Kras

Explore Place

Kras is the southeasternmost part of Kroscienko nad Dunajcem and part of the Pieniny National Park. Only a few families live here; compared to other districts of Kroscienko, Kras is much greener, calmer and quieter. Tourists can get to this district in three ways: along St. Kinga Street, which then turns into a gravel road, along tourist trails (blue or green) or by boat from the Szczawnica side. Kras is often chosen as the start (or end) of trips to Sokolica, as it is here that the shortest and easiest green-marked trail begins.

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  Pieniny climate without climbing

  The karst is an ideal place for those who want to experience the climate of the Pieniny National Park without climbing on the trail.

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  Trails to Sokolica

  Two trails start in the Karst on Sokolica: the blue and the green ones.

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  The Dunajec River crossing

  Direct access from Szczawnica to the Karst is possible only via the Dunajec River. In summer, there is a raft that ferries tourists between the banks for a small fee.

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  St Kinga Chapel

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

• From 1636.
• 53 hectares

Kras

Pieniny proper | 450 m | 30 min

Explore Place

Ahead of Szczawnica

Because of its location, many people think that the Karst 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, the karst did indeed belong to Szczawnica, but in 1636. It was given to residents from Kroscienko and has remained so to this day.

Legend of St. Kinga

The soil in the Karst is exceptionally fertile thanks to river nanos from the Dunajec. This is confirmed by a local legend according to which St. Kinga, while fleeing from the Tartars, found a highlander here sowing grain, which grew in a matter of hours!

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