Dunajec Gorge raft trip
Under 15 minutes' drive from the resort begins one of the most famous attractions of the Polish mountains - the Dunajec Gorge raft trip on traditional wooden rafts. From the pier at Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty, wooden rafts steered by Pieniny raftsmen in regional dress cover a scenic stretch of the river at the foot of Trzy Korony and Sokolica. The route to Szczawnica is about 18 km and takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes, while the route to Krościenko nad Dunajcem is about 23 km and takes nearly 2 hours 45 minutes. It is a calm, family-friendly cruise amid limestone walls reaching nearly 300 metres high, accompanied by a raftsman's tales of the history and legends of the Pieniny.
About this place
Under 15 minutes' drive from the resort begins one of the most famous attractions of the Polish mountains - the Dunajec Gorge raft trip on traditional wooden rafts. From the pier at Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty, wooden rafts steered by Pieniny raftsmen in regional dress cover a scenic stretch of the river at the foot of Trzy Korony and Sokolica. The route to Szczawnica is about 18 km and takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes, while the route to Krościenko nad Dunajcem is about 23 km and takes nearly 2 hours 45 minutes. It is a calm, family-friendly cruise amid limestone walls reaching nearly 300 metres high, accompanied by a raftsman's tales of the history and legends of the Pieniny.
The icon of the Pieniny - a 2-3 hour raft trip (from the Sromowce/Kąty piers), about 7-20 km from the resort.
Where it comes from
The tradition of tourist rafting trips through the Pieniny Gorge of the Dunajec dates back to the 1830s and is tied to the development of the spa town of Szczawnica - the first organised cruises for spa guests, dated to around 1832, were initiated by the resort's owner, Józef Szalay, to promote his town. Tourists were originally carried on two joined dugout canoes (hollowed-out logs); over time more were joined together, until by the mid-20th century a raft made of five canoes became standard. As late as the 1970s raftsmen still used dugout canoes, later replaced by rafts built from planks. Since 1934 the trip has been run by the Polish Association of Pieniny Raftsmen on the Dunajec River in Sromowce Niżne - founded on 18 February 1934 on the initiative of raftsmen Franciszek Kokora and Jakub Borzęcki. In 2024 the raftsmen opened their 192nd season.
Good to know
- A traditional raft is not a single boat but a set of five narrow dugout canoes tied together, each about 5.75 m by 45 cm, lined with spruce or fir twigs.
- The Pieniny Gorge of the Dunajec is about 8 km long, running between Sromowce Niżne and Szczawnica; the surrounding limestone cliffs reach about 300 metres in height.
- The gorge is flanked by the two most famous Pieniny peaks: Trzy Korony, with its highest summit Okrąglica (982 m above sea level), and Sokolica (747 m above sea level) - both with famous viewing platforms above the river.
- The trip has been led for generations by Pieniny raftsmen in regional dress, who spin tales during the cruise about the nature of the Pieniny and local legends, including the outlaw Janosik (a piece of folklore, i.e. a legend).
- The Polish Association of Pieniny Raftsmen has more than 900 members, making it one of the largest organisations of its kind in Poland.
Frequently asked questions - Dunajec Gorge raft trip
Short, concrete answers for anyone planning a visit.
How long does the Dunajec Gorge raft trip take, and how long is the route?
The route to Szczawnica is about 18 km and takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes, while the longer route to Krościenko nad Dunajcem is about 23 km and takes nearly 2 hours 45 minutes.
Where does the Dunajec raft trip start, and how do you get there from the resort?
The raft trip starts at the pier in Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty (and also Sromowce Niżne), about 15 km from the resort, which is under 15 minutes by car. There is a car park by the pier for guests heading out on the trip.
What season does the raft trip run in, and when is it open?
The rafting season runs from 1 April to 31 October. Trips run daily, except for the first day of Easter and Corpus Christi.
How much does a ticket for the Dunajec raft trip cost?
Pricing is set by the Polish Association of Pieniny Raftsmen and depends on the chosen route (to Szczawnica or Krościenko) and the season, so it is best to check the exact, current ticket price directly on the flisacy.pl website or at the ticket office by the pier before setting off.
Is the Dunajec raft trip safe, and suitable for families with children?
Yes - it is a calm cruise on a lowland stretch of the river, led by two experienced raftsmen, which makes it a popular attraction for families with children too. It is not a whitewater rafting trip.
What do you actually travel on during the raft trip?
You travel on a traditional wooden raft made up of five narrow dugout canoes tied together, each about 5.75 m by 45 cm, steered with long poles by raftsmen in regional dress.
Who organises the Dunajec Gorge raft trip?
The trip is run by the Polish Association of Pieniny Raftsmen on the Dunajec River in Sromowce Niżne, operating continuously since 1934 with more than 900 members.
Which route should you choose: to Szczawnica or to Krościenko nad Dunajcem?
The route to Szczawnica (about 18 km, about 2 hr 15 min) is shorter and ends at a well-known spa town with plenty of food options and thermal baths, making it easy to relax afterwards. The route to Krościenko nad Dunajcem (about 23 km, about 2 hr 45 min) is longer, giving you more time to admire the gorge beneath Trzy Korony and Sokolica. Either way, the return to your starting point is handled by local minibuses or transport organised by the carrier.
What should you bring on the Dunajec raft trip?
Dress in layers and comfortably, bring something for a change in weather (the gorge can be windy even in summer), sunglasses, water, and a camera or phone for photos - the views of Trzy Korony and Sokolica are among the most photographed in the Pieniny. The trip takes place on calm water, so no special sporting outfit or mountain-style rafting vest is needed.
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)
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See more →Boat cruises on the reservoir
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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.
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5 minutes from the attractions
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