Explore Place

The Cypel peninsula, located on the Dunajec River, is an island situated right next to the Orlica mountain hut, at the confluence of the Grajcarek River with the Dunajec. Interestingly, only the southern half of the peninsula is located within the Pieniny National Park – the northern half, however, is within the boundaries of Szczawnica. When the water level of the Dunajec is high, the area becomes an island and is surrounded by water, even on the side facing the hiking trail. However, this does not prevent access to the Cypel, as it is connected to Szczawnica by a wooden bridge.

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  The sound of the river

  Compared to the rest of Szczawnica, this peninsula is an oasis of tranquility. Thanks to its secluded location, it is visited by far fewer tourists than, for example, the Pieniny National Park or the town’s spa center. To make tourists’ stay more enjoyable, a beautiful flower arrangement and benches with a view of the Dunajec River can be found in the center of the peninsula.

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  Rafting on the Dunajec River

  100 meters from Cypl, you will find the lower rafting pier, where the rafting trip in a wooden boat ends. This trip starts in Sromowce Wyższe or Sromowce Niżne. The area is surrounded by two taverns serving traditional dishes.

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  Kayak Course

  The kayak course also starts near Cypl. It’s worth mentioning that Mateusz Polaczyk, a four-time world championship silver medalist in kayak slalom, is from Szczawnica!

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  Bicycle path

  Right next to the pier, there is a pedestrian and bicycle path leading to Slovakia, where the famous Pieniny Trail begins. You can also use this path to reach the promenade in Szczawnica.

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  The White House

  In the interwar period, a guesthouse called the White House was located on the promontory. It was a charming, small building with 12 beds, situated right above the Dunajec River. It was destroyed during the flood in

Szczawnica promontory

Szczawnica | Relaxation

The White House

In the interwar period, a lodging station called “The White House” operated on the island, belonging to the Polish Tourist Society. It was a small wooden building with white walls (hence the name), built in 1925–26 by Jan Wochna for his daughter Marta and son-in-law Tadeusz Wolski. In 1933, the main board and the Pieniny branch of the Polish Tatra Society initiated the creation of a lodging facility on the island. Next to “The White House,” a second building with three rooms, a barn, and infrastructure for guests was built. The complex offered a total of 12 beds and had a higher standard than other nearby shelters. It was even equipped with its own generator and telephone, which was a significant convenience for that time.

The Flood of 1934

Unfortunately, in July 1934, “The White House” was destroyed during a flood. Between July 13 and 17, over 50 mm of rain fell per square meter each day, causing the river levels to rise significantly. As a result, the Szczawnica peninsula was flooded, and the guests of the house had to be evacuated to the Orlica shelter. The guesthouse was never rebuilt; today, a forest grows in its place.

Flower Arrangement

Although the island is mostly forested, there is a well-maintained lawn on the northeastern side with a beautiful flower arrangement in the center. In addition, a wooden sculpture depicting Anna and Artur Werner stands on the green lawn, and benches have been placed to allow tourists to rest. The whole area is connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge.