Dunajec River Rafting – a short trip to the Pieniny Mountains
(3 days / 2 nights)
We invite you to a 3-day trip to the picturesque Pieniny Mountains, perfect for nature lovers and fans of active. The highlight of the program is an unforgettable rafting trip through the Dunajec River Gorge on traditional wooden rafts, passing through one of the most beautiful areas in Poland – the Pieniny National Park.
An additional attraction is a visit to the charming Niedzica Castle, located above Lake Czorsztyn, offering exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and water.
This is an excellent option for a short yet intensive getaway, combining relaxation with discovering the beauty of southern Poland.
Below is the detailed itinerary of the trip!
Day 1:
✔ Arrival in Kraków
✔ Transfer from the airport to the hotel
✔ Hotel check-in
✔ Free time – a walk around the Planty Park, Vistula boulevards, and the option to visit the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall
✔ Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 2:
✔ Breakfast at the hotel
✔ Departure towards the Dunajec River
✔ Dunajec River rafting trip – from Sromowce Kąty to Szczawnica – approx. 18 km, duration approx. 2 hours 15 minutes
The Dunajec River Gorge rafting is one of the most famous tourist attractions in southern Małopolska, combining natural beauty with centuries-old rafting traditions. Its origins date back to the 16th century, when the river was mainly used for transporting timber. In the 19th century, the first tourist raft trips were organized for visitors to the spa resorts around Szczawnica.
Today, traveling on a traditional wooden raft guided by Pieniny raftsmen is a unique experience. The route leads through a picturesque river gorge surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and the lush nature of the Pieniny Mountains. The raftsmen not only steer the rafts but also share stories about the region’s history, local legends, and traditions, giving the trip a cultural dimension as well.
The Polish Pieniny Raftsmen Association, operating since 1934, works to preserve this unique tradition. Thanks to their efforts, the Dunajec rafting trip remains a living part of local culture and an unforgettable adventure for tourists, offering a glimpse into the past and showcasing one of the most beautiful landscapes in Poland.
Rafting on the Dunajec River
For those who do not plan to take part in the rafting trip, we offer an attractive alternative – a walk along the Pieniny Road and a visit to the Red Monastery.
Pieniny Road
The Pieniny Road is an exceptionally scenic walking and cycling trail running along the Dunajec River, surrounded by the mountainous landscapes of the Pieniny range. The route connects the area of Szczawnica with the vicinity of the Red Monastery on the Slovak side, offering a მშვიდ and highly picturesque alternative to more crowded trails.
The path is approximately 9 kilometers long and mostly runs right alongside the river, allowing visitors to admire the Dunajec Gorge up close. One of the most convenient access points is the footbridge crossing in Sromowce Niżne, which provides easy access to the trail for both pedestrians and cyclists.
This place is valued for its tranquility, close contact with nature, and extraordinary views, making a walk or bike ride along the Pieniny Road one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the region.
Red Monastery
The Red Monastery is a small but well-known village located in the Slovak part of the Pieniny Mountains, with origins dating back to the 14th century. The main highlight of the area is the former monastery, from which the village takes its name. It was established in the 14th century and, over the centuries, served as a residence for various hermit orders, including the Carthusians and the Camaldolese. Today, the historic complex functions as a museum and is one of the region’s main tourist attractions.
The Red Monastery is also a popular leisure destination by the Dunajec River. There is a rafting marina, campsites, and dining facilities, allowing visitors to stay longer and relax while exploring the Pieniny Mountains. The entire area offers a peaceful, atmospheric setting that combines history, tourism, and nature.
✔ After the rafting trip, transfer to Niedzica, where more tourist attractions await.
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Niedzica Castle
This is one of the most picturesquely located fortresses in Poland. It stands on a hill above Lake Czorsztyńskie, surrounded by the Pieniny Spiskie Mountains, creating a truly impressive landscape and serving as one of the symbols of the region.
A visit to the castle includes several fascinating sections that together provide a complete picture of its history. The tour leads through courtyards, former dungeons, representative halls, and the chambers of former owners. This allows visitors to experience both the defensive and residential aspects of the fortress, while also enjoying beautiful views from the castle terraces.
You can also visit the carriage house, where historic horse-drawn vehicles from the early 20th century are displayed, such as carriages and sleighs, offering a glimpse into travel in the past.
During the summer season, a wooden granary with an ethnographic exhibition dedicated to the culture of the Spisz region is also open. It features everyday objects that reflect the life of the region’s former inhabitants.
Zamek w Niedzicy
Free time: approx. 1 hour
✔ Visit to the church in Dębno – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Dębno Podhalańskie is an outstanding example of wooden sacral architecture in the Małopolska region. The church was built in the 15th century and continues to impress with its form and remarkably well-preserved interior. It is located in a picturesque area near Lake Czorsztyn, at the foot of the Gorce Mountains.
Church of St. Michael the Archangel
Return to Kraków – free time and the possibility to spend the evening at your own discretion
✔ Hotel check-in
✔ Overnight stay at the hotel
✔ Note! – to be agreed with the group: when do we have lunch? Suggested option: after the rafting trip, in local restaurants or in Niedzica, at the Zadyma Inn.
Day 3:
✔ Breakfast at the hotel
✔ Transfer to the airport
✔ Flight back home
We invite you to join another trip with us!!
IMPORTANT! It is possible to start the tour from any location in Poland – in this case, the program begins from the first destination point (e.g. Zakopane); transport can be arranged upon request.
Meals during the trip:
✔ Breakfasts at hotels according to the program
✔ Other meals not specified in the program are at your own expense
Trip cost:
✔ The price of the tour is determined individually depending on the number of participants.
✔ The trip is organized by a travel agency based on a tourism participation agreement. Participants are covered by accident insurance (NNW) in accordance with the organizer’s terms and conditions.
✔ Please contact us to prepare a detailed offer.
✔ We provide 24/7 assistance, insurance, comfortable accommodation, transport, and a formal participation agreement, ensuring full safety and professional organization of your trip.
Important information about the rafting trip!
✔ Dunajec River rafting – information for families
The Dunajec rafting trip is an attraction suitable also for families with children. The recommended age of participants is from approx. 3 years old. The rafting boats (traditional rafts) are stable and safe, and children are provided with life jackets during the trip.
✔ Practical information – Dunajec rafting
Appropriate clothing for the Dunajec rafting depends on the weather, but it is worth remembering that even in summer it can be colder on the water than on land. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing an extra layer of clothing.
In spring and autumn, the following are especially useful: a warm sweatshirt, a windproof jacket, as well as a hat and gloves. In summer, it is advisable to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Regardless of the season, a small umbrella or rain poncho is useful.
For the trip, it is also worth taking: drinking water (in winter or autumn also a hot drink in a thermos), a snack, and something to sit on or cover yourself with (e.g. a small blanket) – the seats on the raft are wooden.
✔ Information about participants’ age
There is no strict age limit for traditional rafting boats, however children must be under adult supervision. Other types of rafting (e.g. inflatable rafts or kayaking) may have additional age restrictions depending on the organizer.
✔ Information about the trip and weather
The Dunajec rafting season runs from April to October, except in exceptional situations (e.g. high or low water levels or unsafe conditions). In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the attraction will be replaced with another program point.
We warmly invite you to contact us – we will gladly answer all questions and help you plan your trip!