Explore Place

At an altitude of 774 meters above sea level, Czerteż is the highest peak of the Pieninki ridge, which is part of the Pieniny Mountains. It belongs to the famous Sokola Perć trail and is located between Czertezik and the Burzana pass, which separates it from Ociemny Wierch. The northern slopes of the peak descend steeply towards the Dunajec River, while the southern slopes lead down to the deep and wild valley of the Pieniński Potok stream. In the past, there was a clearing near Czertezik where trees were felled, which is why the peak was formerly called Czertez or Czertezy, reminiscent of the Lemko words “czerteż” or “czertiż,” which mean a clearing.

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  The Blue Trail

  The Blue Trail can be used to reach Czerteż from the direction of Szczawnica. The route leads through Dunajec, Sokolica, and Czertezik, and heads towards Trzy Korony.

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  The Green Trail

  This trail forms a loop that begins and ends in Krościenko nad Dunajcem, and leads through Kras, Sokolica, Czertezik, Czerteż, the Burzana Pass, and Toporzysko.

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  Views

  Pieninki is famous for its stunning views, and Czerteż is no exception. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Dunajec Gorge, the Tatra Mountains, Trzy Korony (Three Crowns), and Góra Zamkowa (Castle Mountain).

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  Legend

  According to legend, the name of the rock formation comes from the names of the sons of the Pieniny king, who died in battle against an enemy invader.

Sokola Perć - Czerteż

The Pieniny Mountains | 828 m | 1.5 hours

Sokol Perć

The blue hiking trail known as Sokol Perć runs through Czerteż. It is very challenging, as it passes directly through the Pieniny rocks, and some sections even have railings for safety reasons. Fortunately, for those who are not interested in rock climbing and steep views, there is the option of bypassing the more difficult sections by taking the green trail.

The Legend of Czerteż and Czertezik

In ancient times, a king ruled the Pieniny mountains, and he had two sons – the elder, Czerteż, and the younger, Czertezik – as well as a daughter, Sokolica. The legend tells that when an enemy invader attacked the Pieniny region, the king sent his eldest son, Czerteż, to help. Unfortunately, Czerteż did not return from the expedition, and a similar fate later befell the younger Czertezik. After the death of his sons, the king ordered their bodies to be found and placed in rock tombs, which are now known as Czerteż and Czertezik.

Fate, unfortunately, did not spare Sokolica either. The legend says that one day, the princess encountered an evil sorcerer who cast a spell on her and turned her into a rock. The distraught father named the peak where the tragedy took place after his beloved daughter. Sokolica is now considered one of the most beautiful places in Poland, precisely because, when we look at it, we are actually seeing the enchanted princess.