Spring in Małopolska – a magical adventure in the rhythm of nature!
Now it’s official, Małopolska has awakened from its winter slumber in a truly spectacular style! Nature is already starting to bud with a riot of colour, the mountains are shedding their snow caps while the rivers are bursting with new energy. It’s an obvious nudge from the world to hit the trail, as sitting at home is a waste of time
Spring in Małopolska is the time to let yourself be carried away by adventure and nature. And it’s not really that hard, since all of the region’s nooks and crannies are full of bustle! Purple carpets of crocuses are spreading across the mountain glades, the Dunajec in the Pieniny Mountains is carrying rafts full of adventure-craved tourists, trails are filling up with hikers and cyclists are setting off on their first long trips. At this very moment Małopolska is unveiling its true beauty and you can’t miss it!
Off to see the crocuses!
One of the most exquisite signs of spring in the Małopolska region are the blossoming crocuses, which in March and April transform the Tatra and Gorce mountain glades into vividly purple tapestries. The most prominent spot for witnessing this amazing spectacle of nature is the Chochołowska Glade in the Western Tatra Mountains. As soon as the snow melts, thousands of delicate flowers start to bloom against the majestic peaks. Although the Chochołowska Glade is the leader in terms of popularity, you may also want to stray off the beaten track and visit the Kalatówki Glade or the Lejowa Valley, where the crowds are scarcer and the sights just as stunning. And if not in the Tatras, be sure to bask in the crocus delights in the Gorce Mountains. When doing so, remain cautious and follow the established rules. Save lying on a floral carpet for a visit to a furnishing shop; here, be a quiet observer of nature’s beauty.
Rafting on the Dunajec – a tradition that never gets old
As the springs arrives, the first rafting trips down the Dunajec River Gorge also start. This year, the rafts will be available for embarking from 1 April. This centuries-old attraction combines breathtaking scenery viewing with a gentle rush of adrenaline. Wooden rafts steered by raftsmen in folk costumes sail along the rushing river, passing towering limestone cliffs interspersed with the natural marvels of the Pieniny National Park. This is an unforgettable cruise, during which you are likely to hear vivid stories and highland legends and feel the majesty of nature. Rafting down the Dunajec River Gorge is a pastime that never gets old. Who cruises once, will want to cruise again and again. Such is the charm of the Pieniny Mountains and nothing can be done about it.
Get ready for a cycling frenzy in Małopolska!
If cycling is your thing, we have good, if not the best news! Małopolska is home to a smorgasbord of cycling attractions, and one course will not be enough! Almost 900 km of refined VeloMałopolska trails connect the largest towns of the region, snaking through fabulous landscapes, historic settlements and wilderness. And we are just warming up – if you still want more cycling thrills, there is an additional 3,000 km of trails waiting for you, including the famous PTTK routes! Want to feel the spring wind in your hair and discover Małopolska on two wheels? Set off on the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests, see the most sublime mountain skyline on the VeloDunajec route, traverse the Błędów Desert, visit the Carp Valley, venture into the thickets of the Niepołomice and Dulowska Forests and admire the picturesque Dłubnia Valley. Here, every kilometer is a new story, and every turn is a new adventure. Give it a spin!
Kraków – a city that is booming
If anyone says that urban nature cannot be impressive, they have obviously never been to Kraków in the spring! The capital of Małopolska is vibrant all year round, but in the springtime it transforms into a colourful garden taken straight from a children’s fairy tale. Magnolias are beginning to bloom, flowers are weaving colour throughout the city, trees are turning green and the city’s water bodies are growing lush with vegetation. In such surroundings, it doesn’t matter where your feet carry you, because wherever you go, it will be truly phenomenal. The historic Planty Park, the wild Zakrzówek lake, the mysterious Wolski Forest, the famous Błonia Park and a dozen charming city parks adored by the Kraków inhabitants – that’s all you need to fall head over heels in love with the city and turn green with happiness!
Ojców National Park – small is beautiful!
Ojców National Park is the smallest national park in Poland, but as history of the world has shown, small is indeed great. Ojców National Park features 700 caves, the largest number of bat species living in one area, more than 1,000 rare plant species and trails between labyrinths of rock formations. The park is located just 15 km from Kraków, which makes it a perfect spot for a quick trip into the heart of wilderness. It draws you in at first sight and never lets you forget it. It’s a motherlode of nature, history and adventure! The park is home to the castle in Pieskowa Skała and Ojców, a unique chapel on the water, fanciful rock formations (the Hercules Mace is a must-see!), deep gorges, walking paths, hiking trails and unique local flavours (be sure to try the smoked trout!). Time spent in Ojców National Park is good time – nature and full bellies know!
There’s no water in the desert? Let’s see!
The Błędów Desert, known as the “Polish Sahara”, can be a head-scratcher even for the most sceptical ones. Because how do you explain the presence of desert landscapes in the middle of a verdant region? A brief explanation is that the Błędów Desert has nothing to do with an actual desert; instead, it has been shaped by glacial deposition and human activity. It is one of the few natural desert areas in Europe whose charms are open for you to discover. You think that the Błędów Desert has nothing to offer? Then you are wrong. Numerous hiking trails, places for practising extreme sports, viewpoints and unique flora, dunes and sandy landscapes make the Błędów Desert a perfect sightseeing destination! This is a true jewel of Polish nature, waiting to be explored!
Małopolska is a real treasure trove of experiences at any time of the year, but in spring it acquires a special flair. Nowhere else is the first breath after the winter hibernation so deep. So, enjoy the spring before it passes, because there is another magical time waiting for you – the summertime in Małopolska. But that’s another story. See you in Małopolska!
