What to see in Beskid Sądecki - 10 places for your first trip

The Sądecki Beskids are one of the most diverse mountain regions in Poland. Located in southern Lesser Poland, they are divided into two mountain ranges— Radziejowa in the west and Jaworzyna Krynicka in the east—separated by the picturesque Poprad Valley. This is where mountains, mineral water, and Lemko heritage meet. Here are some places to start.

1. Gondola lift to Jaworzyna Krynicka

A gondola lift over 2,200 meters long runs from Czarny Potok to the summit of Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 meters above sea level) . From the summit, on a clear day, you can admire a panoramic view of the Beskid Mountains and even the distant Tatra Mountains. It's also one of the region's largest ski resorts.

2. Promenade and pump room in Krynica-Zdrój

The heart of Poland's most famous spa town is the promenade—Dietla Boulevard—with its historic spa architecture. Next to it is a mineral water pump room, where visitors can sample the famous Nowy Sącz sorrel.

3. Parkowa Mountain and the railway from 1937

You can reach Góra Parkowa (742 m above sea level) above the Krynica promenade by using the oldest funicular railway in Poland, launched in 1937. At the top, there's a café and family-friendly attractions.

4. The highest peak — Radziejowa

Although Jaworzyna is called the "queen of the Sądecki Beskids," the highest point in the region is Radziejowa (1,266 m above sea level) in the western range. The observation tower at the top rewards the effort of the ascent with a wide panorama.

5. Sensory Gardens and the Castle in Muszyna

In Muszyna, it is worth seeing the Sensory Gardens divided into zones of smell, touch, taste and sound, as well as the reconstructed castle hill Baszta.

6. The Poprad Gorge

The Poprad Valley is one of the most beautiful river gorges in the Polish Carpathians. It is crossed by a historic railway line and bicycle trails, which in places cross the Polish-Slovak border.

7. Ruins of the castle in Rytro

The ruins of a medieval knight's castle in Rytro, dating back to the 14th century, tower over the Poprad Valley. From the walls, there's a view of the valley and surrounding hills.

8. Lemko churches

The Beskid Sądecki Mountains are crossed by the Wooden Architecture Trail. The Church of St. James in Powroźnik , the oldest preserved wooden church in the Polish Carpathians, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.

9. Piwniczna and Żegiestów health resorts

Apart from Krynica and Muszyna, the region also boasts health resorts in Piwniczna-Zdrój and Żegiestów-Zdrój – intimate towns with their own mineral water springs.

10. Winter on the slopes

In winter, the Beskid Sądecki Mountains turn into a skiing hotspot – Jaworzyna Krynicka, Wierchomla and Słotwiny Arena offer ski slopes, chairlifts and snow parks.

This is just the beginning. The region rewards those who stay longer, combining active mountain recreation with the health-giving atmosphere of spas.