Malopolska Trail
A long-distance trail network through the Polish Beskids and Pieniny Mountains, connecting Kraków to the Slovak border through the wooded Carpathian…
Route overview
The Małopolska Trail, or Lesser Poland Trail, is a long-distance route of approximately 250 kilometres through the Carpathian foothills of southern Poland, connecting Kraków with the Slovak border region. The trail passes through the Polish Beskids, the Pieniny Mountains, and the Dunajec valley, offering a mix of forested mountain ridges, river gorges, and traditional highland villages. The route starts in the historic city of Kraków and heads south through the island Beskid range, crossing the Babia Góra massif and continuing through the Pieniny with its distinctive limestone cliffs above the Dunajec river. The trail uses a network of marked paths maintained by the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society. The Polish Carpathians are lower and more wooded than the High Tatras but offer varied walking through mixed forest, meadow pastures, and river gorges. The trail is well supported by mountain hostels, guesthouses, and the traditional highland culture of the Podhale region.
A long-distance trail network through the Polish Beskids and Pieniny Mountains, connecting Kraków to the Slovak border through the wooded Carpathian foothills.
Trail facts
- Country
- Poland
- Region
- Lesser Poland Voivodeship
- Distance
- c. 250 km
- Typical duration
- 2–3 weeks
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- c. 8,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- May–September
- Trail type
- Mountain trail network
Safety context
Some ridge sections are exposed in bad weather. River gorges have steep drops. Forest sections can be disorienting. The Babia Góra summit is exposed to sudden weather changes.
The trail is a network of connected paths rather than a single continuous route. Some road walking connects the mountain sections. Mountain hostels should be booked in advance in summer.
Highlights
Kraków Old Town start Babia Góra summit Pieniny limestone cliffs Dunajec river gorge Zakopane and the Podhale region Gorce National Park beech forest Traditional highland villages Tatra views from the Beskids
Why find a buddy
A two-week trail through the Polish Carpathians from Kraków to the Tatras — a companion shares the highland culture, the Dunajec gorge, and the wooded Beskid ridges.
Primary source
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.