Interesting during times the corona pandamic. Closed at home for so many weeks, we dreamed of a bicycle trip. At the end of May 2020, together with my kids and friends, we went to the "Polish Lake Garda" – Czorsztyński Lake, created in the 20th century as a result of the construction of a flood dam on the Dunajec River. We went to the heart of the Pieniny National Park.
The Park is not only Trzy Korony Mountain and rafting on the Dunajec River. It is also kilometers of well-prepared, modern bicycle routes. The park has developed a tourist base by creating a bicycle path around the Czorsztyn Lake. A full circle is about 40 km. The route can be shortened by 10 km by taking a water tram or boat across the lake at the height of Czorsztyn-Niedzica castles (they sail in both directions). VeloCzorsztyn is part of a larger project called VeloDunajec / GreenVelo (East of Poland Cycling Trail).
The route is easy, although the slope is 7% in some places. The Maniowe-Czorsztyn section is rather calm, without demanding climbs, but when there is a choice on the route, take the path that predicts elevation. Breathtaking views guaranteed;) and when the visibility is good, you will admire the Tatra Mountains.
At times, the path is winding, leading along the shore next to small ports with yachts, and resembles the coast of Greek Islands.
Breathtaking views guaranteed
Tatra Mountains
We traveled from Czorsztyn to Niedzica by a water tram (called by my son a “pirate junk”). The 2 km crossing took about 15 minutes, for children it was the icing on the cake.
The next section of the route was more demanding and at the same time provided the most emotions. The images of the lake from this height compensate for all the hardships of entering.
Behind the embankment there is the only fragment where the bicycle path runs along the municipal road. The route at this point is properly marked and well marked for cyclists. Only on the narrow sidewalk on the bridge over the Białka River, some of us led the bike for safety reasons. The next stage is a path limited on both sides by colored (white and red) barriers, from which you can get nystagmus.
On the other side of the Dunajec there were no signs - a direction indicator. However, while teaching the children that “who asks, does not go astray”, we found a suitable exit to the bicycle route (first street on the right, near the village of Huba). The last episode was recreational and scenic, for some participants it resembled the landscapes of
Vietnam. At the end of the trip, we rested in hammocks (although in light rain :), over a great coffee in the WyskoczNa marina.
To sum up, we were lucky with the weather - it was cloudy, but it only broke up after putting the bikes on the stands. The journey of 30 km with a water crossing, two longer picnics and technical problems with bikes took us about 6 hours.
I would like to add that two cyclists from a group of six are 5 and 6 years old. I recommend the VeloCzorsztyn route because of the landscapes, impressions and time spent with
children and nature.
