Krościenko nad Dunajcem

When talking about Kroscienko nad Dunajcem it is impossible not to mention the numerous mineral water springs that are in its area. They are used, on a daily basis, by the inhabitants, but also by tourists who can take some "health" home with them in bottles. You should certainly pay attention to "Stefan" and "Michalina", which are located on the slopes of Stajkowa Mountain. The waters of Kroscienko were famous for their healing properties. They were beneficial for inflammations, rotten fevers, haemorrhages, jaundice, pulmonary rhinitis, neuroses and stomach cramps. There are small taps at the springs, so anyone who wants can take some water for themselves and feel their extraordinary power. Beware, however, as they are not to everyone's taste!

It is located at 107b Jagiellońska Street and the exhibition is divided into several parts. In the geological part, we can see a collection of rocks occurring in the Pieniny and mock-ups depicting geological cross-sections characteristic of the Pieniny. The fauna presented in the Museum includes a collection of stuffed animals, and the Pieniny flora is illustrated by numerous photographs depicting individual plant species and their characteristics. Eager visitors may also watch a short film entitled: "Four Seasons in Pieniny". The museum is open almost all year round and opening hours depend on the season, you can check them on the website.

Despite the fact that Kroscienko does not have a town charter nowadays, its "urban" past can certainly be felt. Therefore, it is worth asking ourselves a question: what monuments can we find in Kroscienko? The 14th century All Saints' Church is certainly one of them. Quite small, but richly decorated with numerous frescoes, it gives a sense of the many generations of believers praying here. It is also worth walking down Three Crowns Street, which is lined with many buildings commemorating the history of Kroscienko. Initially, it climbs steeply uphill, and in its initial section, we may come across St Roch's Chapel. Further on there is the manor house of the Dziewolski family, where nowadays the seat of the Krościenko Forest Inspectorate is located, or Stanisław Czepiel's house, behind which the building of the Pieniny Art Gallery is situated.

We also have good information for mountain hiking enthusiasts: there are many hiking trails from Kroscienko, which can take you to the most desired peaks! The most popular one is the yellow trail leading from Kroscienko town square to Sromowce Niżne. It is worth noting, however, that on the Szopka Pass we can turn from it towards the Three Crowns. Another popular trail is the green one starting in the Sosnów Pass and ending in Czertezik. However, the Sosnów Pass allows us to take the blue trail also to Sokolica, which offers beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains and the Dunajec Gorge. However, Krościenko is not only about mountain trails. Enthusiasts of movement on two wheels can take advantage of the bicycle route starting in Krościenko - Velo Dunajec.

Probably most tourists going to Kroscienko have the Dunajec Gorge rafting trip in the back of their minds. The most popular route leads from Sromowce Niżne to Szczawnica and is 11 km long, but there is also a possibility to go as far as Kroscienko. Rafting or (for those who like adrenaline) kayaking gives us a great opportunity to admire the mountains - the Three Crowns, Sokolica from a completely different side - from below. Our eyes will see beautiful views of rocky, almost vertical walls, and legends and their history will be told to us by rafters famous for their great sense of humour. The rafting season lasts from 1 April to 31 October.