Quick Answer
Classic Dunajec River rafting starts from two landing stages on the Polish side: the main and largest one at Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty, and the smaller one at Sromowce Niżne. Both are operated by the Polish Association of Pieniny Raftsmen (active since 1934), and the rafts travel through the Pieniny Gorge to Szczawnica or Krościenko nad Dunajcem. From the resort on Lake Czorsztyńskie in Niedzica to the landing stage in Kąty is about 15 km, or roughly 25-30 minutes by car.
Two Starting Landing Stages - Which One to Choose
On the Polish side of the Pieniny Mountains, wooden raft trips begin from one of two landing stages. Both are operated by the same organizer and run the same route through the Pieniny Gorge, differing mainly in size, infrastructure and how long it takes to reach the finish.
Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty - Main Landing Stage
This is the largest and most popular raft landing stage in Poland, located in the village of Sromowce Wyżne, in the hamlet of Kąty. The vast majority of rafts depart from here. The landing stage has comprehensive facilities: large car parks, ticket offices, food and beverage points, toilets and souvenir shops. This is the natural choice if you're going for the first time and want full service on site.
Why Kąty is Most Often Chosen
- The widest range of departure times, especially during the summer season.
- The full route through the Pieniny Gorge - from Kąty you pass by Trzech Koron and Sokolica.
- The most parking spaces and the best organized tourist flow.
- Choice of finish: Szczawnica (longer route) or Krościenko nad Dunajcem (shorter route).
Sromowce Niżne - Smaller Landing Stage
The second landing stage lies lower downstream in Sromowce Niżne. It's quieter and less crowded, and the raft trip from here is slightly shorter as it skips the initial section. This is a good option if you prefer less hustle and bustle or want a slightly cheaper, shorter variant. However, it's worth confirming with the organizer whether rafts actually depart from this landing stage on your chosen day, as availability can be seasonal.
When to Consider Sromowce Niżne
- You want to avoid the biggest crowds at the main landing stage.
- You prefer a shorter raft trip, for example with younger children or if time is limited.
- You value a quieter atmosphere at the start.
How to Get from Niedzica to the Landing Stage
The resort on Lake Czorsztyńskie in Niedzica is very close to both landing stages - this is one of the advantages of this location. Dunajec River rafting from here is a convenient half-day excursion without the need for a long drive.
How to Drive
The simplest way is to drive your own car. From Niedzica you head towards the dam area in the direction of Sromowce. The route runs through a picturesque road along the Pieniny Mountains, partly close to the border with Slovakia.
| From | To | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niedzica (resort) | Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty | ~15 km | ~25-30 min |
| Niedzica (resort) | Sromowce Niżne | ~13-15 km | ~25-30 min |
| Nowy Targ | Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty | ~25 km | ~35-40 min |
The times given are approximate. At peak season, on weekends and holidays, driving and finding a parking space can take longer, so it's worth setting off early.
Hiking and Cycling Variant
Niedzica and Sromowce are connected by hiking and cycling trails along Lake Czorsztyńskie and the Dunajec River. Some guests opt to cycle to the landing stage, especially since the area is covered by the Velo Czorsztyn trail network, which starts right next to the resort. This is convenient if you're planning an active day anyway, but remember the logistics of returning as described below.
Parking at the Landing Stage
Large car parks operate at the main landing stage in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty. They are paid parking, and it's worth confirming the rate on site as it changes seasonally. On weekends and hot days, parking close to the ticket offices fills up quickly, so it's good to arrive before noon.
Parking Tips
- Arrive in the morning - after the first rafts depart it gets crowded.
- Have change or a card for parking fees (check on site what is accepted).
- Remember which car park you're parked in - with heavy traffic it's easy to get confused when you return.
How to Return After the Rafting Trip - Return Logistics
This is the key question that often surprises tourists: the raft trip is one-way. The raft ends its journey in Szczawnica or Krościenko nad Dunajcem, meaning about a dozen or so kilometres from where you left your car. So you need to plan your return to the starting landing stage.
Return if You Drove a Car
If you left your car at the landing stage in Kąty or at Sromowce Niżne, you have several tried and tested ways to get back to it.
Most Common Return Options
| Return Option | For Whom | What to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / organizer transport | Most tourists without their own plan | Check times and price with the carrier at the finish |
| Bicycle rented at the finish | Active people who like cycling back along the Dunajec | The route against the river current is slightly uphill |
| Taxi | Families and groups who value comfort | The most expensive option, worth agreeing the price beforehand |
| Another person brings the car | Couples/groups with two cars | Requires planning before the trip |
Bus and Organized Transport
The most popular is returning by bus. At the finish in Szczawnica and Krościenko, there are carriers who take tourists back to the starting landing stages. It's a convenient and inexpensive solution, but it's worth confirming the timetables and prices directly with the carrier or at the information point at the finish, as they can vary depending on the season and time of day.
Return by Bicycle (Path Along the Dunajec)
Along the Dunajec runs a popular asphalt cycling path connecting the Sromowce area with Szczawnica and Krościenko. Many people combine the raft trip with a return bike ride: you can rent a bicycle at the finish and cycle back along the river through the Pieniny Gorge. This is one of the most beautiful cycling sections in the Pieniny Mountains. Remember that when cycling from the finish towards Sromowce you're cycling against the river current, so there's a slight uphill.
Return if You Cycled from Niedzica
If you reached the landing stage by bike from the resort, you can simply continue the raft trip and then cycle back along the Dunajec and the lake to Niedzica - except that in that case your bike stays at the starting landing stage and you raft without it. That's why this option mainly makes sense if someone in your group stays with the bikes, or if you're planning a hiking and cycling loop without the actual rafting. The simplest approach: drive to the rafting by car or bus, and treat the bike as a separate activity.