Czorsztyn - Attractions

Initially, we thought that Czorsztyn is the main tourist destination by Lake Czorsztyński. However, apart from the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle, there is not much happening here and there are not many places to go. If you choose to stay here (especially with a baby in a stroller), keep in mind that the town itself is not located by the lake, but slightly above it. You have to descend quite a bit to reach the castle ruins by the lake and then climb back up. This is because the old town of Czorsztyn was actually submerged in the waters of the lake. However, it is definitely much quieter here than in the more touristy town of Niedzica. Czorsztyn impressed us with its scenic meadow on Hala Majerz with a shepherd's hut and delicious oscypek cheese. There is also a cycling trail called Velo Czorsztyn that goes around the lake, and even a route to Trzy Korony (Three Crowns). It is worth exploring the attractions of this small town.

View from Czorsztyn to Lake Czorsztyński, the dam, and Niedzica Castle
View from Czorsztyn to Lake Czorsztyński, the dam, and Niedzica Castle

Ruins of Czorsztyn Castle

This fortress dates back to the times when the Dunajec River served as a border between Poland and Hungary. The Niedzica Castle was the Hungarian border fortress, while Czorsztyn Castle was the Polish one. The purpose of the castle was to protect the route leading from Hungary to Krakow. It was once ruled by the famous knight, Zawisza the Black.

Czorsztyn Castle

Czorsztyn Castle

The main attraction in Czorsztyn is the ruins of a castle, whose history dates back to the 14th century. During the time when the Polish-Hungarian border ran along the Dunajec River... ...

Czorsztyn Castle - courtyard
Czorsztyn Castle - courtyard

Ferries to the neighboring Niedzica Castle

On the other side of the lake, there is the neighboring former Hungarian fortress called "Dunajec in Niedzica". It may be easier to find parking in the smaller town of Czorsztyn, and if you want to see both castles and visit Niedzica, you can take a ferry. Bicycles are also allowed on the ferry. In the article below, you can read more about the attractions in Niedzica itself.

Niedzica on Lake Czorsztyn - attractions

Niedzica on Lake Czorsztyn - attractions

Niedzica is the main tourist destination on Lake Czorsztyn. Its main attractions include a beautifully located castle. ...

Beach in Niedzica
Beach in Niedzica
On the ferry
On the ferry

Velo Czorsztyn

There is a famous cycling route called Velo Czorsztyn that runs around Lake Czorsztyński from Niedzica to Czorsztyn. Although the views are impressive, it is not as easy or flat as it may seem. Here's what you should know before embarking on this route, especially with children:

Velo Czorsztyn - cycling route around Lake Czorsztyńskie map

Medium
directions_bike

Velo Czorsztyn - cycling route around Lake Czorsztyńskie map

max 635 m min 527 m
straighten 25.7km
directions_bike timer 3h 10min
north_east 414m
south_east 390m
Velo Czorsztyn - view of the lake in the morning
Velo Czorsztyn - view of the lake in the morning

Majerz Meadow - Shepherd's Hut and Viewpoint

This is a gem of Czorsztyn and the place we visited most often. It is a meadow where sheep are grazed, and you can buy delicious oscypek cheese and żętyca while enjoying the view of the lake and the distant Tatra Mountains.

Shepherd
Shepherd's Hut on Majerz Meadow in Czorsztyn
Majerz Meadow - view of the Tatra Mountains, lake, and castle from Niedzica
Majerz Meadow - view of the Tatra Mountains, lake, and castle from Niedzica

Trail from Czorsztyn to Trzy Korony (Three Crowns)

There is a trail that leads from Czorsztyn to Trzy Korony, and even to Krościenko. The trail is quite long and it can be challenging to hike it in both directions, especially with children. However, you can try taking a rafting trip to reach Krościenko and then return through the mountains.

From Czorsztyn to Trzy Korony Peak

Medium
directions_walk

From Czorsztyn to Trzy Korony Peak

max 939 m min 649 m
straighten 7.6km
timer 2h 55min
north_east 409m
south_east 160m
Majerz Glade - Czorsztyn
Majerz Glade - Czorsztyn
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