Szczawnica is also a perfect base for trips to Slovakia. Just look at the map – the charming village of Leśnica invites you for a bike ride or a walk, along a picturesque road running beside the Dunajec River. In just a few dozen minutes, on foot or by bike along the Pieniny Road, you can reach Leśnica Pienińska or the famous Červený Kláštor (Red Monastery).

Červený Kláštor – a colourful monastery complex on the banks of the Dunajec, founded in 1320, once home to the Carthusians – is well worth a visit. The most famous monk here was Brother Cyprian, known as the Flying Monk. According to the story, he is said to have flown on a homemade glider from the summit of Trzy Korony to the monastery courtyard – or, as another legend claims, to have flown over Morskie Oko lake, where he was turned into a rocky outcrop still called ‘The Monk’ today.

But that’s just the beginning of your Slovak adventure – right around the corner lies Lubowla Castle, located in the historic Spiš region, in the town of Lubowla. In the castle chapel, you can see a permanent exhibition of copies of the Polish coronation jewels, the originals of which were kept here during the Swedish Deluge.

Ready for more? From Szczawnica, it’s also worth visiting Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) – a breathtaking landscape of canyons and steel bridges set in the forest.

Another must-see is just about 50 km from Szczawnica – the famous Bachledka Treetop Walk, a 32-metre-high walkway offering spectacular views of the Tatras.

If you still haven’t had your fill of Slovak attractions, save some energy for the Belianska Cave (Belianska jaskyňa) – one of the most beautiful and most visited caves in Slovakia. Located in the Belianske Tatras, near Tatranská Kotlina, it impresses with its rich dripstone formations, underground lakes, and stunning chambers such as the Concert Hall and the Palm Hall. The tourist route is about 1,370 metres long and offers unforgettable experiences for every lover of underground natural wonders.

Want to see the highest uplift in the Carpathians? Take a trip to Slovakia’s High Tatras. These views – and this adventure – will stay with you forever.

To visit Szczawnica and not cross the Dunajec? That would be a big mistake! Slovakia is waiting for you!