Szczawnica: Hiking, Palenica and Spa Parks

Szczawnica offers hiking trails, slopes on Palenica, spa parks and historic buildings around the spa resort. If you are looking for a hotel in Szczawnica, first consider whether you would like to focus your stay on longer hikes, winter sports or walks through the spa district. The trails and places differ both in character and in the time required.

Hiking trails and walking times

A blue-marked hiking trail leads from the centre via Czeremcha (1,146 m) to the PTTK mountain hut on Prehyba (1,138 m). The stated walking time is 3 hours and 30 minutes. A second route begins with yellow markings and later changes to blue. It leads via Palenica (722 m) and Szafranówka (742 m) to the “Orlica” PTTK mountain hut (520 m); the stated walking time is 1 hour and 40 minutes. The two times help with comparison, but the routes also lead to different mountain huts. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The short hiking trail from Szczawnica to Sokolica is about 2 kilometres long and has steep climbs. When planning, therefore, consider the distance and gradient together: the short distance alone does not describe the character of the route.

The red-marked Droga Pienińska starts at the landing stage in Szczawnica and leads via Červený Kláštor to Veľký Lipnik. Szczawnica is listed as a stop on the Dunajec River rafting route, which is about 18 kilometres long and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. The region therefore offers both walking routes and a river trip as different travel activities.

Palenica: chairlift and ski area

The detachable four-person Palenica chairlift is in the centre of Szczawnica, near the bus station. The ride to the summit takes about three minutes. Check operating status and the timetable before your trip.

The ski area includes beginner areas on the slopes of Szafranówka, with three drag lifts, a snowboard channel and a halfpipe. It also has the challenging Palenica I downhill run and the floodlit Palenica II family route. Snowboard competitions are regularly held in the halfpipe. All slopes are covered with artificial snow and groomed by machine; the area’s availability may vary by season. The different slopes and facilities give the ski area its own distinct focus for trip planning.

Spa parks and mineral water

Park Górny, Szczawnica’s oldest spa park, lies in the central spa district. Its creation was initiated by Jan Kutscher in the first half of the 19th century. The park is arranged around a small mineral water bottling plant and was expanded by later landowners. Józef Szalay added various plant species as well as paths for walking and relaxation.

Park Dolny is in the centre, at the foot of Bryjarka. It was established between 1861 and 1868 in connection with the opening of the spa house at Miedziusiu. Its features include well-kept paths, lush vegetation, a music pavilion, a pond and a botanical garden. Visitors can taste the water at the “Wanda” spring. The two spa parks thus differ both in their history and in the features described.

Buildings at Plac Dietla

The old Dom nad Zdrojami at Plac Dietla dates from 1863. It includes a drinking hall and the “Stefan” and “Józefina” mineral water springs. Willa Pałac at Plac Dietla 7 is a historic residential building. These buildings add a glimpse of Szczawnica’s historic architecture to walks through the spa district.

Discover more destinations: Czarna Woda, Waksmund, Rokiciny Podhalańskie, Raba Wyżna, Falsztyn, Trybsz, Nowy Targ, Rogoźnik.

To the regional travel overview: Nowotarski.