Explore Place

Kras is the southernmost part of Krościenko nad Dunajcem and also part of the Pieniny National Park. Only a few families live here. Compared to other districts of Krościenko, Kras is much greener, more peaceful, and quieter. Tourists can reach this district in three ways: via Świętej Kingi Street, which later turns into a gravel road; via hiking trails (blue or green); or by boat from Szczawnica. Kras is often chosen as the starting (or ending) point for trips to Sokolica, as it is here that the shortest and easiest trail, marked in green, begins.

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  Experience the Pieniny Mountains without climbing

  Kras is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of the Pieniny National Park without hiking the trails.

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  Hiking trails to Sokolica

  Two hiking trails to Sokolica start in Krasi: the blue trail and the green trail.

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  Crossing the Dunajec River

  The only way to get directly from Szczawnica to Kras is by crossing the Dunajec River. During the summer, a traditional wooden raft (flisak) operates between the banks, offering tourists a ride for a small fee.

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  The Chapel of St. Kinga

  While in Krasiów, it is worth visiting the chapel commemorating Queen Kinga’s escape from the Tatars in 1287 to the Pieniny Castle.

Kras

The Pieniny Mountains (proper) | 450 m | 30 minutes

Across from Szczawnica

Due to its location, many people believe that Kras is simply part of the Pieniny National Park or belongs to Szczawnica. These people would be right, but only if we lived in the 17th century. Historically, Kras did indeed belong to Szczawnica, but in 1636, it was given to the inhabitants of Krościenko, and it has remained that way to this day.

The Legend of St. Kinga

The soil in Kras is exceptionally fertile thanks to the river sediments from the Dunajec. This is confirmed by a local legend, which tells that Saint Kinga, while fleeing from the Tatars, found a highlander here sowing grain, which grew within a few hours!