Krościenko nad Dunajcem

Krościenko nad Dunajcem, a picturesque village in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, is one of the main tourist centers in the Pieniny region. Situated in the Dunajec River valley and surrounded by mountain ranges, the village has a historical lineage dating back to its town charter granted in 1348 by Casimir III the Great. The locality is known for its characteristic Kazimierz-style urban layout and numerous historical monuments, such as the Gothic All Saints Parish Church and the ruins of Pieniny Castle. Krościenko also boasts rich traditions related to rafting and spa culture, which developed in the 19th century, largely thanks to Henryk Gross, who initiated the exploitation of mineral springs. Modern cultural life revolves around the Pieniny-Kultura-Sacrum Festival and numerous outdoor events organized by the Municipal Cultural Center. The village also has strong folk traditions tied to the highland culture of the Pieniny region. Krościenko is a hub for water sports and mountain tourism, with numerous hiking trails. In 2015, the village had 3,608 inhabitants, and its infrastructure includes many accommodation options, attracting tourists eager to explore the beauty of the Pieniny and Gorce Mountains. An interesting fact is that Krościenko served as the seat of a county between 1855 and 1867 and was home to the first Polish national park.