The gorge of the Dunajec in the Pieniny

The gorge of the Dunajec in the Pieniny is one of the most beautiful river gorges in Poland. It is 8 km long and runs through Pieniny National Park. It is just a fraction of the entire length of the river which is 247 km long – it starts in the Tatras and connects with the Vistula in the north of Lesser Poland. The Pieniny gorge is the most beautiful 8 km out of 247km. Limestone rocks, which are even 300 m high, and mild slopes covered with various plants rise over the Dunajec. Flisacy (Raftsmen) have been floating on the Dunajec with their rafts for ages. Initially, they used their rafts to transport goods, today, they use them to show tourists, for whom rafting is the biggest attraction, around. The Dunajec is also a great river for amateurs of kayaks and dinghies.

Port Pienin

Port Pienin (the Port of the Pieniny) is a local company which organises rafting with kayaks or dinghies through the Dunajec River Gorge in the Pieniny. Rafting is one of the biggest attractions of Szczawnica Commune – it is the reason why so many tourists choose the place every year. During rafting, participants admire the landscape of the Pieniny from water, admire animate and inanimate nature. Rafting can also be combined with cycling or hiking in the mountains. Rafting routes lead through the most panoramic regions of the Pieniny for instance from Sromowce Niżne to Szczawnica. The company organises training and has a bike rental.

Dinghies

If you choose rafting with dinghies through the gorge of the Dunajec, this attraction will leave you with extraordinary impressions and you will explore this river in detail. The route starts in Sromowce and finishes in Szczawnica – it is 15.5 km long and lasts approximately 2 hours. It is an ideal attraction for families, school groups or a great idea for a business retreat. Dinghies are designed for 2 to 12 people. On special request, an instructor can be present during rafting. Every passenger receives certified equipment i.e. a helmet, a life jacket and waterproof containers. On cold days they also get foam and a cape.

One can get to a place where rafting starts by special bus, on foot, taking advantage of a dedicated trip or by bike (for example with the use of a rented one).

Kayaks

The mountain tops of the Pieniny can be also admired from a kayak. It is a perfect form of entertainment for those who enjoy adrenaline rush and are not afraid of high waves. You can experience a real adventure in the surroundings of the magical landscape of the Pieniny. Kayaks are both for experienced people and beginners. Families with children may also try them out. Port Pienin offers polyethylene kayaks suitable for more experienced ones and pneumatic kayaks for those who have never tried this activity before. There are 1- or 2-person kayaks. Port Pienin gathers well-qualified instructors who supervise the whole rafting adventure.

Rafting can be combined with a hiking or a cycling trip. You can get to the starting point by bus as well.