Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn

Nearby: Nowy Targ
Easy - Suitable for everyone, no terrain difficulties
straighten  Distance 14.7km
timer Time 1h 29min
north_east Ascents 104m
south_east Descents 156m
Elevation Profile:
max 583 m min 530 m
trending_flat  The route runs flat, with no inclines
add_road  Asphalt road
directions_car  Access by car
train  Access by train possible
wc  Toilet along the route
directions_bike  Bike route

Velo Dunajec is a long-distance cycling route divided into several shorter sections. The route from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn is an easy, recreational cycling path with beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains.

Tatra Mountains in Łopuszna on the Velo Dunajec route: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Tatra Mountains in Łopuszna on the Velo Dunajec route: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn

Key information about the Velo Dunajec section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn:

  • The route is technically easy, with no significant elevation changes.
  • The route is marked with dedicated bike paths and local roads (roughly half and half).
  • A large part of the route runs through shaded riverside forests.
  • Along the way, there are several "MOR" rest areas (with shelters, benches, tables, and maps).
  • There are only a few food options along the route - a seasonal ice cream parlor and a burger truck in Waksmund. More dining options are available in Dębno, near the main road.
  • The route and intersections with other roads are well signposted.
  • The main attractions along the way are the views of the Tatra Mountains, as well as the manor and Tischnerówka in Łopuszna, the historic wooden church in Dębno, and the opportunity to visit the new attraction: the Tree Top Walkway "Brama w Gorce"
  • The route is suitable for children and family bike trips, with the caveat that children should know how to behave when approaching a junction with a road or when a car passes by. Traffic on local roads is minimal but still possible.
Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Czorsztyn Lake
Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Czorsztyn Lake

Velo Dunajec in Nowy Targ - Getting There and Parking

To reach the cycling route in Nowy Targ, you can drive by car (we recommend the large, free parking lot at "Nowa Targowica" market square, ul. Targowa) or take the train (from the PKP station, head north towards Czarny Dunajec).

Velo Dunajec in Nowy Targ. Shelter near "Wielka Targowica"
Velo Dunajec in Nowy Targ. Shelter near "Wielka Targowica"

Nowy Targ - Waksmund

The first section of the route follows a comfortable cycling path along the Dunajec river embankments. From the south, you can enjoy views of the Tatra Mountains, meadows with flocks of sheep, goats, and cows on both sides of the river.

Velo Dunajec: Nowy Targ - Lake Czorsztyn. Between Nowy Targ and Waksmund
Velo Dunajec: Nowy Targ - Lake Czorsztyn. Between Nowy Targ and Waksmund

Waksmund - Ostrowsko

In Waksmund, we reach a rural road. We pass by the church of St. Jadwiga and the KS Huragan stadium. After Waksmund, in Ostrowsko, we cross to the left bank of the Dunajec and continue on a road exclusively for cyclists.

Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn

Velo Dunajec in Łopuszna

The most challenging part of the route is probably in Łopuszna. Firstly, there is the steepest ascent (and descent) on the route. Secondly, we ride on a narrow road through the village.

However, it's worth making a longer stop here to see the historic manor and Tischnerówka. From Łopuszna, we will also follow a section of the blue hiking trail (Turbacz - Dębno).

Łopuszna. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Łopuszna. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Łopuszna. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Łopuszna. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn

Harklowa - Dębno

Another attraction awaits us in Harklowa. Just past the "MOR" shelter, we cross a ford over a stream. After heavy rain or spring thaws, it may not be as shallow... If we don't fancy continuing with wet footwear, it's advisable to take them off before crossing.

Harklowa. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Harklowa. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Caution: ford in Harklowa! Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Caution: ford in Harklowa! Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn

Just before Dębno, we ride along an unpleasant stretch next to a busy regional road:

Dębno. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Dębno. Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn

If you don't plan to continue along Lake Czorsztyn, it's worth stopping here: visit the historic wooden church in Dębno, take a rest at one of the many dining options, or use the restroom facilities.

Lake Czorsztyn, Velo Czorsztyn - What's Next?

Our route from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn ends here... at the renovated bridge over the Dunajec River (summer 2023).

Bridge over the Dunajec River in Dębno (summer 2023). Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn
Bridge over the Dunajec River in Dębno (summer 2023). Velo Dunajec: section from Nowy Targ to Lake Czorsztyn

If you want to continue, you can cross the bridge and either:

  • take the southern shore of the lake towards Niedzica (scenic but with a long steep uphill stretch in Falsztyn)
  • take the northern shore of the lake towards Czorsztyn (easier, without long steep ascents, and still offering lake views)

Alternatively, you can complete the entire loop (using the Czorsztyn - Niedzica ferry crossing):

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

Map of the Velo Dunajec Route: Nowy Targ - Czorsztyn - Niedzica

In total, the Nowy Targ - Czorsztyn - Niedzica - Nowy Targ route is approximately 56 km long.

Also, explore other cycling routes in the vicinity of Krakow, both nearby and slightly farther away:

Family Bike Routes near Krakow

Family Bike Routes near Krakow

Are you tired of cycling on paths in urban parks? It's time to go on a family bike trip outside the city! Here are a few of our favorite and tested bike routes. ...

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