Rafting and kayaking in the Pieniny

Rafting and kayaking on the Dunajec River (say "doo-NYE-ets") in the Pieniny Mountains is one of the top things to do in southern Poland, about 115 km (70 miles) south of Kraków on the Slovak border. The river cuts a winding gorge between limestone cliffs inside Pieniny National Park, and the best way to see it is from the water. This guide explains your options, from the traditional wooden rafts to guided pontoon and kayak trips, with 2026 ticket prices and tips on getting back to your car.

Your three options

Traditional wooden rafts. Tourist trips through the gorge were first recorded in 1832, and the Pieniny Rafters' Association has run them since 1934. In season about 250 rafts operate, each steered by two local raftsmen with long poles, and the Dunajec rafting tradition is on Poland's national list of intangible cultural heritage. No skills are needed, and it suits families.

Pontoon rafting. Inflatable-raft trips may only be run by companies licensed by Pieniny National Park. The park notes that the Dunajec behaves like a mountain river on many stretches and that difficulty depends on the water level, so go with an instructor and wear a life jacket.

Kayaking. Best for paddlers with river experience or for guided groups. If you bring your own boat, you are responsible for your safety and must buy the park's water-trail ticket yourself.

Raft trip: routes, timing and prices

Rafts start from the landing at Sromowce Kąty (Kąty 12, Sromowce Wyżne), with a second ticket office at Sromowce Niżne.

• To Szczawnica: about 18 km (11 miles), roughly 2 hours 15 minutes.
• To Krościenko: about 23 km (14 miles), roughly 2 hours 45 minutes.

Prices as of October 2026, including the national park fee:

• Szczawnica: adults 111 PLN (April–June and September–October) or 117 PLN (July–August, long weekends, October 10–11); children under 10 78/82 PLN.
• Krościenko: adults 134/140 PLN; children under 10 94/98 PLN.
• Bikes, large luggage or a large dog cost an extra 50 PLN.

Rafts leave once at least 11 passengers are on board. You can buy tickets online, but you still need to visit the ticket office to be assigned a seat on a specific raft. The season runs daily from April 1 to October 31, except Easter Sunday and Corpus Christi, water levels permitting.

Kayak and pontoon rules

The water trail through the gorge is open April 1 to October 31 and closed from November to March. The park fee is 8 PLN (reduced 4 PLN; children under 7 free). Licensed operators buy tickets for their clients; independent paddlers can pay online, at the landings or at the park information point in Krościenko.

• Launch from the pontoon landing at Sromowce Średnie or the official raft landings; finish in Szczawnica or Krościenko.
• No launching or landing at unofficial spots or on the Slovak bank.
• No swimming, diving, noise or motorboats; traditional rafts always have right of way.

Planning tips

• Getting back: a paid shuttle bus runs from the finish back to the start parking; alternatively walk or cycle the scenic Pieniny Road along the gorge.
• Timing: arrive early in July and August and on Polish long weekends to avoid lines; spring and fall are quieter and cheaper.
• Clothing: it feels cooler on the water, so pack a jacket and a hat.
• Events: on October 10 the autumn sheep drive (redyk) in Szczawnica can disrupt rafts around midday.

Is it worth it?

Yes. It is the classic Pieniny experience and pairs well with a hike up Sokolica or Three Crowns (Trzy Korony) and visits to Niedzica and Czorsztyn castles. Szczawnica, where most trips finish, is a pleasant spa town for an overnight stay.