It was founded in 1932 and belongs to the group of the smallest National Parks in Poland – it only has an area only of 2346 hectares with a buffer zone of 2682 hectares. Within its borders are the Pieniny Czorsztynskie, the Trzy Korony massif and the Pieninki. These mountains are predominantly limestone and the area is heavily forested. One of the elements that distinguish this park are its waters, which also has an impact on the natural and environmental factors.

Within the park the landscape is protected as well as the flora and the fauna. There are over 1000 species of vascular plants including endemic species which are not found anywhere else. There are also several rare species of animals which include bobcats, roe deer and deer. Avifauna is represented by peregrine falcons, golden eagles, grouse and corncrakes. The pride of the park is the butterflies especially the Apollo butterfly, which is found only in the Pieniny.

The biggest tourist attraction in the Pieniny National Park is a raft ride on the Dunajec River but hikers and cyclists also find many extremely interesting trails. In this small park there are a total of 34km of trails of remarkable natural value.

Pieniny National Park (woj. Malopolskie)

www.pieninypn.pl