Our most recommended things to do in Szczawnica

Dunajec River Gorge and Zakopane: Full-Day Trip from Krakow

1. Dunajec River Gorge and Zakopane: Full-Day Trip from Krakow

Travel from Krakow to the Dunajec River Gorge and Tatra Mountains, the most picturesque tourist attractions in southern Poland, on a 12-hour excursion. Marvel at the beauty of the gorge, featured on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in Poland. Wooden raft trips have been offered since the early 19th century, when customers were guests of the nearby Niedzica and Czorsztyn castles. Your raft trip begins in the village of Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in the resort town of Szczawnica, 18 kilometers downstream. Enjoy a restaurant lunch at your own expense after rafting. Continue to Zakopane to ride a rail car to admire the Tatra Mountains from the peak of Gubalowka.

From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting with Thermal Baths option

2. From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting with Thermal Baths option

Start your trip directly from your accommodation. Then, travel from Krakow to discover the natural beauty of Pieniny National Park, located in the south of Poland, near the Slovak border. Enjoy the trip around the picturesque area of Pieniny surrounded by the mountains and thick forests. Learn more about well-preserved ecosystems composed of rare species of flora and fauna. Check out the greatest tourist attraction the National Park has to offer and go rafting on The Dunajec River Gorge. This activity has been organized since the early 19th century. During the two-and-a-half hours, you will be able to observe impressive limestone rocks and mountain peaks. Being on the small wooden raft do not forget to take great pictures of the river which meanders through the valley. At the end of the rafting reach the charming resort town of Szczawnica, 20 kilometers downstream.  If you select an option of the tour extension, make your way to Białka Tatrzańska, a famous ski resort where the complex of thermal baths is located. Dip into the geothermal water, at a perfect temperature of 34-38 degrees celsius. Reduce stress in many pools, among other the external ones overlooking the Tatra Mountains. Do not skip the sauna zone and strengthen your immunity in the salt grotto and Russian banya. The tour ends with the drop-off at your hotel.

Dunajec River Gorge Rafting and Tree Top Walk from Krakow

3. Dunajec River Gorge Rafting and Tree Top Walk from Krakow

Travel from Krakow to the Dunajec River Gorge and Tatra Mountains, the most picturesque tourist attractions in southern Poland, on a 12-hour excursion. Marvel at the beauty of the gorge, featured on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in Poland. Wooden raft trips have been offered since the early 19th century, when customers were guests of the nearby Niedzica and Czorsztyn castles. Your raft trip begins in the village of Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty and ends in the resort town of Szczawnica, 18 kilometers downstream. Enjoy a restaurant lunch to refuel after rafting. Continue on to Bachledova Valley in Slovakia to walk the 1234-meter-long Bachledka Treetop Trail, situated up to 24 meters above the ground and with a 32-meter high observation tower in the heart of majestic forests of the Pieniny National Park. Discover the unique nature of the Belianske Tatras to learn about many animals and plants that can be found only in a few places of the world.

From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting & Zakopane Town Tour

4. From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting & Zakopane Town Tour

Experience one of the greatest tourist attractions in Poland with a thrilling rafting expedition down the Dunajec River through the Pieniny Gorge along the Polish-Slovak border. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer from Krakow. En route to the river, you'll stop at the charming 16th century wooden church in Debno for a unique cultural experience followed with a stop on view point over Niedzica Castle. Once you reach the Dunajec River, you'll board a traditional wooden raft and glide gently through the towering cliffs of the gorge, admiring the breathtaking limestone rock formations and picturesque mountain scenery. Your animated river guides will bring the pristine and wild environment to life with fascinating stories and insights. During the approximately 2-3 hour cruise (depending on the water level of the river), you'll enjoy stunning views of the high summits of Trzy Korony and Mt. Sokolica, making for an unforgettable experience. Finally, you'll reach Szczawnica and conclude your adventure having gained a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty of Poland. Your Zakopane tour begins with a breathtaking panorama of the Tatra Mountains, viewed from the top of Gubalowka Hill, and a cable car will take you there. The charming city of Zakopane is located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. It is visited all year long by many Polish and international tourists. Next you will explore the local old-school bazaar and Krupowki Street, filled with restaurants, local stores and regional goods, as well as gift shops. Following lunch you will head back to Krakow, passing the famous ski jump and entering a quaint wooden church on the outskirts of Zakopane.

