Dunajec 3 Regions
Lesnica - Łącko - Szczawnica

The Promenade along the Grajcarek is Poland’s longest riverside walking route and one of Szczawnica’s landmarks. It combines a pedestrian path and a cycling trail, stretching from the town centre to the point where the Grajcarek flows into the Dunajec River. It’s an ideal spot for walking, recreation, and discovering the picturesque corners of this spa town.

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History

The idea of creating the promenade and cycling path in Szczawnica originated in 2005, when the municipalities of Szczawnica and Leśnica (Slovakia) jointly developed a project to extend the existing Pieniny Road cycling route to Szczawnica’s centre. It was a cross-border initiative for tourism and recreation. As a result, a cycling path was built from the rafting marina to the square by the lower station of the Palenica chairlift, running along the left bank of the Grajcarek. In 2011, a pedestrian promenade was added on the opposite bank, and both paths were connected by three footbridges—an innovative solution in Poland. That same year, internet users ranked the Promenade along the Grajcarek among the 10 best municipal projects in Poland.

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The new backbone of the town

The creation of the riverside promenade and the parallel cycling path completely transformed Szczawnica’s central layout. Pedestrians and cyclists gained a safe and comfortable alternative for moving around the lower spa zone. The promenade begins at the square by the lower cable car station to Palenica—one of the town’s main landmarks. From there, it runs gently along the stream until it joins the Pieniny Road at the mouth of the Grajcarek and the Dunajec. The total length is about 1.8 kilometres, making it one of the longest promenades of its kind in Poland.

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Upper Marina and Travellers’ Avenue

The route starts at the parking lot below the Palenica chairlift, in a place known locally as the Marina. At the beginning of the promenade, by the riverbank, a boulder with commemorative plaques hides among the evergreens. Two hundred metres farther, on a sandstone slope, stands a plaque dedicated to János Esterházy, a Czechoslovak politician of Polish and Hungarian descent. On the opposite bank lies the Travellers’ Avenue—seven boulders with plaques commemorating famous Polish explorers, including Kazimierz Nowak, who cycled and walked across Africa alone between 1931–1936, and Bronisław Malinowski, a pioneering anthropologist and field researcher.

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Cascades

The ten-kilometre-long Grajcarek may look calm, but during heavy rainfall it can rise rapidly, causing flash floods. To prevent this, the upper section of Szczawnica was reinforced with Pieniny andesite retaining walls, while along the promenade, steps and cascades were built to slow the water flow.

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The Beach

On the grassy riverbank, a natural recreational beach was created—the longest of its kind in Poland. It’s a perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy Szczawnica’s unique microclimate, famous for its clean, aerosol-rich air.

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Footbridges

There are three bridges connecting the banks of the Grajcarek along the promenade. Their names were chosen by Szczawnica’s residents in a public vote. The first, the “Lovers’ Bridge,” is covered with padlocks bearing initials. The second honours the poet and regionalist Michał Słowik. The third is the Bridge of Pieniny Raiders.

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Pod Hulina

Near the Michał Słowik Bridge, the promenade curves around a rocky outcrop. Above it lies Szczawnica’s third cemetery, called Pod Huliną. On the opposite bank are a playground, outdoor gym, and a spring with crystal-clear water. Further on, a sports field hides under steep cliffs. By the bridge, on the left bank, stands a tavern and a map of hiking trails, and 100 metres farther—the mouth of the Skotnicki Stream.

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Łęg and Kotońka

The Grajcarek and promenade curve around another sandstone ridge where the current is particularly strong. On the left bank are the buildings of Łęg—the lowest terrace of Palenica. After about 400 metres, the promenade joins Flisacka Street and reaches the Dunajec River near Kotońka.

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A beautiful place in a stunning setting

The Promenade along the Grajcarek features numerous elements of small architecture: benches, flower planters, viewing terraces, hedges, and stylish lighting. Along the route, there are several restaurants, bars, and shops with regional products. The riverside promenade is a one-of-a-kind attraction—the longest walking route of its kind in Poland, passing through one of the country’s most scenic areas, beautifully landscaped, decorated, and illuminated.