café and deck seating, the boat offers the perfect vantage point to enjoy the scenery — from the Gorce Mountains and the striking Green Rocks to the Niedzica and Czorsztyn castles reflected in the calm waters of this artificial reservoir.
After the cruise, there’s time to unwind at Zamajerz-Zamek beach, the only lifeguard-supervised swimming area on the lake. Stretching for nine kilometres, its shores are ideal for recreation and relaxation, whether you choose to swim, sail, or simply take in the picturesque mountain surroundings.
We then enjoy a walk across the crown of the Niedzica Dam. This broad promenade offers spectacular views: on one side, the shimmering waters of Lake Czorsztyn dotted with sailboats; on the other, the winding Dunajec River valley. From here, the castle stands majestically above the water, framed by the peaks of the Pieniny Mountains — a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.
Before returning, we stop at a traditional bacówka, a wooden shepherd’s hut, where we watch the preparation of oscypek, the region’s famous smoked sheep cheese, and of course, enjoy a tasting.
In the evening, we transfer back to Szczawnica for dinner and an overnight stay at our centrally located hotel.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Four: Day of Relaxation
After several days of hiking, today is dedicated to relaxation and self-care. We have the entire day to enjoy the hotel's luxurious spa facilities, including pools, saunas, and wellness treatments. Whether we choose to swim, enjoy a massage, or simply unwind, the day is ours to recharge. In the evening, we gather for another delightful dinner at the hotel. This day offers a perfect balance to the active days before and after. We retire to our rooms, fully refreshed and ready for more adventure.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Wellness treatments extra fee
Day Five: Hike to Trzy Korony
This morning, we transfer to Krościenko for a hike to Trzy Korony, the most iconic peak in the Pieniny Mountains. The trail lasts around four hours, taking us through beautiful landscapes, including the ruins of Saint Kinga's Castle and a rock grotto of Saint Kinga with a life-size statue . We continue through the Szopka Pass, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Upon reaching the summit at 3,222 feet, we are rewarded with stunning views of the Dunajec River and beyond. After descending to Sromowce Niżne, we cruise on traditional raft back to Szczawnica for a well-deserved dinner. The evening is spent in the comfort of our hotel.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Trails: yellow, blue, yellow;
- Length: Approx. 5.6 miles
- Duration of walk: 4 hours
- Elevation gain: Approx. 2,165 feet up; Approx. 2,067 feet down; moderate.
- down; moderate
Day Six: Hike Through Homole Gorge & Wysoka
Today, we venture to Jaworki for a hike through the stunning Wąwóz Homole Gorge and up to Wysoka, the highest peak in the Pieniny Mountains. The trail is moderately challenging and offers breathtaking views as we ascend to 3,445 feet. We traverse through Polana pod Wysoką and continue to Smerekowiec, enjoying the diverse landscapes along the way. The hike lasts around six hours, with a return transfer from Biała Woda back to Szczawnica. Dinner at the hotel provides a relaxing end to the day's exertion. We spend the evening at leisure, reflecting on the day’s beauty.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Trails: green, blue, yellow;
- Length: Approx. 7.5 miles
- Duration of walk: 6 hours
- Elevation gain: Approx. 2,001 feet up; Approx. 1,903 feet down; moderate.
Day Seven: Hike to Sokolica
Our final hike takes us from Krościenko to Sokolica, a peak renowned for its stunning views of the Dunajec River. The trail leads us through the Czertezik and down to Szczawnica, offering diverse scenery throughout. This four-hour hike is moderately challenging, with ample opportunities for photography and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. After reaching the summit at 2,451 feet we descend back to Szczawnica, where a mountain shelter offers a restful stop. We return to our hotel for our last dinner together, savouring the experiences we've shared. The night is spent in relaxation, preparing for departure.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Trails: green, blue;
- Length: Approx. 5.0 miles
- Duration of walk: 4 hours
- Elevation gain: Approx. 2,034 feet up; Approx. 1,936 feet down; moderate.
Day Eight: Departure Day
After breakfast, we prepare for our departure, with a transfer arranged to Krakow Balice Airport. As we leave the Pieniny Mountains behind, we carry with us memories of the beautiful landscapes, hikes and shared experiences. This concludes our journey through one of Poland's most picturesque regions. The trip ends, but the connection to the mountains and the friendships we've formed will linger.
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
Szczawnica Park Resort & Spa Five-star
Facilities include
- Indoor swimming pool with counter-current and water massages
- Indoor Jacuzzi
- Sauna complex consisting of a dry sauna, an infrared sauna, a steam sauna
- Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Room includes
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking poles
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
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