Dunajec River Gorge

Dunajec River Gorge practical information

Rafting down the Dunajec Gorge is one of the greatest tourist attractions in southern Lesser Poland, whose traditions date back to the beginning of the 19th century.

Rally down the Dunajec Gorge is currently available in several variants. You can go rafting on rafts, pontoons, kayaks or canoes. You can choose a very long (23km) route from Sromowce Kąty to Krościenko, a shorter one from the same marina to Szczawnica (18km) or the shortest from Sromowce Niżne to Szczawnica (12km). The latter route is usually chosen by the organizers of kayaking and rafting (rafting on pontoons).

Traditional rafting on the Dunajec on rafts with Polish rafters is available from April 1 to October 31, every day except for the first day of Easter and Corpus Christi. Canoeing and rafting trips are usually organized from June to the end of September.

You ask we answer

  • Where does the trip down the Dunajec Gorge begin?
    • Rafting down the Dunajec Gorge can be planned in several ways:
      the longest: from the marina in Sromowce Kąty to Krościenko - approx. 23 km, trip duration - approx. 2 hours. 45 minutes
      the most popular: from Sromowce Kątów to Szczawnica - approx. 18 km, trip duration - approx. 2 hours. 15 minutes
      the shortest: from Sromowce Niżne to Szczawnica - approx. 12 km duration approx. 1 hour 35 minutes
      You can go down the Dunajec Gorge on traditional rafts with raftsmen, pontoons or kayaks.

  • From when to when is a rafting trip on the Dunajec River organized?
    • Traditional rafting with Polish rafters is possible from April 1 to October 31, except for the first day of Easter and Corpus Christi, in the hours: April - 9.00-16.00, May and June - 8.30-17.00, July and August - 8:00-17:00, September - 8.30-16.00, October - 9.00-14.00

  • How much does rafting on the Dunajec Gorge cost?
    • Ticket prices for rafting down the Dunajec Gorge with Polish raftsmen in the 2023 season.

      to Szczawnica high season* low season*
      normal ticket 99 PLN PLN 93
      reduced ticket** PLN 69 PLN 65
      to Krościenko high season* low season
      normal ticket PLN 119 PLN 113
      reduced ticket** PLN 79 PLN 75

      * high season 1 VII - 31 VIII, 29 IV - 7 V, 9 - 11 VI
      ** reduced tickets are available only to children under 10 years of age
      prices are lower for organized groups, check them on - www.flicacy.pl/bilety

  • Where to buy tickets for rafting down the Dunajec Gorge?
    • Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices at both departure marinas or on-line at www.flisacy.pl. With a ticket purchased online, go to the ticket office, without waiting in line, to receive a boat allocation.
      During high season, there are long queues at the ticket offices - then it is worth planning your trip early in the morning. On the other hand, outside the high season, it may turn out that you will have to wait until 11 people gather.

  • How to get to the Dunajec Gorge rafting trip?
    • The marina in Sromowce Kąty or Sromowce Niżne can be reached by your own car, by bus from all major towns in Podhale or with an organized trip from Zakopane and Krakow. If you decide to use your own transport, you should leave your car in the car park near the marina in Sromowce Katy, and then return to pick it up, after the trip, by bus from Szczawnica or Krościenko.

  • How to dress for rafting on the Dunajec Gorge?
  • Can I take my dog on the raft?
    • You can take your dog on a raft trip with Polish raftmen. Small dogs transported on the laps of their guardians do not require an additional fee, while for the larger ones you have to buy a ticket for 30 PLN (2023).

  • And what does AI think about rafting down the Dunajec River?
    • The tradition of rafting through the Dunajec River Gorge dates back to the 19th century when local inhabitants discovered the potential of using wooden rafts to navigate the river's wild rapids. Today, this traditional method of transportation still captivates visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves in the region's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

      The traditional rafts used for navigating the Dunajec River Gorge are called tratwy in Polish. These rafts are large, flat platforms constructed from wooden logs, skillfully tied together to form a stable and sturdy vessel. Each raft is piloted by experienced raftsmen, known as flisacy, who possess a deep understanding of the river's currents and have mastered the art of maneuvering through its challenging waters. (by chat.openai)