2025
Niedzica Czorsztynskie-See

The Dunajec Cycle Route

Round trip from Kraków

Kraków – Zakopane – Rytro – Kraków

  • Dunajec Gorge, Pieniny National Park
  • Wooden church in Dębno, UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Niedzica Castle
  • Daily routes ●○○○○, altitude profile ●○○○○
  • New trip!

days
8

Ø km per day
40

The Dunajec cycle route is an insider tip for anyone who likes to discover nature, culture and enjoyment on two wheels. Your journey begins and ends in Kraków – the transfers take you comfortably to the mountain region around Zakopane and back to the city on the Vistula. In between lies a week full of scenic and cultural highlights.

You cycle through the High Tatra foothills, along peaceful rivers and through places steeped in history. The spectacular Dunajec Gorge, the "living open-air museum" of Chochołów, the UNESCO wooden church of Dębno and the charming old towns of Stary and Nowy Sącz are just some of the stops on this relaxed tour. And of course, Polish cuisine is not to be missed: Try oscypek, the typical smoked cheese made from sheep's milk, or hearty pierogi in one of the cozy restaurants. On well-maintained paths, mostly away from traffic, you will experience the diversity of southern Poland – from green mountains to historic towns and traditional villages. The Dunajec accompanies you as a silent travel partner and offers new panoramas time and again. A cycle tour that appeals to body and senses alike.

 

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    EN-PLKK7
  • Accommodation level
    Category B: national 2* / 3* level (EN-PLKK7b)
    Category A: national 3* / 4* level (EN-PLKK7a)
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Arrival days
    on Saturdays
  • Travel documents Languages
    German, English
  • Print version PDF
    incl. hotel examples
Krakow, St Mary's Church
Krakow, St Mary's Church

Day 1: Individual arrival in Kraków

Welcome to Kraków – one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. Your cycle tour along the Dunajec cycle route begins in the former royal city on the Vistula, which impresses with its perfectly preserved old town, the imposing Wawel Castle and a lively cultural scene. After your arrival, there is time for a first stroll: stroll across the Rynek, the largest medieval market square in Europe, and enjoy the atmosphere in one of the charming street cafés.

Day 2: Kraków – Zakopane, approx. 25 km + transfer

Today, an organized transfer will take you from the hustle and bustle of the city to the clear mountain air of the High Tatras. Your destination: Zab, the highest village in Poland, framed by the peaks of the Tatra Mountains. After your first descent, wood-carved villas in the traditional Zakopane style, colorful market stalls with sheep's cheese, honey and regional handicrafts await you in Zakopane - and a view of the mountains that invites you to take a deep breath. In the evening, enjoy the alpine cuisine of southern Poland – with an Oscypek cheese fresh from the grill or a hearty stew from the mountain hut.

Day 3: Zakopane – Nowy Targ, approx. 45 km

A morning full of views begins with the train ride up Gubałówka (not included) – a mountain that offers you wonderful views of the Tatra panorama. From there, the route leads downhill through the long village of Dzianisz to charming Chochołów. The village impresses with its densely packed wooden houses – a real gem of traditional architecture, which is not considered a "living open-air museum" for nothing. On the newly developed section of the Dunajec cycle route, which follows a disused railroad line, you cycle past meadows, villages and the famous pilgrimage site of Ludźmierz to the lively small town of Nowy Targ. Situated on the banks of the Biała Dunajec, the town welcomes you with its historic market square, traditional atmosphere and good regional cuisine.

Day 4: Nowy Targ – Niedzica, approx. 45 km

You first cycle along the Dunajec to Łopuszna, where an old aristocratic farm tells of rural life in past centuries. In Nowa Biała, the breakthrough of the Białka River through steep limestone cliffs offers an impressive natural sight. A short stop in Dębno is worthwhile: the Gothic wooden church dating back to 1500 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route continues through the historic Spiš region with its rich cultural heritage. On the banks of the Czorsztyn reservoir, you reach Niedzica Castle, which towers impressively over the water. If you like, take a detour to the Slovakian Osturňa – a charming street village with colorful wooden houses.

Day 5: Niedzica – Szczawnica, approx. 30 km

A scenic highlight awaits you today: you cycle along the Dunajec to Sromowce, cross the border to Slovakia and reach the Red Monastery, picturesquely situated under the "Three Crowns" mountain massif. The car-free Pienin Trail then takes you through the spectacular gorge – a narrow path, partly carved into the rock, always close to the water. Limestone walls up to 300 meters high and dense forests line the route – a first-class nature experience. If you wish, you can take a break in Lesnica and explore the river on a leisurely raft trip. Finally, you cycle along a charming promenade to the traditional spa town of Szczawnica.

Day 6: Szczawnica – Rytro, approx. 50 – 55 km

On the last section of the Dunajec cycle route, you discover the green side of the Beskids. The route leads through wooded valleys and past orchards to the traditional village of Tylmanowa and on to the inn in Łącko – famous for its slivovitz. In Gołkowice, you bid farewell to the Dunajec before reaching Rytro, a small village with a knightly history on the Poprad tributary. Here you will spend the night in a hotel right on the water – a peaceful end to your ride along the Dunajec.

Day 7: Rytro – Kraków, approx. 25 – 30 km + transfer

A short, leisurely stage along the river awaits you at the end of your cycle tour before you are taken back to Kraków by transfer. The route takes you through idyllic countryside, past orchards and fields, giving you one last opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of the region to the full. Back in Kraków, you will have time in the afternoon for some final sightseeing or a visit to a traditional restaurant. Perhaps you would like to end your trip with a walk along the Vistula or a view of the Wawel at sunset? A beautiful, well-rounded end to a trip full of scenic contrasts, cultural highlights and relaxed cycling enjoyment.

Day 8: Individual departure

Today it's time to say goodbye. Perhaps there is still time for a short stroll through the city or a few souvenirs from the Tuchhallenmarkt. Your cycling vacation alongThe Dunajec cycle route ends with many impressions in your luggage – and perhaps you are already looking forward to your next adventure by bike.

 

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Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2025

Arrival on Saturdays from 26.04.2025 to 04.10.2025

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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Category B

Season A
26.04. - 04.10.

from629 €

Category A

Season A
26.04. - 04.10.

from829 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights with breakfast, national 2* / 3* level, category B (EN-PLKK7b)
  • 7 nights with breakfast, national 3* / 4* level, category A (EN-PLKK7a)
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Transfer Kraków– Zab and Neusandez – Kraków incl. bike
  • Klezmer concert
  • Travel documents with maps (1 x per room)
  • Service-Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Not included:

  • City or visitor's tax (if payable)
  • Mountain railroad to Gubalowka
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Children discounts

discount-icon discount-icon-football

From 0 to 17 years

-20%

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Category B
Category A

Additional fee single room

149 €

289 €

All prices are per person

Additional nights

Room
Breakfast
Category B
Category A
Krakau
 DBL

69 €

109 €

 SGL

84 €

145 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
99 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
199 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 21-gear unisex / men's bike
  • E-bike / pedelec
Fittings

Pannier, map holder, bike lock, pump, repair kit (1 x per booking)

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Route profile

  • Start / Destination
    Kraków
  • Length
    approx. 220 – 230 km
    Daily routes ●○○○○
    between 25 and 55 km, Ø 40 km
    Altitude profile ●○○○○
  • Trail conditions
    The Dunajec Cycle Path starts in the village of Zab at an altitude of 1022 m and leads over gentle inclines to Neusandez at 350 m. The route offers varied descents and picturesque views.
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Krakow, St Mary's Church
Krakow, St Mary's Church

days
8

Ø km per day
40