Schronisko Orlica

Tough beginnings

Disputes over the border with Slovakia were nothing new. Even before 1918 there were conflicts between Austria-Hungary and Galicia over the exact division of the Tatra Mountains. The situation did not improve after Poland's independence and the separation of Czechoslovakia. There was then a renewed increase in discontent over the division of the lands, and the final decision of the Council of Ambassadors in Spa in 1920 did not change the attitude of the people living there.

Further fate of border lines

In 1938. Poland obtains numerous lands from Czechoslovakia, which are restored along with the rest of the country's territory in 1945. From 1975 onwards, on the basis of an agreement signed between the People's Republic of Poland and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, there have been exchanges of equal areas. The most significant changes for the Szczawnica area took place in 2005 by means of an agreement between the People's Republic of Poland and the Slovak Republic, when land near Sromowce Wyżne and Niżne, Czerwone Klasztor and Stara Wieś Spiska was exchanged.

Today, there is no border control on the Pieniny Way or nearby trails, and the only company that monitors border crossings is a telephone service provider.

Walking "behind" the chalet

If, after leaving the Orlica chalet, you climb the blue trail leading uphill, you will reach Szafranowka. The hike itself, according to the signs and various tourist counters, can take 55 minutes. Remember that this time is determined for an average speed of 4 km/h, and for every 100 m of ascent, 10 minutes are added. For this reason, if climbing with the family or simply at walking pace, more time should be planned for this activity.

Why is it worth it?

The advantage of this route is not only the picturesque scenery. It is also an ideal start to a day trip. After starting the day with breakfast at the "Orlica" chalet, you can head to Szafranówka and then to Palenica. It is recommended to stay there longer to take advantage of the attractions there. Later, take the cable car down to the centre of Szczawnica, from where you will take a slow walk back to the hostel.

General information

The Pieniny Way is the most popular hiking trail in the Pieniny Mountains. It owes this to the beautiful views and the many ways to traverse it. On foot, from the "Orlica" chalet to the Red Monastery, the ascent is no more than 60 m, and the entire crossing time is about 2.5 hours. The route itself is 9 km long, but this should not worry anyone as there are stopping points at various points along the way, which is a perfect place for a quick snack and a breather. The road can also be traversed by bicycle.

Attractions and views

When following the Pieniny Way, it is impossible to miss the many interesting rock formations of the Dunajec Gorge, which are best seen in spring and autumn. The scenery is also undoubtedly enhanced by rafts going down the river. On the way, it is also worth seeing the former Polish-Slovak border crossing or the Pieniny National Park Pavilion. At the end of the route, on the Slovak side, there is the Red Monastery, which is a place with a rich history undoubtedly worth a visit.

Functions and location

There are 5 pavilions in the Pieniny National Park whose task is to acquaint tourists with the nature of the Pieniny and ways of protecting it, as well as with the history and tradition of the region. They are located in Czorsztyn, Szczawnica, Sromowce Niżne, Krościenko nad Dunajcem and Sromowce - Kąty. Along the Pienińska Road there are three such facilities. The first is a pavilion in Szczawnica with a permanent exhibition entitled 'Forest ecosystems of the Pieniny'. Further pavilions are located on the Slovakian side in turn: right at the border and at the Red Monastery. Please note that each of them has its own opening hours.

Dunajec Gorge Rafting

Bottom of the rafting harbour is one of the possible end points of a boat trip through the Dunajec Gorge. The rafting trip should be a must-see experience for every tourist. The wonderful views and anecdotes of the rafters make this event memorable for a long time. We can start it at the rafting port in Sromowce Wyżne - Kąty or Sromowce Niżne and it takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to the port in Szczawnica. It is 30 minutes longer if you decide to finish it in Krościenko. It is worth remembering to take some warmer clothes with you and check the weather forecast, and it is best to get to the point itself by bus or walk.

Modernisation of the marina

In May 2023, the lower rafting marina in Szczawnica completed a major modernisation partly financed by EU funds. It included the refurbishment of the concrete wharves and stairs, the setting up of exhibition shelters with information about the region, as well as the construction of a canoe track with stands.