Czorsztyn – Poland

The act of Partnership was signed: 5.08.2016 r.

The first meeting with the self-government of the Czorsztyn commune took place in July 2012 and was organized by the Podhalan Union in Poznań. Then the next steps were taken to develop these relationships: delegations from other communes participated in local celebrations, Lusowiacy Song and Dance Ensemble went to Czorsztyn for workshops, and the youth groups went for holidays to our partner’s commune. Our cooperation also has a culinary dimension: the cuisine of the Greater Poland region was presented at …, and the residents of our Commune could taste baked goods prepared by Polish highlanders during one of the partner’s visits in 2014.

Czorsztyn commune is located in the South part of the Małopolskie province, on the border of Gorce Mountains, Pieniny Mountains and Spisz which constitute a small but lovely natural area of 6172 ha.

Pieniny Mountains and the southern slopes of Gorce Mountains are both part of the Czorsztyn commune. They both account for great diversity and the attractiveness of the area. One can see the Dunajec River Gorge during the organized raft trips. The most breathtaking places to see include the peaks of the Three Crowns and Sokolica, a peak in Pieniny Mountains, with magnificent views. Last but not least it is also worth mentioning the Sobczański Gorge. This gorge is one of a kind since it is deeply cutting into the rocks.

One of the most significant elements of the Pieniny Mountains’ landscape is Lake Czorsztyn, which is a man-made reservoir that owes its existence to an earth dam with concrete core that prevents flooding in the Dunajec River valley. Around the lake there are numerous spots for leisure activities, fishing, water tours, cruises and gondola rides.

What attracts tourists to Czorsztyn commune are the slopes of Wdżar Mountain: chair lifts and T-bar lifts, routes for skiers and snowboarders, alpine slide and magnetic anomalies. The footbridge in Sromowce Niżne, which connects two banks (Polish and Slovak) of the Dunajec River contributed to the revival of tourism between these two countries. Thanks to this 120-metre long footbridge an attractive tourist loop has emerged, as it connects Szczawnica and the Red Monastery (Slovakia) with the tourist walking trails leading to the Sokolica peak and the Three Crowns.

The whole area around Czorsztyn is full of diversity. It is worth mentioning that numerous historical events were taking place there. The Czorsztyn Castle was built around 1350 by Casimir the Great, and it protected the southern border of Poland. Not only the traders from the South of Europe were passing through Czorsztyn, but also the royal travelers. The Pieniny Mountains was also a place where Saint Kinga was staying, and young Jadwiga, the future queen, was looking at the waters of the Dunajec from the castle’s windows. It was also the place that was visited by Władysław Jagiełło and his son Władysław Warneńczyk and the famous knights, for example Zawisza the Black, and the senators from the Republic of Poland. In 1790, a huge fire destroyed the roofs and from that time the building began to deteriorate. Not much is left from the old mountain fortress. What is left are picturesque ruins, out of which the most important are the massive four-sided tower and the walls adjacent to the former residential premises. Partially reconstructed cellars house a museum exhibition.

Enough for now, come and see it all yourself!