Szczawnica
is situated in the picturesque valley of the Grajcarek,
which is one of the tributaries of the River Dunajec.
The valley separates the Male Pieniny Ridge from the
Beskid Sadecki Mountain Range. The resort itself lies
at 500 meters above the see level. The unique situation
of the valley is the source of its mild microclimate
created by forested hills, plentiful sunshine, little
precipitation, and the fresh and unpolluted air.
What is more, Szczawnica is set in the picturesque landscape
of the Pieniny National Park and the Dunajec Gorge. To
the north, there is the Radziejowa Massif (984 m) and
to the south, the Male Pieniny Range with the peaks of
Rabsztyn (847 m) and Wysoka (1052 m). The valley opens
towards the Pieniny Range with the famous peaks of Sokolica
[the Falcon Mountain] (747 m) and Trzy Korony [the Three
Crowns] (982m).
All this makes Szczawnica
one of the most attractive mountain resorts in Poland.
Ski lifts and ski
runs: - enlarge:
1)
The Bukowniki ski lift in the village of Jaworki -
two
single T-bar lifts. One of them 520 meters in length
(elevation difference of 102 meters), another 250 meters
long (with a 40-m elevation difference) - two artificially
lit ski runs.
2) The Pod Durbaszka ski lift in the village of Jaworki - a 550-m long T-bar
lift (with a 112-m elevation difference) next to a mountain hostel with a cafeteria.
3) A 783-m long chairlift on Mount Palenica (with a 260-m elevation difference).
- the Palenica ski run with snow-making facilities (1000 meters in length with
an elevation difference of 250 meters) - FIS and PZN-approved.
- the Palenica II ski run (1800 meters in length with an elevation difference
of 270 meters) - it runs from the top of Mount Szafranowka down to the foot of
Mount Palenica where it joins the Palenica run.
- The Szafranowka slope - two 350-m long parallel T-bar lifts (elevation difference
of 75 meters) on an easy run with snow-making facilities.
4) A full-sized Halfpipe for snowboarders with its own ski lift on Mount Palenica.
The
ride down the Dunajec river on a traditional
raft that offers an unusual opportunity to see wild
nature, unchanged for thousands of years, is one
of Europe's biggest tourist attractions. It is also
the best way to explore the Pieniny National Park.
The raft ride tradition dates back to mid 19th century. The Dunajec river
has cut in the limestone hills of the Pieniny mountains a romantic valley
called the Dunajec River Gorge. We raft down a deep and winding canyon
on wooden rafts- constructions built from narrow boats held together
with ropes. The Dunajec winds and froths among steep slopes. The views
around us are spectacular and change very quickly. During the trip, the
local oarsmen vividly present information about the Pieniny mountains
and tell local tales e.g. the legend of Janosik.
The season starts in May and finishes in October. The rafts set out from
the Sromowce-Kąty marina. It takes from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the
water level, to go over the seven loops. One raft takes 12 adults (plus
two oarsmen). The destination marina is located in Szczawnica Niżna.
Pontoon
rides down the Dunajec river
Pontoon rides cover the route from Sromowce Wyżne to Szczawnica. They
are offered to both advanced rafters and beginners. Children can also
participate in the pontoon rides.
The coolness of the water, mountain air, the beauty of the Pieniny landscape
will make you forget about the stress of everyday life.
Pontoon
rides cover the route from Sromowce Wyżne
to Szczawnica. They are offered to both advanced
rafters and beginners. Children can also participate
in the pontoon rides.
The coolness of the water, mountain air, the beauty of the Pieniny landscape
will make you forget about the stress of everyday life.
Major hiking trails:
- Mount Palenica - 50 minutes
- Mount Jarmuta - 1 hour 30 minutes - the Homole ravine
- 1 hour 50 minutes (including the drive)
- Bryjarka - 1 hour
- Beresnik - 1 hour 15 minutes
- Dzwonkowka - 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prehyba - 4 hours
- Červeny Klaątor (the Slovak village of "Red Monastery") - 2 hours
30 minutes (you need your passport to cross the border with Slovakia)
- Mount Sokolica (The Falcon Mountain) - Mount Trzy Korony (Three Crowns) -
the Szopczanski ravine - 5 hours
Rafting on the River Dunajec (from May 1 to October 31) - visit: www.flisacy.com.pl
- 6 cycling routes (total length: approximately 100 kilometers)
- rides in horse-drawn
carriages and sleighs
- various outings and tours
- horse riding
- hippotherapy
Other sports facilities:
1) Tennis court in Park Gorny Street;
2) Tennis court at 75b Szlachtowska Street (in Pod Jarmuta Recreation Center);
3) Tennis court in Glowna Street (near the PKS bus terminal);
4) Kayak rental shop on the River Dunajec;
5) Walking path in the larch wood in Park Gorny Street - 1 kilometer in length;
6) Skatepark - a playground for children with facilities for skateboarding and
roller-skating at the bottom station of the Palenica chairlift;
7) Indoor swimming pool (8 x 18 meters) in Budowlani sanitarium;
8) Basketball court in Park Gorny Street;
9) Football (soccer) pitch (50 x 92 meters) at 75b Szlachtowska Street (in Pod
Jarmuta Recreation Center);
10) Beach volleyball court in Glowna Street (near the PKS bus terminal);
11) 6 marked mountain trails for hikers
12) 5 marked cycling routes
13) 11 marked horse riding trails
Mineral
waters
Due to its specific geological
conditions, the spa of Szczawnica offers unique mineral
waters. Some of the most popular ones include:
"Stefan" - recommended for respiratory
system disorders, but unsuitable for gastric hyperacidity,
"Magdalena" - recommended for constipation and bile duct disorders,
"Jan" - recommended for respiratory system disorders and gastric hyperacidity,
"Szymon" - recommended for convalescents suffering from anemia,
"Wanda" - recommended for podagra and allergies, "Helena" - recommended for gastric and duodenal
ulcer disease.