From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting Flexible Private Tour

5. From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting Flexible Private Tour

Explore one of the region's greatest attractions and one of the most beautiful breakthroughs on the continent. The picturesque route snaking between mountains and rocks is 15 kilometers long, with 36 meters of river fall. Discover this magnificent area in 2 to 3 hours. Take a trip to the Dunajec with private transport. Depart in the morning at a fixed time. Arrive at the beginning of the rafting route, which is about 2 hours from Krakow. Join experienced and qualified rafters for your experience. Raft on wooden, traditional rafts for up to 11 adults. Your driver will be waiting at the end of the route. After your rafting experience, depending on your wishes, enjoy a dinner and free time in the spa at the mountain town of Szczawnica, or a visit to the medieval castle in Niedzica.

From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting

6. From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting

Experience one of the greatest tourist attractions in Poland with a thrilling rafting expedition down the Dunajec River through the Pieniny Gorge along the Polish-Slovak border. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer from Krakow. En route to the river, you'll stop at the charming 16th century wooden church in Debno for a unique cultural experience followed with a stop on view point over Niedzica Castle. Once you reach the Dunajec River, you'll board a traditional wooden raft and glide gently through the towering cliffs of the gorge, admiring the breathtaking limestone rock formations and picturesque mountain scenery. Your animated river guides will bring the pristine and wild environment to life with fascinating stories and insights. During the approximately 2-3 hour cruise (depending on the water level of the river), you'll enjoy stunning views of the high summits of Trzy Korony and Mt. Sokolica, making for an unforgettable experience. Finally, you'll reach Szczawnica and conclude your adventure having gained a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty of Poland.

From Krakow: Dunajec River Full-Day River Rafting Tour

7. From Krakow: Dunajec River Full-Day River Rafting Tour

Raft down the Dunajec River through the Pieniny Gorge and along the Polish-Slovak border, and experience one of the greatest tourist attractions in Poland. Following a hotel pick-up and transfer from Krakow, stop en route to Dunajec at Debno, and visit a unique and charming wooden church that dates back to the 16th century. Continue to the Dunajec River to enjoy a rafting expedition on traditional wooden rafts. Glide gently below the towering cliffs, and marvel at the limestone rock formations of the gorge, enhanced by the picturesque mountain scenery and surrounding national forest. Animated river guides will bring the pristine and wild environment to life as you set off from the raft wharf at Sromowce Nizne. Cruise for approximately 15 kilometers to Szczawnica, enjoying about 2-3 hours on the boat, depending on the water level of the river. While aboard the raft, enjoy excellent views of the high summits of Trzy Korony and Mt. Sokolica for a truly unforgettable experience.

From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting

8. From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting

Going rafting down the Dunajec river is one of the most beloved and classic tourist attractions in all of Poland. The tour begins from the center of Krakow, or from your place of accommodation in the city. After about 2 hours, you will reach the boating center, where you will board a traditional wooden watercraft, operated by a river guide in customary regional dress. This stunningly scenic water route will gently take you 15 kilometers downstream, underneath legendary mountain peaks and alongside thick woodlands and winding nature paths. You may even spot some curious local wildlife along the way! After the exhilarating ride, there is a break for lunch in the pretty little resort town of Szczawnica. On the way back to Krakow, you will visit a cherished fifteenth century church that’s inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Located in Dębno Podhalańskie, it’s dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, and is part of the Wooden Architecture Trail around Krakow. This important and distinct church is one of the trail’s highlights. The entire day will last 8-9 hours in total.

Add dates

Things to do in
Szczawnica

10 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Szczawnica

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Szczawnica

Want to discover all there is to do in Szczawnica? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Szczawnica

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 90 reviews

The trip was great! Got picked up from the hotel and Zakopane was lovely. Take the funicular to the top. Then we went to a traditional restaurant and then rafting. The rafting bit is very chilled so no rough waters and really shallow. The only thing is that the raft guide did not speak a word of English and it’s a 2,5 hrs trip, and we missed quite a lot of what he was explaining in regards to the history of the river and landscape. Lastly, our drive (who spoke good English) did not drop us off at the hotel so we had to walk 10 minutes from the radisson blue hotel where apparently he had another pick up.

Fantastic trip with Mr. Paweł. Very professionally organized. Mr. Paweł picked us up at the address and drove us to the place after finishing. Everything was well organized. They would not have to worry about anything. On the way we learned interesting things about Krakow. Very nice day spent We highly recommend this trip. You can have a great time rafting, admire the views and then relax in the thermal pools. A great trip.

This was a great trip with a wonderful guide. We got to see some lovely mountains and rivers on the border with Slovakia. It's about 2.5 hours to get there, then a bit over 2 hours on the raft (worth bringing something to sit on), then a yummy Polish lunch (there's a kid's playground/amusement there too, if they need a run around), and finally onto the relaxing treetop walk. Would recommend!

Amazing experience, our driver Pavel really went above and beyond to make sure we had a fantastic time in a beautiful part of Poland.