Pieniny National Park, also called Pieniński Park Narodowy in Polish, is part of the Pieniny Mountains, where the mountain chain divides into three ranges. The 23-square-kilometre national park is heavily forested and features a number of limestone mountains, including the 982-metre-tall Three Crowns mountain, along with parts of the picturesque Dunajec River.
There are several tourist centres dotted around the park, which offer guides, supplies and knowledgeable staff happy to answer any questions. These, along with the signed hiking routes, make exploring the national park easy. While you’re venturing throughout Pieniny National Park, keep an eye out for the unique plant species, including over 600 types of mushrooms and flower-filled meadows.
Around 6,500 species of animals are known to live within Pieniny National Park, including otters and lynx, along with various types of fish and birds. Don’t miss seeing the historic buildings within the park, such as the Niedzica castle. You can also cruise down the river on a wooden raft.
Getting there
Pieniny National Park is just under two hours’ drive from Krakow, where you can fly into John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport and rent a vehicle. You can also catch buses to the national park in about three hours. There’s ample on-site parking available.