Pieniny National Park. Three Crowns, Sokolica, Pieniny Castle
The Pieniny National Park is the oldest national park in Poland. It was established on July 17, 1932, when the first border nature park in Europe was created, consisting of the newly established: the National Park in Pieniny and the Slovak Nature Reserve. It is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Poland!
Rafting on the Dunajec River
Currently, the park covers an area of about 4,500 ha, including 2,231 ha on the Polish side. Within its borders, the most valuable areas of the Pieniny Mountains are protected. Certain fragments of the PPN are best admired during the rafting down the Dunajec River, when truly fantastic views appear to the eyes. It's an unforgettable experience! There is also the picturesque Pieniny Road, about 10 km long, running along the red trail from Szczawnica, from the rafting marina to the Red Monastery in Slovakia.
PPN is characterized by a huge diversity and richness of fauna and flora. Unique, rare species of plants and animals are found here not only in Poland, but also throughout Europe.
Attractions, i.e. visiting the Pieniny National Park
The Pieniny National Park is a place that must be visited, even if it is not on our way... It is an excellent area for a trip of at least several days! Hiking trails, beautiful towns such as Szczawnica or Krościenko on the Dunajec River and wonderful mountain peaks await tourists, and the tourist infrastructure will not disappoint.
Pieniny Castle
Only remnant ruins of the castle have survived in the area of the Pieniny National Park, but it was once an impressive and strategically located defensive building. The Pieniny Castle was built in the 13th century, more precisely in the years 1257-1287. The initiator of its construction was the Duchess of Kinga, which is the source of the second name of this object.
The choice of a place to build the castle was deliberate and justified, as it was to perform a defensive function against a possible Mongol invasion, which took place in 1287. The Pieniny Mountains and the location of the castle were very inaccessible at that time, which further strengthened its strategic importance.
Today, in the ruins of the castle, there is the Grotto of Saint Kinga, carved in a rock niche, which was created in 1904. In the grotto there is a statue of this saint, which reminds of the history and heritage of this place, at the same time constituting a destination for many pilgrims and tourists.
In 2003, through the efforts of the Pieniny National Park, the ruins of the castle were entered in the register of monuments, which emphasized their historical and cultural importance. In 2006-2007, security works were carried out, which made it possible to open the castle to visitors. Thanks to these efforts and investments, today the Pieniny castle is accessible to visitors, making it an attractive point on the tourist map of the region.
Trails to the Pieniny castle
The ruins of the castle can be reached by various hiking trails. The blue trail leading from Szczawnica and the yellow trail from Sromowce Niżne or from Krościenko nad Dunajcem to the Szopka Pass (Glory to God) are one of the most popular routes. You can then continue along the blue trail through the Three Crowns to the castle. During this scenic trail, you can not only enjoy beautiful views, but also discover the history and heritage of the Pieniny Mountains.
From the vantage point, the ruins of the castle offer a magnificent panorama of the Pieniny Mountains, which further enriches the experience of a visit to this historic place.
Observation gallery on Three Crowns
Three Crowns is the highest peak of the Pieniny Mountains, with a height of 982 m above sea level. It rises in the Central Pieniny Mountains and belongs to the Three Crowns Massif. It is extremely scenic, and a metal observation gallery has been created on its top, payable in the tourist season. See the wonderful panorama of the area from here, with the Tatras in the background. You can get here by different trails. The oldest and easiest istheyellow trail from Krościenko, then the blue one. The whole hike to the top is about 2.5 hours.
Viewing gallery in Sokolica
Sokolica is a very popular peak, rising to an altitude of 747 m above sea level, in the north-eastern part of the Central Pieniny, in the so-called Pieniny Mountains. It is known for its dwarf pine growing at the top. And although it was struck by lightning and broken, it is still a symbol of this band. At the top, there is also a paid observation gallery, from where you can see the wonderful Tatras. You can enter here by the blue trail from Szczawnica (only in the season when the Dunajec crossing is open) or the green one from Krościenko.
High (Wysokie Skałki) - the highest peak in the Pieniny Mountains
High, or High Rocks, is the highest peak in the Pieniny Mountains, with an altitude of 1050 m. It rises in the Small Pieniny Mountains and belongs to the Crown of the Polish Mountains. The peak is not located in the Pieniny National Park, but the peak itself is located within the Slovak park. The most popular and shortest green trail leads through the picturesque Homole Gorge, from Jaworek, where a paid parking lot awaits.
Walking in other national parks in Poland
It is also worth taking a walk and getting to know other national parks in Poland, such as: Biebrzański, Kampinoski, Drawieński, Słowiński, Tatrzański, Karkonoski or Świętokrzyski PN
See our description of all national parks in Poland
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Practical information
Pieniny National Park,
ul. Jagiellońska 107B, Krościenko nad Dunajcem
https://piepn.gov.pl/
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What's worth seeing in the area?
You don't have to travel far to find more interesting places. Within a radius of 100 kilometers, there are many attractions waiting for you that will certainly enrich your stay Your trip with additional memories.
- Three Crowns, distance: 0 km
- Rysy, distance: 35.2 km
- Wieliczka Salt Mine, distance: 68.4 km
- Kazimierz in Kraków, distance: 78.6 km
- Wawel Castle in Kraków, distance: 79.1 km
- Market Square in Krakow, distance: 79.8 km
- Castle in Żywiec, distance: 92.8 km
- Ojców National Park, distance: 96.7 km
- Energylandia, distance: 97.2 km
- Krakowskie valleys, distance: 97.3 km
