Pieniny

The Pieniny Mountains are a range located in southern Poland and northern Slovakia, renowned for their natural value and rich biodiversity. As the second most popular tourist region in Poland after the Tatra Mountains, they offer numerous attractions such as rafting on the Dunajec River, cycling trails, and hiking routes that draw nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Pieniny Mountains are home to many tourist shelters, as well as historic sites like the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle and the Gothic-Renaissance Niedzica Castle. Also of interest are the wooden churches in Grywałd and Dębno Podhalańskie, which attract visitors with their unique architecture and history. The flora of the Pieniny includes approximately 1,100 plant species, while the fauna boasts 13,000 to 15,000 animal species, including rare butterflies, amphibians, and mammals such as lynxes and wild boars. The name "Pieniny" may derive from words meaning "vertical" or "foam," and the region features many names linked to various cultures, including Germanic and Lemko influences. The Pieniny National Park, established in 1932, protects these unique resources, and nature reserves like the Homole Gorge and Biała Woda highlight the area’s ecological significance. The Pieniny Mountains also boast a rich geological history, with unique rock formations and structures shaped over multiple geological eras. The region offers excellent opportunities for relaxation by the waters of Lake Czorsztyn and the Sromowce Reservoir, created by dams on the Dunajec River. Visitors to the Pieniny can not only admire stunning landscapes but also immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of this extraordinary area.