Self-Guided Cycling in Poland: From Krakow to the Dunajec Gorge & High Tatras
Discover Poland’s premier cycle path on a self-guided cycling holiday along the breathtaking Dunajec River. Starting in historic Krakow, this classic route takes you into the Podhale region and the High Tatras before following smooth, flat asphalt cycle paths through the limestone cliffs of the Pieniny Mountains and green Beskids. Cycling across bridges and dedicated bike highways—with scenic detours into Slovakia—you’ll explore historic wooden architecture, fairytale castles, and lively spa towns while experiencing the authentic Goral mountain culture.
Complete Luggage Transport and Route Logistics
We take care of all the logistics so you can focus entirely on enjoying your ride. Your package includes comfortable hotel accommodations, daily luggage transport between hotels, and group minibuses for key transfers to and from Krakow. To ensure a seamless, independent cycling experience, you will also receive detailed route descriptions, precise cycling maps, and downloadable GPS data for every stage of your trip.
ROUTE
Starting in historic Krakow, the route travels south beneath the High Tatras to Zakopane and the wooden village of Chocholow. Following smooth cycle highways built on former railway lines, you’ll ride past Niedzica Castle, cross into Slovakia at Red Monastery, and follow the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Dunajec Gorge. Passing through the spa town of Szczawnica and the Poprad Valley, the journey visits historic Stary Sacz before finishing with a bus transfer back to Krakow’s Kazimierz district.
Your detailed route descriptions, cycle maps, and GPS tracks will guide you effortlessly each day. You can follow the recommended schedule at your own rhythm, taking ample time to sample local cheeses, try river rafting through the gorge, or relax at local cafés along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Krakow
Arrive in Krakow and check in at your hotel in the Old Town. There is free time to explore Krakow and discover the historic Old Town, its atmosphere and lively nightlife before the Dunajec cycling tour begins.
Day 2: Pilica-Source – Zawada
15-19 miles / 25-30 km
After collecting our bikes at the cycle hire centre, a minibus takes us from Krakow to Podhale, a journey of around two hours. We begin cycling in Ząb, Poland’s highest village, and ride towards Gubałówka, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the High Tatras. From there, the route continues downhill through picturesque mountain villages and past traditional farm carts. We then follow the White Dunajec towards Zakopane, passing the point where the Poroniec and Zakopianka streams meet. The day ends in Zakopane, close to Krupówki, the town’s lively pedestrian street.
Day 3: Zakopane – Nowy Targ
29 miles / 46 km, mostly downhill
We take the cable car back to the top of Gubałówka before beginning a mostly downhill cycling route through Dzianisz towards Chochołów. This historic village is known for its traditional wooden architecture and offers a perfect place for a lunch stop. From Chochołów, we continue along an excellent, flat and scenic dedicated cycle path, built on a former railway line. The route passes Ludzmierz, home to a famous Marian pilgrimage shrine, before reaching Nowy Targ, the main town of the Góral mountain people.
Day 4: Nowy Targ – Niedzica / Czorsztyn
27 miles / 44 km
Today’s Dunajec cycling route heads south from Nowy Targ, following the Białka River towards its impressive gorge near Nowa Biała. Along the way, there is an opportunity to see the historic wooden church in Dębno, built around 1500 and known for its painted interior. We continue through the Spisz region, an area with a rich history and distinctive folk culture. Following the shore of the reservoir, we reach Niedzica Castle, where we spend the night.
Day 5: Niedzica / Czorsztyn – Szczawnica
22-25 miles / 35-40 km
This is the most spectacular stage of the Dunajec bike tour. We follow the river through Sromowce and, around midday, cross the border into Slovakia, reaching the village of Červený Kláštor and its famous Red Monastery. From here, we cycle along the Pieniny Way, a narrow route open to walkers and cyclists and surrounded by the spectacular limestone cliffs of the Dunajec Gorge. The route continues towards Lesnica and then into Szczawnica, an elegant spa town where we can explore the promenade and the paths through its upper and lower spa gardens.
Day 6: Szczawnica – Rytro / Piwniczna
34 miles / 55 km
Today’s cycling stage follows the Green Dunajec Gorge, where the river flows between the wooded ranges of the Beskids. We soon leave the main road, cross the river on a suspension bridge and continue along paths through the village of Tylmanowa, with views of traditional farms and old barns. We stop for lunch at a guesthouse in Lacko, an area known for its plum brandy and fruit gardens. At Golkowice, the route turns into the valley of the Dunajec tributary Poprad, and the cycling stage ends in Rytro, or further upstream in the spa town of Piwniczna.
Day 7: Rytro – Krakow
9-16 miles / 15-25 km
After breakfast, we cycle down the Poprad Valley and spend the late morning exploring Stary Sącz, one of the most beautiful historic towns in southern Poland. We continue by bike towards Nowy Sącz, crossing a new bridge and following a comfortable cycle path into the town. After lunch in the historic centre, we return to Krakow by bus, a journey of around two hours. The final afternoon and evening are spent in Kazimierz, Krakow’s former Jewish quarter, with the tour ending with an evening of Klezmer music.
Day 8: Departure or Extension
The Krakow and Dunajec cycling tour ends after breakfast. You can depart from Krakow or extend your stay in the city and explore more of Krakow at your own pace. However, we are also happy to extend your vacation.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request. Those who wish to stay a day longer can go on an optional 19-25 miles / 30-40 km round-trip to Vistula valley and the Pilica mouth.
Getting to Krakow (Departure Point)
By Plane: John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (KRK) is located just 11 km from the city center. Direct trains run frequently from the airport to Krakow Main Station (Kraków Główny) in about 18 minutes.
By Train: Krakow Main Station offers excellent national and international rail connections from major European hubs.
Minibus transport from Krakow to Zab is included around midday on Day 2, and return transport from Nowy Sacz to Krakow is included on Day 7. Free parking in Krakow is available for guests arriving by car.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in en-suite rooms (shower/WC)
- Meals: 7x daily buffet breakfasts (plus 7x three-course dinners and Klezmer music concert on the final evening if selecting the Half Board option).
- Luggage Transport: Hotel-to-hotel daily luggage transfers.
- Transfers: Minibus transfer from Krakow to Zab on Day 2, and return transfer from Nowy Sacz to Krakow on Day 7.
- Navigation & Info: Detailed route description, set of cycling maps, and downloadable GPS data.
- Parking: Free parking in Krakow for guests arriving by car.
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the tour start/finish.
- Funicular / cable car tickets.
- Lunches, drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Extra nights in Krakow
- Surcharges for special private departures outside scheduled regular dates (for groups under 8 people).
- Travel insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included”
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2026. 2027 available on request.
Weekly departures every Saturday from 25 April to 3 October.
2026
Apr – Oct
from
840€
Options & Supplements
✓
1190€ Single Room
✓
+€220 Half board
Alternative start dates are available on request, subject to availability and an additional surcharge
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
3-star and 4-star hotels, with a predominance of 4-star hotels.
Additional nights Krakow
Prices per person, including breakfast
4-star hotel
Double Room 95€
Single room 150€
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Trekking Bike
80 €
E-Bike
190 €