Sądecka Valley

The Sądecka Valley is a picturesque area in southeastern Lesser Poland, surrounded by mountains and foothills such as the Rożnów Foothills, the Low Beskids, and the Sącz Beskids. It covers an area of approximately 300 km², with its flat bottom spanning only about 80 km² and situated at an altitude of 280–300 meters above sea level. The valley is shaped by the flow of the Dunajec, Słomka, Poprad, and Kamienica Nawojowska rivers. The region enjoys favorable climatic conditions, which support well-developed fruit farming, the dominant form of agriculture here. A characteristic phenomenon is the occurrence of halny winds, which can happen throughout the year. The cities of Nowy Sącz and Stary Sącz are located in the valley, with Nowy Sącz, thanks to its convenient transportation location, having become a significant urban center in the region. The dominant ethnographic group in this area is the Lachy Sądeckie, highlighting the cultural richness associated with this region. The valley is characterized not only by its scenic beauty but also by its rich history and traditions, which create a unique cultural blend. It is an ideal place to explore local architecture and traditions that have been shaped over centuries.