Bustryk: Panoramas, Hiking Trails and Pilgrimage Traditions

Bustryk lies on the slope of a side ridge of the Pogórze Spisko-Gubałowskie, at an altitude of 860 to 970 metres. From Bustryk, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains, the Gorce Mountains and Babia Góra. Its elevation and views of these three areas give the choice of location a clear scenic appeal. There are also routes through and above the village, annual pilgrimages and links to local history.

Landscape and Trails

The Pope's Trail passes through the upper part of Bustryk and commemorates Pope John Paul II's 1997 pilgrimage from the Sanctuary in Krzeptówki to the basilica in Ludźmierz. A green hiking trail also passes through Bustryk; you can follow it to Zakopane. The route descriptions have different focuses: the Pope's Trail recalls the historic pilgrimage, while the green-marked route names Zakopane as a hiking destination.

Another walking route runs from the top station of the Harenda ski lift via Ząb, Bustryk, Sierockie and Bańska to Szaflary. Unlike the green hiking trail, it lists several places in sequence and names Szaflary as its endpoint. The Podhalańskie Gran Fondo cycling route also passes through Bustryk. This lets you distinguish between a named hiking destination, a route with several stops and a separate cycling route.

Pilgrimages and Local History

The annual Sursum Corda walking pilgrimage passes along the Pope's Trail through the upper part of Bustryk on the first Saturday in June. The annual firefighters' pilgrimage also follows the Pope's Trail through Bustryk, on the first Sunday in June. Both events are associated with the same trail, but differ in name and day of the week. If you want to plan your travel dates around either pilgrimage, check the details for the year in question.

Old roadside chapels line the streets and can be seen on walks. Herding traditions also remain alive in Bustryk. Alongside its routes, the village's cultural character therefore includes visible local landmarks and a living tradition.

Professor Franciszek Łukaszczyk, known as “Tady,” was born in Bustryk in 1897 and grew up there. He is considered the founder of Polish oncology and established the Radium Institute in Warsaw. After the war, the institute was named after Maria Skłodowska-Curie. His connection to Bustryk is biographical: Łukaszczyk was born and raised here, while the institute he founded was in Warsaw.

Cycling Route and Ski Lift in Ząb

Nearby, in Ząb to the east of Bustryk, is the Potoczki drag lift at an altitude of 980 metres. The slope is 350 metres long and is suitable for experienced riders as well as beginners on skis or snowboards. Alongside the hiking and cycling routes, this adds a named ski and snowboard facility in Ząb to the east.

When looking for a hotel in Bustryk, you can consider your travel dates and planned activities separately: the pilgrimages take place on specific days of the week in June, while the landscape and routes offer other points to consider when choosing a location. If you are planning a hike or a visit to the Potoczki drag lift, check current trail conditions or lift operations in advance.

Discover more destinations: Zakopane, Poronin, Gliczarów Górny, Jurgów, Murzasichle, Kościelisko, Czarna Góra, Białka Tatrzańska.

Back to the main travel overview: Tatra Mountains.