The wooden rafts
A trip between limestone walls.
Lech_Darski — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lech_Darski — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lech_Darski — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lech_Darski — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lech_Darski — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Dunajec River Gorge cuts through the Pieniny Mountains on the border of Slovakia and Poland, in one of the smallest and loveliest national parks. The river loops seven times between rocks reaching about 300 metres, and a trip by wooden raft, on foot or by bike along its bank is among the best-known experiences of the north. The area was declared protected in 1932, the first international nature park in Europe. The Slovak national park was founded on 16 January 1967, the second oldest in the country, and covers only 37.49 square km. The river divides the two countries here, and the gorge is on Poland's UNESCO Tentative List. Green water runs between white and grey limestone walls under dense forest, with wooden rafts passing beneath the peaks. The village of Červený Kláštor at the start is known for its Museum of National Culture and folk architecture. Brown bears, wolves and lynx live in the park and eagles nest on the cliffs, though sightings are not guaranteed. The gorge is 38.6 km in a straight line north of Poprad. Check the raft season before you go. Carry your passport, as the border runs down the river. Wear a life jacket if asked and bring a jacket. Keep to the path, do not feed animals, and agree the raft price before setting off.
A trip between limestone walls.
A green river among peaks.
A museum and folk architecture.
Pieniny National Park, on the Polish border
Yes, the gorge is known for walking on its bank as well as rafting.
Follow the raft guide's instructions and life jacket rules, and ask at the landing.