The Dunajec Cycle Route

Welcome to Kraków – one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. Your cycle tour along the Dunajec cycle route begins in the former royal city on the Vistula, which impresses with its perfectly preserved old town, the imposing Wawel Castle and a lively cultural scene. After your arrival, there is time for a first stroll: stroll across the Rynek, the largest medieval market square in Europe, and enjoy the atmosphere in one of the charming street cafés.

Today, an organized transfer will take you from the hustle and bustle of the city to the clear mountain air of the High Tatras. Your destination: Zab, the highest village in Poland, framed by the peaks of the Tatra Mountains. After your first descent, wood-carved villas in the traditional Zakopane style, colorful market stalls with sheep's cheese, honey and regional handicrafts await you in Zakopane - and a view of the mountains that invites you to take a deep breath. In the evening, enjoy the alpine cuisine of southern Poland – with an Oscypek cheese fresh from the grill or a hearty stew from the mountain hut.

A morning full of views begins with the train ride up Gubałówka (not included) – a mountain that offers you wonderful views of the Tatra panorama. From there, the route leads downhill through the long village of Dzianisz to charming Chochołów. The village impresses with its densely packed wooden houses – a real gem of traditional architecture, which is not considered a "living open-air museum" for nothing. On the newly developed section of the Dunajec cycle route, which follows a disused railroad line, you cycle past meadows, villages and the famous pilgrimage site of Ludźmierz to the lively small town of Nowy Targ. Situated on the banks of the Biała Dunajec, the town welcomes you with its historic market square, traditional atmosphere and good regional cuisine.

You first cycle along the Dunajec to Łopuszna, where an old aristocratic farm tells of rural life in past centuries. In Nowa Biała, the breakthrough of the Białka River through steep limestone cliffs offers an impressive natural sight. A short stop in Dębno is worthwhile: the Gothic wooden church dating back to 1500 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route continues through the historic Spiš region with its rich cultural heritage. On the banks of the Czorsztyn reservoir, you reach Niedzica Castle, which towers impressively over the water. If you like, take a detour to the Slovakian Osturňa – a charming street village with colorful wooden houses.

A scenic highlight awaits you today: you cycle along the Dunajec to Sromowce, cross the border to Slovakia and reach the Red Monastery, picturesquely situated under the "Three Crowns" mountain massif. The car-free Pienin Trail then takes you through the spectacular gorge – a narrow path, partly carved into the rock, always close to the water. Limestone walls up to 300 meters high and dense forests line the route – a first-class nature experience. If you wish, you can take a break in Lesnica and explore the river on a leisurely raft trip. Finally, you cycle along a charming promenade to the traditional spa town of Szczawnica.

On the last section of the Dunajec cycle route, you discover the green side of the Beskids. The route leads through wooded valleys and past orchards to the traditional village of Tylmanowa and on to the inn in Łącko – famous for its slivovitz. In Gołkowice, you bid farewell to the Dunajec before reaching Rytro, a small village with a knightly history on the Poprad tributary. Here you will spend the night in a hotel right on the water – a peaceful end to your ride along the Dunajec.

A short, leisurely stage along the river awaits you at the end of your cycle tour before you are taken back to Kraków by transfer. The route takes you through idyllic countryside, past orchards and fields, giving you one last opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of the region to the full. Back in Kraków, you will have time in the afternoon for some final sightseeing or a visit to a traditional restaurant. Perhaps you would like to end your trip with a walk along the Vistula or a view of the Wawel at sunset? A beautiful, well-rounded end to a trip full of scenic contrasts, cultural highlights and relaxed cycling enjoyment.

Today it's time to say goodbye. Perhaps there is still time for a short stroll through the city or a few souvenirs from the Tuchhallenmarkt. Your cycling vacation alongThe Dunajec cycle route ends with many impressions in your luggage – and perhaps you are already looking forward to your next adventure by bike.