Thinking about a trip to Poland? You’ve heard it’s breathtaking, affordable, and still refreshingly uncrowded compared to Western Europe. But where is the best place to visit in Poland? What’s the country’s most stunning, must-see destination?
Warsaw impresses with its urban energy, and the Baltic coast boasts white sand beaches, but if you’re searching for Poland’s most beautiful hidden gem, we have the answer.
Imagine a perfect travel itinerary that begins in Kraków, a city that’s a destination in itself, and then transforms into an adventure through a hidden mountain paradise. Land in Kraków, explore its medieval charm, vibrant culture, and historic streets—and then use this magnificent city as your gateway to the breathtaking Pieniny mountains, a secret landscape that most travelers never discover.
So, you’ve landed in Kraków, soaked in the medieval charm, and now you’re ready for Poland’s great outdoors. Most travelers will tell you to head straight to Zakopane—and sure, if you love crowds, endless billboards, and stalls selling plastic highlander hats and Chinese-made souvenirs, it might be your thing.
But if you crave something more authentic, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful, we have a better idea. Rent a car in Krakow or hop on one of frequent Flixbuses and head to Czorsztyn, the gateway to Pieniny National Park. Here, you’ll find towering limestone cliffs, emerald lakes, medieval castles, and adventure without the chaos. Whether you want to hike, cycle, kayak, or simply soak up the mountain views, this is the hidden gem that travelers in the know are choosing over Zakopane.
The Majestic Pieniny Mountains
The Pieniny range, straddling the Polish-Slovak border, offers some of Poland’s most dramatic landscapes despite its relatively modest height (highest peak: 982m). What makes this limestone range special:
The Spectacular Dunajec River Gorge
The crown jewel of the Pieniny is undoubtedly the Dunajec River Gorge, where the river has carved a path through towering limestone cliffs. Experience it by:
- Taking a traditional wooden raft trip guided by local highlanders in regional costumes
- Cycling along the purpose-built path that follows the river (bikes available for rent)
- Hiking the scenic trails that offer panoramic views of the gorge from above
The raft journey, a tradition dating back centuries, provides a unique perspective as you glide between steep canyon walls rising 300 meters above the emerald waters.
Three Crowns (Trzy Korony) Peak
This iconic limestone formation stands as the symbolic heart of the Pieniny:
- A moderately challenging hike leads to a steel viewing platform
- The panoramic vista encompasses the entire Pieniny range, nearby Gorce mountains, and on clear days, the distant Tatras
- The surrounding area features unique flora including endemic plant species found nowhere else
Czorsztyn Lake and Its Medieval Castles
At the foot of the Pieniny lies the picturesque Czorsztyn Lake, an artificial reservoir surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Pop culture fans might recognize Niedzica Castle from the popular Netflix series “The Witcher”, where this stunning medieval fortress became a dramatic backdrop in the show. Now, you can explore this real-life magical location, standing dramatically over Lake Czorsztyn, and experience the landscape that captivated viewers worldwide.
- Two medieval castles (Niedzica and Czorsztyn) guard opposite shores of the lake
- Boat cruises offer unique perspectives of the mountainous landscape
- Swimming, sailing, and fishing opportunities abound in summer months
The Breathtaking Czorsztyn Lake Cycling Path
One of the region’s true highlights is the spectacular cycling route circling Lake Czorsztyn:
- A well-maintained, dedicated cycling path approximately 30km in length
- Relatively flat terrain suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels and families with children
- Breathtaking panoramic views encompassing three mountain ranges: the Pieniny, Gorce, and on clear days, the majestic peaks of the Tatras
- Multiple rest areas and viewpoints strategically positioned for photography
- Bike rental facilities available in Czorsztyn, Niedzica, and other lakeside villages
- The opportunity to stop at both medieval castles, beaches, and charming villages along the route
- Sections through forests offering shade during summer months
- Perfect for a full-day adventure with numerous places to stop for refreshments
This cycling path stands as a must-do activity for any nature lover or cycling enthusiast visiting the region, offering perhaps the most comprehensive views of southern Poland’s mountain landscape from a single trail. The relatively easy terrain combined with world-class scenery makes this one of Poland’s premier cycling experiences.
Czorsztyn: The Perfect Base for Exploration
While many tourists flock to overcrowded and overpriced Zakopane to access the Tatras, savvy travelers choose Czorsztyn as their mountain base:
- Significantly lower accommodation prices
- Authentic local experiences without tourist traps
- Strategic location between Pieniny and Gorce mountains
- Easy day trips possible to the Tatras (just 40 minutes away)
- Charming guesthouses offering genuine Polish hospitality
- Direct access to the stunning Lake Czorsztyn cycling path
The village and its surroundings offer an authentic glimpse into Polish mountain life that Zakopane, with its commercialization, can no longer provide.
