Pieniny Mountains

The Pieniny are a picturesque mountain range located northeast of the Tatra Mountains, about 30 km from Nowy Targ, along route 969. They form part of the Pieniny Klippen Belt, and their capital is the spa town of Szczawnica. These mountains are known for their rocky peaks reminiscent of the Tatras, though they are much lower, and for the beautiful Dunajec River gorges that divide the range into three parts: Spiš Pieniny, Proper Pieniny, and Little Pieniny. The highest peak of the entire Pieniny is Wysoka (1050 m above sea level) in the Little Pieniny, which belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains. The central part of the Proper Pieniny is occupied by the Trzy Korony massif (982 m), offering panoramic views. At its foot lies the PTTK "Trzy Korony" mountain hostel in Sromowce Niżne, from where you can hike to the summit via yellow, blue, or green trails. Equally popular is Sokolica (747 m) with its characteristic leaning pine tree, accessible by trails from Sromowce Niżne, Szczawnica, and Krościenko. The main attraction of the Pieniny is the raft trip down the Dunajec River gorge, starting at the Sromowce-Kąty pier and ending in Szczawnica or Krościenko; for those seeking more adrenaline, kayaking or rafting is also available. Another attraction is Lake Czorsztyńskie with its dam, where excursion boats sail between the historic castles in Czorsztyn and Niedzica. In the Little Pieniny, it is worth visiting the Homole Gorge at the foot of Wysoka and Palenica, which has a chairlift and a ski station in winter. The Pieniny captivate with their rich nature, picturesque rock formations, and views, making them an attractive destination for families, groups, and all mountain hiking enthusiasts.