Velo Dunajec is a scenic bicycle trail that attracts many nature and active recreation enthusiasts. Stretching through the southern part of Malopolska, the trail offers not only unforgettable views, but also a variety of tourist attractions. Velo Dunajec is counted among the most beautiful bicycle routes in Poland. Its course was dictated by the course of the Dunajec River, beginning in Zakopane and ending near Tarnów. It is not without reason that this order was given: thanks to this arrangement of the trail, we start the trip at a much higher altitude, gradually “descending” to the lowlands of Malopolska.
Length of Velo Dunajec - map and route
Velo Dunajec is 237 km long, making it one of the longest bicycle routes in Poland. The route begins in Zakopane and ends in the town of Wietrzychowice, north of Tarnów. From there, cyclists have only two kilometers to the scenic mouth of the Dunajec River into the Vistula River, where it is also possible to enter another Malopolska route - the Vistula Cycling Route, routed mainly along the Vistula embankments, from Jawiszowice to Szczucin. The length of Velo Dunajec suggests dividing the route into several sections and organizing a several-or at least two-day trip. The map of Velo Dunajec leads through picturesque areas of Lesser Poland, at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains, the Gorce Mountains, the Pieniny Mountains and the Beskid Sadecki Mountains. The route offers not only stunning views and proximity to nature, but also a wealth of tourist attractions, such as historic castles, picturesque towns and charming lakes. However, it is worth bearing in mind that quite a few sections of the Velo Dunajec trail run on public roads, also used by cars. If you are going on a family trip, with small children, it is necessary to choose appropriate fragments of trails, with a safe course, away from car traffic. The course of the Velo Dunajec is not fully completed, which directly affects the quality and form of the route.
What kind of bike for the Velo Dunajec?
When organizing any bicycle tour, the key issue is to choose a route that is suitable for your fitness preparation. Even the best bike is no substitute for thinking about the most important issues, such as the length of the trail and the elevation gain. Velo Dunajec will be a good choice for those who already have experience with bicycle touring. There are several short but steep climbs along the route, as well as several gravel and dirt sections, ranging from a few hundred meters to as much as 10 km in length. This information immediately suggests what kind of bike for Velo Dunajec will be suitable. Certainly, you can't take a road bike on the route, unless you decide to ride just a section.
Velo Dunajec attractions and points of interest
During a Velo Dunajec bicycle trip, it is worth stopping in attractive towns to learn about their rich history and enjoy the charming landscapes. Noteworthy from the start is Zakopane, where it is worth discovering the Baroque church located next to the cemetery on Pęksowym Brzyzku, a number of museums, including the Tatra Museum, or simply stroll along Krupówki Street. Another interesting village, already located at the foot of the Gorce Mountains, is Łopuszna. Here it is worth visiting the Tetmajers' manor house, which now serves as a branch of the Tatra Museum. Czorsztyn Lake, located in the heart of the Pieniny Mountains (around which runs the Velo Czorsztyn route), with castles in Niedzica and Czorsztyn, is also quite an attraction. Here you can take a ferry crossing to further enhance your visit. Further north is another lake, formed by the damming of the Dunajec River - Lake Rożnowskie. In its vicinity is Tropsztyn Castle, which is a reconstruction of a 13th century building.
Fantastic views, spectacular panoramas of the Tatra and Pieniny Mountains, lakes, castles and historic churches - that's how, in a nutshell, you can describe what awaits cycling enthusiasts who set themselves the goal of riding the Velo Dunajec - no matter whether during a single trip or during several single rides on selected fragments.
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