So you have set your mind on travelling the newest and best executed cycling route in Poland. You will be passing memorable scenery and living out days to remember, but what are the highlights of VeloDunajec to paste in your albums? Let us offer you 10 for as start.
1) Cycling routes on Railways
A comfortable 3-meter wide cycling and roller-skating route (“Szlak wokół Tatr”) leads along the former railway tracks that took busy inhabitants from Nowy Targ to Sucha Góra. You cycle 21 km partly on railway embankments, proudly looking at the beautiful green countryside (full of pines!). When you pass picturesque viaducts and bridges there is always a looming panorama of the Tatra Mountains that produces magical photos. A “must-cycle”.
2) Niedzica Castle
The amazingly beautiful 14th century castle sits on a rock overlooking the Czorsztyńskie Lake (a true tongue-twister name!) and boasts numerous legends. No doubt you will find the right medievally stylized photo-shot to share with friends, as the castle is a true pearl for views. You might even find a coin or two belonging to the Incas, as one Niedzica legend suggests hidden American treasures somewhere within the walls…
3) Lake Czorsztyn
Not only is it beautiful but it also saved thousands of lives and millions worth of property in the flood of 1997. The artificial lake Czorsztyn remains a pictorially valuable landmark in the landscape of Southern Poland as well as chance to have a swim or cycle around while admiring Niedzica and Czorsztyn Castles – its two guardians.
4) Spisz and its villages
There can be no full experience of VeloDunajec without tasting the cultural diversity of the Carpathians. Over the centuries the sub-region of Spisz, spreading across the border of Poland and Slovakia, has been home to people of various origins – Polish, Slovak, German, Ukrainian and plenty of smaller minorities. They have left a significant stamp on the look of villages you pass by and it is a true joy to photograph the folklore on the way.
5) Dunajec Gorge
The earliest mentions of the Dunajec river being used for rafting come from the 16th century but we can be sure it is an older enterprise. The river meanders beautifully among pine-covered mountain peaks and you can go assisted-rafting along the 18 km long gorge. Be sure to learn a word or two from the Polish highlander dialect as the raftsmen offer glad and knowledgeable company during this 3-hours-long trip. Do spot a kingfisher or a black stork for your collection of nature photography.
6) Pieniny Mountains
They are the most mysterious mountains of the Carpathians…for geologists. The stunning calcareous rocks with their ancient flora pose an eternal riddle for scientists and most luckily offer us an unforgettable cycling and hiking experience. You will be looked at by birds-of-prey high in the air and watch out for salamanders under your feet. Prepare your camera well with long zoom lenses.
7) Szczawnica
Supposing you have heard of the Partitioning of Poland in 1772, by visiting Szczawnica you will be able to collect a place on your scratch-map which has been annexed by Austria from Poland even earlier, in 1770. Historical considerations aside – it is a well-developed community with delightful gastronomy and pieces of wooden architecture. Not only for your Instagram camera but also a feast for your belly.
8) Wooden church in Dębno
If you fly in to Southern Poland for wooden architecture, which can gracefully adorn your holiday photos, then you cannot miss the artistic masterpiece of the 16th century church in Dębno. Full of polychromies and local art, it will change your visit into a full immersion in the past. This time it’s about greenery around and some inside photography for a classy touch to your VeloDunajec holiday.
9) Stary Sącz
Visit this quaint-looking old town in early summer for a magnificent musical experience as it is home to one of Poland’s early music festivals. What better than the sound of Gregorian hymns in walls of medieval monasteries and melodic songs of the 15th century hummed among contemporary houses in the market square? We would only wish you could take a photo of music!
10) Zakopane
Writing about Zakopane in a TOP10 article is like boarding a cruiser for a 2-week journey and having only one T-shirt. You NEED to have a closer look at our detailed articles about the city for more background. For now, rest assured – entertainment options, wooden architecture, and lively culture in Zakopane will make you never regret the decision to stop there on VeloDunajec.
Please let us know of your personal suggestions for VeloDunajec highlights in the comments below. Or share a favourite pic on Instagram mentioning the #velodunajec or #biketrip.
We offer magnificent packaged cycling holidays under www.cyclepoland.co.uk, no doubt VeloDunajec among them.
Bonne route, Friends!
Tomasz, Kraków