The Gentle Beauty of Gorce Mountains
Less known to international visitors, the Gorce range offers softer, rolling landscapes covered in pristine forests and dotted with mountain meadows:
Gorce National Park
Established to protect this unique ecosystem:
- Over 70km of well-marked hiking trails for all difficulty levels
- Sprawling mountain meadows (polany) offering spectacular panoramas
- Ancient spruce and beech forests home to wolves, lynx, and black grouse
- Network of mountain shelters providing refreshments and warm meals
Turbacz Peak (1,310m)
The highest summit in the Gorce range rewards hikers with:
- 360-degree views encompassing the Tatras, Pieniny, and Beskid ranges
- A historic mountain shelter serving traditional Polish mountain cuisine
- Multiple approach trails varying from easy to challenging
Cultural Heritage
The Gorce mountains preserve authentic highland traditions:
- Wooden shepherd huts (bacówki) still producing regional cheeses
- Mountain meadows coming alive with wildflowers in spring and summer
- Folk architecture in villages scattered throughout the foothills
- Local festivals celebrating mountain culture and traditions
A Glimpse of the Tatras Without the Crowds
While this guide focuses on Pieniny and Gorce, the magnificent Polish Tatras are visible from many viewpoints in both ranges. For those wanting to experience Poland’s highest mountains without the crowds of Zakopane:
- Visit the quieter eastern entrance to Tatra National Park near Bukowina Tatrzańska
- Explore the Tatras on weekdays, avoiding Polish holidays and weekends
- Consider a day trip from your Czorsztyn or Gorce base instead of staying in Zakopane
- Experience the Tatras in shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October)
Must-Experience Activities
Hiking Adventures
Both Pieniny and Gorce offer exceptional trails:
- Pieniny: The Sokolica Peak trail, Homole Gorge circuit, Three Crowns summit path
- Gorce: Turbacz from Koninki, the Gorce Peaks Trail, the trail from Ochotnica to Gorc peak
Cycling Paradise
- The Lake Czorsztyn Circuit: The crown jewel cycling experience offering unparalleled views of three mountain ranges
- Dunajec River Path: A flat, scenic route following the famous river gorge
- Mountain biking trails in the lower sections of Gorce National Park
- Numerous local routes connecting picturesque villages
Water Experiences
- Traditional wooden raft trip through the Dunajec Gorge
- Sailing or kayaking on Lake Czorsztyn
- Fishing for trout in mountain streams (permit required)
Cultural Immersion
- Visit the Czorsztyn Castle ruins and fully preserved Niedzica Castle
- Explore open-air museums showcasing regional architecture
- Attend local festivals celebrating highland music and traditions
- Sample oscypek (smoked sheep cheese) directly from producers
Getting There & Around
- Fly to: Kraków International Airport
- Best transportation: Rental car (2-hour drive from Kraków)
- Budget option: FlixBus to Nowy Targ, local connections to villages
- Local mobility: Rent bikes for the lake circuit, use local buses between villages
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Purchase a detailed hiking map (available in local bookstores and tourist information points)
- Check weather forecasts before mountain excursions, as conditions can change rapidly
- Dress in layers even in summer, as mountain weather is unpredictable
- Bring cash, as card payment may not be accepted in smaller establishments
- Learn a few basic Polish phrases – locals greatly appreciate the effort
- Try regional specialties like kwaśnica (sauerkraut soup) and moskole (potato pancakes)
- Respect nature in national parks by staying on marked trails
Accommodation Options
Czorsztyn and Lake Area:
- Family-run guesthouses (pensjonaty) offering half-board options
- Apartment rentals with lake views
- Camping sites open during summer months
Pieniny Villages:
- Traditional wooden highland lodges in Sromowce and Szczawnica
- Spa hotels utilizing local mineral waters in Szczawnica
- Farmstay opportunities providing authentic rural experiences
Gorce Region:
- Mountain shelters for hikers (schroniska górskie)
- Agrotourism farms in valleys offering homegrown food
- Small family hotels in Rabka-Zdrój and Ochotnica
Poland’s Pieniny and Gorce mountains deliver everything travelers seek – dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventure, authentic culture, and reasonable prices – without the crowds and commercialization of better-known destinations. With Kraków’s international airport as your gateway, this hidden mountain paradise awaits just hours after landing in Poland.
