Kraków and its surrounding national parks is a region boasting an abundance of natural beauty that’s just begging to be explored. Over half of this area is zealously protected by various forms of conservation. A part of this protection scheme is the establishment of six magnificent national parks, namely the Tatra, Babiogórski, Pieniny, Gorczański, Ojcow, and Magurski National Parks.
I can tell you, the variety in landscape and terrain makes these parks an absolute treat for visitors. Picture this – you’re going on adventurous hikes, engaging in sightseeing, soaking in local culture, and let me say, it’s all within a setting so diverse and stunning. These parks are crisscrossed by a network of trails catering to all levels of fitness and adventure. Each park presents a unique slice of nature, molded by a variety of geological factors.
I believe this diversity truly enhances the charm of recreating in the national parks of Małopolska (Lesser Poland). It guarantees one-of-a-kind experiences and unforgettable aesthetic pleasure throughout the year.
Tatra National Park – The Stronghold of Predators
Tatra National Park, straddling the Polish-Slovak border, is home to the region’s highest peaks. It’s one of the largest parks in the country, and without a doubt, the most popular among visitors.
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- Before visiting Tatra National Park you should definitely read this article: 25 Fascinating Facts About the Tatra Mountains You Didn’t Know For Sure
The towering cliffs, vertical walls, and gentle slopes of the park will definitely make you want to lace up your boots and hit the trails. The Tatra National Park’s natural diversity includes all plant floors, and I am convinced that it’s the only alpine landscape in this part of Europe. The high-mountain climate and natural conditions make it a haven for rare species of flora and fauna.
Depending on where you are in the park, you might encounter a chamois, marmot, or even a bear. Also, keep an eye out for unique plants like the edelweiss, spring gentian, and the alpine pasque flower. The park’s trails vary in difficulty and wind through the most significant valleys, leading to key passes and peaks.
The most notable peaks being the Rysy (2501 m asl), Świnica (2302 m asl), and the highest peak lying entirely on the Polish side: Kozi Wierch (2291 meters above sea level). You can read more about the Summits and peaks in Tatra Mountains in this article.
If you want to experience this natural splendor, note that there’s an admission fee to the tatra park. Fees are collected at all entrances to the valleys. It is worth to say that the magical experience that the Tatra National Park offers is truly priceless.
Babiogórski National Park – Sea of Forests
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Kraków lies the Babiogórski National Park. Snuggled at the foot of Babia Góra, the highest massif of the Beskids, this park is a spectacle to behold. Babia Góra also happens to be the tallest peak in Poland outside the Tatra range. Imagine a sea of forests, crowned by conical hills, and the queen herself, Babia Góra, reigning supreme from the south. Its highest peak, Diablak, towers 1725 meters above sea level.
- This is the place we can leave your car and enter the park: Google Maps
I can tell you, the varying climatic conditions here have fostered vegetation characteristic of high mountains. This, in turn, has become a sanctuary for an array of plant and animal species. Among them, you might spot some endemic species like the red deer and alpine hornwort. Let me say, the hiking trails windng through dense forests are infused with a sense of tranquility and mystery that seasoned hikers find irresistible.
If you want to explore this forest haven, entry fees to the park are 7 PLN for a regular ticket and 3.50 PLN for a discounted ticket.
Pieniny National Park – Mountains Carved by a River
Let’s journey next to the Pieniny National Park, an area boasting the breathtaking Pieniny Mountains. These mountains are known for their distinctive landscape – imposing rock formations that overlook the Dunajec Gorge.
- You can have a rafting experience in Dunajec River: Dunajec Rafting: The Ideal Summer Escape From Zakopane
One of the park’s standout features is the meandering Dunajec River, which has carved its way into the limestone, Jurassic, and Cretaceous rocks of the Pieniny peaks.
I know that the park is also renowned for its diverse fauna and flora. Lynx and wildcats find refuge in the beech and fir forests. Meanwhile, the park’s meadows burst into a vibrant display of blossoms at different times of the year. I think the most exciting attraction in this region is definitely the rafting experience on the Dunajec gorge.
- This is the place where you can start your trip: Google Maps
The good news is that admission to the Pieniny National Park is free. However, there are fees for access to certain areas. These prices can go up to 8 PLN for a regular tickt and 4 PLN for a discounted ticket. If you need a thrilling adventure, this park should be on your list.
Gorce National Park – A Haven of Stunning Views
Our journey takes us next to the Gorce National Park, a sanctuary that protects the central and north-eastern parts of the Gorce Mountains. It safeguards their greatest natural treasures – the Carpathian Forest. Imagine gentle hills blanketed with spruce forests, serving as a sanctuary for creatures such as the eagle owl, capercaillie, spotted salamander, wolf, and lynx.
- Here is the entrance to the Gorce National Park: Google Maps
An intriguing aspect of this park are the expansive shepherd’s glades that intersect with strikingly scenic tourist, bicycle, and horse trails. Adding to the charm, you can spot huts scattered across some pastures, reminders of the area’s sheep-grazing past. The park’s highest peak is Jaworzyna Kamienicka, standing tall at 1288 meters above sea level.
If you need to lose yourself in nature’s embrace, entry to the park costs 6 PLN for a regular ticket and 3 PLN for a discounted ticket.
Ojców National Park – The Land of Bats
Next stop, Ojców National Park, the smallest national park in Poland. Protecting the Prądnik Valley, Sąspowska Valley, and several nearby ravines, the park is a true gem. It boasts a phenomenal landscape of deep valleys and ravines, punctuated by unique rock formations etched out by water.
- Here is your starting point and car park if you plan to visit Ojcow Park: Google Maps
Thanks to erosion, canyons and iconic rock formations such as the famous Krakowska Brama and Deotyma Needle have come into existence. A defining feature of the Ojców National Park is its extensive network of caves, estimated to number around 700. Two of these are open to the public, and the park is known for having the largest population of bats in Poland.
Being there, you need to know that entry to the Ojcow National Park is free. However, there’s a fee for entering the caves, which can go up to 26 PLN for a regular ticket and 13 PLN for a discounted ticket.
Magura National Park – The Greenest Canvas of Poland
Lastly, let’s venture to the Magura National Park. Covering the central area of the Low Beskids, it’s considered the most forested national park in Poland. Low hills, with the highest peak, Wątkowa, rising to 847 meters above sea level, are adorned with fir forests and ancient beech trees.
The forest landscape is further enhanced by picturesque meadows, heaths, and pastures where sheep freely graze. The meandering Wisiołka River is a charming element in this beautiful scene.
To experience this forest paradise, the admission fee is 6 PLN for a regular ticket and 3 PLN for a discounted ticket. A visit to Magura National Park will wrap up your journey through the beautiful national parks near Kraków. Trust me, it’s an experience worth every time spent in the car.
References:
- https://www.ekoportal.gov.pl/dane-o-srodowisku/polskie-parki-narodowe
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parki_narodowe_w_Polsce
