Gorczański Park Narodowy

Gorczański Park Narodowy (Gorce National Park) is one of Poland's smaller national parks and one of the quietest places for mountain walking in Lesser Poland. It protects the central and north-eastern parts of the Gorce Mountains, which belong to the Western Beskids. The park lies in Lesser Poland Voivodeship in southern Poland, at roughly 49.56° N, 20.16° E.

When and how was the park created?

The park was established in 1981 under a Council of Ministers regulation dated 8 August 1980. Its organiser and first director was Jerzy Honowski. The park administration is based in Poręba Wielka. The protected area covers about 70 km² and spans five municipalities: Mszana Dolna, Niedźwiedź, Kamienica, Nowy Targ and Ochotnica Dolna. Szczawa, a village from which many walks begin, belongs to this region.

What does the park protect?

Forests cover almost 94 percent of the area. The least altered by people are the lower montane mixed forests, known as Carpathian beech forest. The highest elevations are covered by spruce forest. This layering means a single hike can pass through several quite different types of woodland.

Parts of the original Carpathian primeval forest are home to large predators such as the wolf and the lynx, as well as hoofed mammals. The varied stands also suit birds, including species that are rare in Europe, such as the eagle owl, the capercaillie and the black woodpecker. Meeting wildlife takes quiet and patience rather than a noisy group outing.

What to see and where to walk

The highest peak of the Gorce range is Turbacz, at 1,310 m above sea level. A dense network of trails leads to it, so it is easy to match a route to your fitness, from gentle climbs to longer all-day loops. The Gorce are known for wide clearings and views toward the Tatras and the Beskids, so bring a camera and a warm layer, since the ridges can be cooler than the valleys.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Gorce National Park? In Lesser Poland, in the central and north-eastern part of the Gorce range, in the Western Beskids.

Since when has the park existed? Since 1981. The regulation creating it was issued in 1980.

How large is it? About 70 km², almost all of it forest.

What animals live here? Among others the wolf, lynx and hoofed mammals, and among birds the eagle owl, capercaillie and black woodpecker. Sightings depend on the time of day and a little luck.

Which peak is the highest? Turbacz, at 1,310 m above sea level.

Where is the park administration? In Poręba Wielka.

Practical tips

National park rules apply, so stay on marked trails and take your litter with you. Check the weather forecast before setting out, because mountain conditions change quickly. Sturdy hiking footwear, plenty of water and a few hours of spare daylight are the basics. In autumn the beech forest turns gold and russet, while spring and summer bring green woods full of birdsong, so every season offers a different scene worth seeing.