Pieniny National Park (Trzy Korony, Sokolica)
Pieniny National Park lies barely about 20 km from the resort and is one of the most spectacular destinations for a day trip in the area. Two iconic peaks - the Trzy Korony massif (982 m above sea level) with its metal viewing platform suspended hundreds of metres above the meanders of the Dunajec, and the rocky Sokolica (747 m above sea level) with its famous relict pine - offer some of the finest panoramas in the Polish mountains, with views of the Tatras and the Dunajec gorge. It is the natural complement to a stay by Lake Czorsztyn: a quiet morning at the resort, followed in the afternoon by a short but rewarding climb up the Pieniny ridge.
About this place
Pieniny National Park lies barely about 20 km from the resort and is one of the most spectacular destinations for a day trip in the area. Two iconic peaks - the Trzy Korony massif (982 m above sea level) with its metal viewing platform suspended hundreds of metres above the meanders of the Dunajec, and the rocky Sokolica (747 m above sea level) with its famous relict pine - offer some of the finest panoramas in the Polish mountains, with views of the Tatras and the Dunajec gorge. It is the natural complement to a stay by Lake Czorsztyn: a quiet morning at the resort, followed in the afternoon by a short but rewarding climb up the Pieniny ridge.
Scenic trails to Trzy Korony and Sokolica, home to over 1,100 plant species.
Where it comes from
Pieniny National Park was established on 1 June 1932 and is the first (oldest) national park in Poland; that same year a twin Pieniny National Park was created on the Czechoslovak (today Slovak) side, making it one of the first cross-border protected areas in Europe. The Polish part of the park now covers about 2,346 ha. It was established chiefly to protect the unique limestone landscape of the Pieniny - the scenic Dunajec gorge and the Trzy Korony massif. The relict pine on Sokolica, studied in the 1990s, was among the oldest pines in Poland (about 550 years old).
Good to know
- The highest summit of the Trzy Korony massif - Okrąglica (982 m above sea level) - rises about 530 m above the Dunajec flowing at its foot; metal stairs and a viewing platform with railings lead to the top, holding about 30 people at a time.
- Sokolica (747 m above sea level) is famous for a relict pine growing on a rocky ridge above the abyss - for years a symbol of the Pieniny; in 2018 the tree was damaged by a helicopter rotor during a rescue operation.
- Despite the name suggesting three peaks, the Trzy Korony massif is actually made up of five rocky summits built of resistant limestone.
- The highest peak of the Pieniny is Wysoka (1,050 m above sea level) in the Małe Pieniny range - it lies outside the park boundaries, though, so Trzy Korony remains its most recognisable symbol.
- Rafting through the Dunajec gorge on traditional wooden rafts is one of the most famous attractions of the Polish mountains; the Polish Association of Pieniny Raftsmen was founded in 1934.
Frequently asked questions - Pieniny National Park (Trzy Korony, Sokolica)
Short, concrete answers for anyone planning a visit.
How high are Trzy Korony and Sokolica?
The highest summit of the Trzy Korony massif, Okrąglica, is 982 m above sea level, and Sokolica is 747 m above sea level. Both peaks lie within Pieniny National Park and are among the most popular viewpoints in the Polish mountains.
How do you get to Pieniny National Park from the resort, and where do you park?
The park is about 20 km from the resort, and the drive usually takes 25-30 minutes. The trail up Trzy Korony most often starts from the car park at Sromowce Niżne-Kąty or in Krościenko nad Dunajcem, while the trail to Sokolica starts from Krościenko or Szczawnica - the exact choice of car park is best matched to your planned route.
How long does it take to climb Trzy Korony, and is the trail difficult?
The climb to the Okrąglica viewing platform usually takes about 1-1.5 hours one way, depending on pace and the chosen trail variant. The trail is a mountain path, steep in places, but well marked and requires no climbing gear - people of average fitness can manage it.
Is entry to the Trzy Korony viewing platform and Sokolica paid?
Yes, an entry fee applies in season: roughly 10 PLN for a full ticket and 5 PLN for a reduced ticket. Fees are collected from 1 April to 15 November; outside that period access is free. It is worth checking current rates on the park's website.
What can you see from the top of Trzy Korony?
The platform on Okrąglica offers one of the finest panoramas in Poland - you can see the Tatras, the Beskids, the winding Dunajec gorge below, and neighbouring Pieniny peaks. Okrąglica rises about 530 m above the level of the river.
Which peak should you choose - Trzy Korony or Sokolica - and can you do both in one day?
Trzy Korony is the higher, more iconic point, with a viewing platform and the widest panorama, including the Tatras. Sokolica is lower but offers a striking view of the Dunajec's meanders and the famous relict pine. A ridge trail connects both peaks, and walking it usually takes about 2-3 hours, so with decent fitness you can bag both as part of a single, full day out from the resort.
Can you also go rafting through the Dunajec gorge from the park?
Yes - traditional raft trips depart from the pier at Sromowce Wyżne and end in Szczawnica or Krościenko, seasonally from April to October. It is a separate attraction from climbing Trzy Korony and Sokolica, and combines well with a park visit as part of a single day trip from the resort.
More from the category: Nature and water
Lake Czorsztyn (Reservoir)
0.3 kmGuarded beach, kayaks, SUP boards, sailboats - right next to the resort (about 300 m).
See more →Velo Czorsztyn (cycling path)
0.3 kmA paved 27-40 km loop around the lake (shortcut via the boat crossing, about 27-28 km), flat surface suited to e-bikes. Starts about 300 m from the cabins.
See more →Boat cruises on the reservoir
0.3 kmCruises Niedzica ↔ Czorsztyn ↔ Polana Sosny, pedal boats, views.
See more →See also in the area
Practical guides to help you plan your visit and get to know these places better.
Najlepsze szlaki piesze w Pieninach dla rodzin z dziećmi
Łatwe szlaki w Pieninach dla rodzin z dziećmi: Wąwóz Homole, Droga Pienińska, Zielone Skałki i spacery nad Jeziorem Czorsztyńskim. Czasy, trudność i co zabrać.
Read the full article →Pieniński Park Narodowy - bilety, zasady, szlaki
Pieniński Park Narodowy - najstarszy park narodowy w Polsce (1932). Sprawdź orientacyjne opłaty za wstęp, sezon poboru, zasady poruszania i szlaki na Trzy Korony i Sokolicę.
Read the full article →Skąd startuje spływ Dunajcem - przystanie Kąty i Sromowce
Spływ Dunajcem startuje z przystani Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty (główna) lub z Sromowiec Niżnych. Sprawdź dojazd z Niedzicy, parking, ceny orientacyjne i jak wrócić po spływie.
Read the full article →About this content
Attraction descriptions are based on information from local operators, maps, official websites and the resort team's many years of experience in the Pieniny. Distances and travel times are approximate values measured from Niedzica. Always check current opening hours and tickets directly with the source.
Related attractions in the area
Other places worth a look near Niedzica and Lake Czorsztyn.
After a day of sightseeing, come back to cabins with a pool and sauna - perfect for relaxing after a trail or a raft trip.
5 minutes from the attractions
Pieniny National Park (Trzy Korony, Sokolica) and the whole Pieniny area within reach - and in the evening your own cabin with a pool and sauna. Check availability for your dates.
Looking for a place to recharge after sightseeing? Cabins with a private sauna and pool in Niedzica make a comfortable base for the Pieniny.