Pieniny: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Krakow: Dunajec River Rafting with Thermal Baths option

1. 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

2. 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 Kraków: Slovakia Treetop Walk and Tour of Zakopane

3. From Kraków: Slovakia Treetop Walk and Tour of Zakopane

Discover the natural beauty of Slovakia's breathtaking Tatra region from the treetops, before exploring the popular holiday town of Zakopane. Travel from Krakow to the treetop walk in Ždiar, a folk village with distinctive architecture and culture, situated in the very north of Slovakia around 10 kilometres from the Polish border. Enjoy a scenic walk up-hill for 30 to 40 minutes to reach the unique treetop path, which is 18 to 24 meters high and is surrounded by magnificent tree crowns. Feel on top of the world on the wooden pavement, which is held up by huge pillars and stretches over 600 meters. Reach out and feel the treetops as you find yourself in the heart of the forests of Bachledova Valley. Indulge your senses in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tatra Mountains and Pieniny National Park. With fair weather, gaze out over the highest peak of the Pieniny mountains in the distance: the iconic Three Crowns Massif.  This tour is perfect for families, nature lovers and mountain lovers alike. For the adrenalin hunters, there are special fragments of the route with obstacles, which can  also be omitted. For the ecologists, learn about rare local wildlife by reading educational plaques. Walk at a leisurely pace to the 32 meters-high observation platform situated on the border of Pieniny National Park and Tatras National Park. Observe the majestic natural world below. When you have finished, feel a rush of adrenalin as you slide down a 60-metre slide straight to ground level, or walk at your own pace back down the hill. Then, travel back into Poland to explore the authentic town of Zakopane, nestled at the base of the stunning Tatras Mountains. Proudly named the "winter capital of Poland", this beautiful town is Poland's most popular holiday resort. Visit Krupowki, the vibrant and bustling main street. Chat to some locals and discover what village life has to offer, before shopping for charming souvenirs. During this tour, you will be able to see the unique Chocholow village and its traditional wooden houses, which were built by the local highlanders years ago. Spot the historical wooden chapels along the way. You will also be able to view the ski jump hill, which is used for the Grant Prix Ski Jump Competition.

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 Kraków: Slovakia Treetop Walk and Thermal Baths

7. From Kraków: Slovakia Treetop Walk and Thermal Baths

Discover the natural beauty of Slovakia's breathtaking Tatra region from the treetops, before relaxing in the luxurious thermal baths of Chochołów. Travel from Krakow to the treetop walk in Ždiar, a folk village with distinctive architecture and culture, situated in the very north of Slovakia around 10 kilometres from the Polish border. Enjoy a scenic walk up-hill for 30 to 40 minutes to reach the unique treetop path, which is 18 to 24 meters high and is surrounded by magnificent tree crowns. Feel on top of the world on the wooden pavement, which is held up by huge pillars and stretches over 600 meters. Reach out and feel the treetops as you find yourself in the heart of the forests of Bachledova Valley. Indulge your senses in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tatra Mountains and Pieniny National Park. With fair weather, gaze out over the highest peak of the Pieniny mountains in the distance: the iconic Three Crowns Massif.  This tour is perfect for families, nature lovers and mountain lovers alike. For the adrenalin hunters, there are special fragments of the route with obstacles, which can  also be omitted. For the ecologists, learn about rare local wildlife by reading educational plaques. Walk at a leisurely pace to the 32 meters-high observation platform situated on the border of Pieniny National Park and Tatras National Park. Observe the majestic natural world below. When you have finished, feel a rush of adrenalin as you slide down a 60-metre slide straight to ground level, or walk at your own pace back down the hill. Then, travel to Thermal Baths, the largest thermal complex in Podhale. Bathe in its therapeutic water, which is extracted from a depth of nearly 3,600 meters and emits beneficial micronutrients. Relax in the warmth of eight thermal whirlpools. Dip into the brine bath or outdoor swimming pools, all with a temperature of 36°C. Enjoy fun activities in the outdoor pools; from the Wild River to water basketball and volleyball, from massage jets to waterfalls and geysers. Ride down inflatable and pontoon slides. There is also a steam bath suitable for children. Relax in the regular steam sauna, or try out the salt cave and 'Textile' dry sauna. Observe the surrounding landscape from the beautiful Highlander Cottage Sauna observation deck. Revitalize your energy in the cooling pool on the terrace. You can also indulge in the restaurant during your visit.

Krakow: Niedzica Castle and Thermal Baths Day Trip

8. Krakow: Niedzica Castle and Thermal Baths Day Trip

Discover Niedzica castle which is nestled on the shores of Czorsztyn Lake in the Pieniny mountains on this guided day trip with hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow. Relax in thermal baths with sweeping views of the Tatra Mountains. Be picked up at your accommodation in the city of Krakow. Hop aboard a spacious and climate-controlled vehicle and take in Poland's scenic countryside on the drive to the Niedzica Castle.  Step into this piece of history that belonged to Hungary families until the end of WWII. Have time to explore this 14th defensive castle using the provided guide book in English.  Continue to Terma Bania where you can soothe your muscles in the complex's indoor and outdoor recreational swimming pools that are filled with mineral-rich water with a temperature of 34 - 38 degrees Celsius. Take in views of the Tatra Mountains as you soak.  Once you've thoroughly relaxed, return to your accommodation in Krakow.

Other Sightseeing Options in Pieniny

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

What people are saying about Pieniny

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 13 reviews

Nice trip with family - long boat trip of 2 1/2 hours with beautiful scenery - maybe a bit monotonous for younger children, who will, on the other hand, love the treetop walk, which can end with the slide for those who are into the wild - we think it was a fun ending - you sit in a stitched felt blanket with a strap to hold onto, so everyone can participate - the cable car, which is an attraction in itself, is preferable, as it is otherwise a hard and hot ride 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!

Great trip, the treetop walk is a must see! thermal baths were very busy but a fun afternoon, Milo our driver was very helpful and friendly and gave us lots of local food recommendations. would recommend this trip to others

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