Pieniński Park Narodowy

Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) is a protected area in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains, in the southernmost part of Poland. It was established on 1 June 1932 and is the oldest national park in the country. It lies in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, right on the border with Slovakia, and its head office is in Krościenko nad Dunajcem. Many visitors begin their trip in Sromowce Wyżne, a village on the river.

What should you know about the park?

The park is small: just over 23 square kilometres, or about 2,372 hectares. Even so, it is one of the most visited national parks in Poland, with roughly one million tourists a year. Its compact size means you can see a lot in a single day, but trails can get crowded in season. Plan to start early in the morning or visit outside the peak of summer.

Why are the Three Crowns the park's symbol?

The best-known peak is Trzy Korony (the Three Crowns), rising above the Dunajec River below. The massif stands 982 metres above sea level and consists of five limestone turrets, the highest of which is Okrąglica. Its distinctive outline is the symbol of both the park and the whole Pieniny region, which is why it appears on photographs, postcards and tourist materials.

What is a raft trip through the Dunajec Gorge like?

You can pass through the Dunajec Gorge on a raft, or on foot or by bike along the so-called Pieniny Road on the Slovak bank of the river. Raft trips are led by traditional raftsmen (flisacy), and the season runs from 1 April to 31 October. The route starts at Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends at Szczawnica Niżna (about 18 km, roughly 2 hours 15 minutes) or at Krościenko (about 23 km, roughly 2 hours 45 minutes). It is one of the region's most popular attractions and a way to see the gorge from the water.

What is Sromowce Wyżne?

Sromowce Wyżne is a mountain tourist village in a valley above the Dunajec. For many years residents lived mainly from farming and rafting, and that tradition continues, as the rafts set off from here. The village is a convenient base: you will find accommodation locally, and the park boundary is close.

How do you plan a visit?

• Rafting: remember the April to October season and set aside about 2 to 3 hours depending on the route.
• On foot or by bike: the Pieniny Road on the Slovak bank is a quieter alternative to the raft, or a way to return.
• Trails: climbing Trzy Korony is the classic goal for anyone who wants to see the gorge from above.
• Timing: with around a million visitors a year, weekdays outside the summer holidays are calmest.
• Rules: this is a national park, so restrictions on behaviour on and off the trails apply; follow the signs.

Frequently asked questions

When was Pieniny National Park created? On 1 June 1932. It is the oldest national park in Poland.

How large is it? About 2,372 hectares, or just over 23 square kilometres.

How high are the Three Crowns? 982 metres above sea level. The highest of the five turrets is Okrąglica.

When do Dunajec raft trips run? From 1 April to 31 October, from Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty to Szczawnica Niżna or Krościenko.

Where is the park's head office? In Krościenko nad Dunajcem in Lesser Poland, close to the Slovak border.

Can you go through the gorge without a raft? Yes, along the Pieniny Road on the Slovak bank of the Dunajec, on foot or by bike.