A short trip to two scenic peaks rising above Szczawnica - Palenica and Szafranowka.The trip can be shortened by taking the PKL chairlift to the top of Palenica.Palenica has catering facilities and various attractions for families and children.If we choose to walk the entire route on foot, we must take into account a short but steep climb.On Szafranówka, we can admire a very extensive panorama of Szczawnica, Pieniny, Gorce, Beskid Sądecki and Wyspowy, and when visibility is good, we can even see the Tatra Mountains.
Trail color: yellow - blue - red
Walking time: 2 h 20 min
Highest point: Szafranówka 742 m above sea level
We start the trip in the center of Szczawnica, next to Willa Pod Kolejką, at the lower station of the PKL Palenica chairlift.We follow the yellow signs, cross the bridge over the Grajcarek stream, and then turn left along the stream.After a few moments, the trail enters the Palenica slope and the actual, steep ascent to the peak begins on the side of the Palenica ski slope (50 min).
At the top there is the upper station of the PKL Palenica chairlift.The views from Palenica are very nice, and there are many tourist attractions at the very top.In winter, ski slopes operate here.Following the yellow signs, we reach the highest point of our trip, i.e. the peak of Szafranówka (15 min).At Szafranówka we change the trail color to blue and head west.
In the first section, the descent is very steep and requires increased caution due to rocks and roots.Further walking along the Polish-Slovak border we reach the Szafranówka Pass (15 min).The views here are truly vast and stunning.The rest of the route leads through the forest area until the intersection at the Orlica shelter, which we pass along the way (15 min).At the intersection, we change the trail to red and briefly follow the picturesque, comfortable Pieniny Road to the rafting marina, where the famous Dunajec River rafting ends (5 minutes).The further route to the center of Szczawnica, to Willa Pod Kolejką, leads through the streets of Szczawnica and takes about 40 minutes.The route is not long, but quite strenuous in the initial section, so you can try to take the PKL chairlift to the top of Palenica, which will significantly reduce the difficulty of the trip.The entry to Palenica takes 3 minutes, so we also save a lot of time.
