Pieniny National Park & Dunajec Gorge

Pieninský národný park

A scenic national park straddling the Slovak-Polish border where the Dunajec River carves a spectacular gorge between limestone cliffs. Famous for traditional wooden raft trips and riverside hiking.

Things to do

• Dunajec Raft Trip — Float down the gorge on a traditional wooden raft steered by costumed pltníci boatmen from the Červený Kláštor landing.
• Red Monastery (Červený Kláštor) — Visit the restored 14th-century Carthusian monastery famous for the legendary flying monk Cyprian and its herbal pharmacy museum.
• Prielom Dunajca Trail — Hike or cycle the riverside path that follows the Dunajec through the gorge from Červený Kláštor toward Lesnica.
• Three Crowns Viewpoint (Trzy Korony) — Cross into the Polish side to climb the iconic limestone peak for panoramic views over the meandering gorge.
• Cycling to Szczawnica — Rent a bike and pedal the flat, scenic route along the river to the Polish spa town of Szczawnica.
• Sokolica Peak Hike — Ascend the sheer cliff on the Polish bank, crowned by a famous windswept relict pine above the river bend.
• Kayaking the Dunajec — Paddle your own kayak or canoe through the gorge's calm stretches and gentle rapids for an active alternative to the raft.

Food to try

• Bryndzové halušky — Slovakia's national dish of potato dumplings smothered in sheep's cheese and topped with fried bacon.
• Grilled trout (pstruh) — Fresh river trout grilled or fried, served at riverside stands and inns near Červený Kláštor.
• Žinčica — A warm, tangy whey drink made as a byproduct of sheep-cheese production and offered at mountain huts.
• Oštiepok — A smoked, spindle-shaped sheep cheese from the Carpathian shepherding tradition, often eaten grilled.
• Kapustnica — A hearty sauerkraut soup with sausage and mushrooms, warming after a day on the river.

Local customs & good to know

• Book rafts and check the season — Raft trips typically run from April to October and fill up in summer, so arrive early or reserve in advance.
• Bring your passport and cash — The river forms the Slovak-Polish border, and crossing bridges or buying on the Polish side may need euros, złoty, and ID.
• Respect the pltníci tradition — The costumed raftsmen belong to a centuries-old guild, so tipping and photo etiquette are appreciated.
• Dress for changeable weather — The gorge can be cool and shaded even in summer, so pack layers and sturdy shoes for the rocky trails.

Nearby

• Belianska Cave — 21 km
• Ľubovňa Castle — 22 km
• Kežmarok — 29 km
• High Tatras — 33 km