Self-Guided Krakow and Dunajec Cycle Path Bike Tour
The Dunajec Cycle Path (often called the Velo Dunajec) is one of Poland’s most scenic long-distance cycling routes, running through the dramatic landscapes of southern Poland along the Dunajec River.
The route stretches for roughly 230 km, from the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane / Nowy Targ in the south to Wietrzychowice, where the Dunajec joins the Vistula River. Along the way, it passes through a rich variety of landscapes: alpine foothills, mountain valleys, limestone gorges, lakes, vineyards, and historic towns. One of its most famous sections runs through the Pieniny Mountains, offering spectacular views of the Dunajec Gorge, traditionally navigated by wooden rafts.
What makes the Dunajec Cycle Path especially attractive is its excellent, modern cycling infrastructure—wide, smooth, largely traffic-free paths with clear signage—combined with cultural highlights such as Niedzica Castle, Czorsztyn Castle, wooden churches, spa towns, and wine-growing areas near Tarnów. Suitable for leisure cyclists and families, it is often considered one of Central Europe’s finest river cycling routes and forms part of Poland’s growing national cycling network.
You’ll start in Kraków’s atmospheric Old Town, then swap the city buzz for storybook wood-roofed villages, lush river valleys and dramatic limestone cliffs of the Pieniny Mountains. The route is beautifully designed: gentle enough for leisurely rides yet rich in moments of wow – gliding through dedicated cycle paths on old railway tracks, pausing at traditional high-mountain villages, even crossing into Slovakia for a taste of a slightly different landscape.
Self-Guided
casual hotels
Krakow
Krakow
easy to moderate
38 km / 24 mi
6
Min. 2, Max. 12
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
Highlights

Cycle the Scenic Dunajec River Gorge
Ride through one of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders, where towering limestone cliffs rise above the winding river. The dedicated bike path makes it an easy and unforgettable experience, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and fresh alpine air.

Relax in Spa Towns and Wellness Hotels
Unwind in towns like Szczawnica and Piwniczna, known for mineral springs and mountain spa resorts. After a day of cycling, relax in saunas, pools, or with soothing massages surrounded by peaceful nature.

Visit Majestic Castles and Lakes
Marvel at the twin castles of Niedzica and Czorsztyn overlooking the turquoise Czorsztyn Lake. Their fairytale-like setting captures the spirit of southern Poland’s history and romance.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Krakow | Hotel Puro Kazimierz (4-star) | |||
| DAY 2 | Zakopane | Hotel Belvedere (4-star) | B | 28 km / 17 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Nowy Targ | Hotel B&B Nowy Targ Centrum | B | 46 km / 29 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Niedzica | Hotel Lokis | B | 44 km / 27 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Szczawnica | Hotel Szczawnica Park Resort & Spa (4-star) | B | 38 km / 23 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Rytro | Hotel Piwniczna SPA & Conference (4-star) | B | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Krakow | Hotel Puro Kazimierz (4 star) | B | 20 km / 12 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Krakow
Your adventure begins in beautiful Kraków, a city full of history, charm, and lively energy. After checking into your hotel, take time to wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, admire the grand Market Square, and listen to the bugle call from St. Mary’s Basilica. Enjoy a relaxed evening soaking up the local atmosphere in a cozy café or restaurant.
Later, meet your tour leader and fellow cyclists for a short briefing about the journey ahead. It’s the perfect start to your Dunajec adventure, combining culture, flavor, and excitement before the cycling begins.

Day 2: Zakopane
Leave the bustle of Kraków behind and head south toward the Tatra Mountains. Today’s ride introduces you to gentle countryside landscapes dotted with wooden villages and rolling fields. Enjoy views of the mountains growing closer as you cycle through charming towns and peaceful valleys.
Arrive in Zakopane, Poland’s famous mountain resort, known for its wooden architecture, folk culture, and hearty regional food. Spend the evening exploring Krupówki Street or relaxing at your cozy hotel, surrounded by alpine scenery and crisp mountain air.


Day 3: Nowy Targ
After a hearty breakfast, begin your ride through the scenic Podhale region, a cultural heartland of the Polish highlands. The route winds gently downhill, following quiet roads framed by meadows and mountain peaks.
Stop in local villages to admire traditional wooden houses and maybe sample oscypek, the region’s famous smoked cheese. Arrive in Nowy Targ, a historic market town nestled between the Gorce and Tatra mountains, where you can enjoy a warm evening meal and unwind after a rewarding day’s ride.


Day 4: Niedzica
Cycle along one of Poland’s most picturesque routes toward the Czorsztyn Lake area. The path follows the Dunajec River through scenic valleys and across peaceful farmlands. Soon, the striking silhouettes of Niedzica and Czorsztyn castles appear above the water, creating postcard-perfect views.
Explore the historic fortress or take a short boat ride between the two castles. Tonight’s stay near the lake offers relaxation surrounded by natural beauty, setting the tone for tomorrow’s cycling through the Dunajec Gorge.


Day 5: Szczawnica
Today brings one of the tour’s highlights — the Dunajec River Gorge. Ride or glide alongside the river, where sheer limestone cliffs tower dramatically on both sides. The route is mostly flat and wonderfully scenic, with many photo stops along the way.
Arrive in Szczawnica, a charming spa town famous for its mineral waters and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park or try a local dessert before a relaxing evening at your mountain hotel.


Day 6: Rytro
Continue your journey along the Poprad Valley, where the landscape shifts to rolling hills, lush forests, and quiet riverside paths. The day offers a mix of gentle climbs and fun descents, perfect for taking in the views of the Beskid Mountains.
Stop in small villages to experience rural Polish life before arriving in Rytro or Piwniczna, both known for their serene mountain settings. Enjoy a delicious dinner and perhaps a spa session to unwind after a fulfilling ride.


Day 7: Krakow
After breakfast, take a final short ride or morning walk before transferring back to Kraków by bus. The journey back to Krakow takes around 2 hours. Reflect on your week of cycling through mountains, rivers, and timeless villages as you settle into the city once again.
The afternoon is free to revisit your favorite spots or shop for local crafts. In the evening, celebrate your cycling adventure with your group over a farewell dinner in one of Kraków’s cozy restaurants.

Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to stroll through Kraków’s Old Town or relax at a café. Say goodbye to Poland’s beautiful landscapes and take home lasting memories of your Dunajec cycling journey.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
Single Supplement
From US $550
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $200
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Lady's Bike or similar
Included in your trip price

Men's Bike or similar
Included in your trip price

Kalkhoff Ebike or Similar or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your adventure begins in Kraków, one of Poland’s most charming and historic cities. You can fly into Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), located about 15 km from the city center. From the airport, a taxi or private transfer to your hotel takes around 25–30 minutes and costs approximately 60–80 PLN (about €15–20). Alternatively, the airport train offers a quick and budget-friendly option at around 17 PLN (€4). Once in Kraków, you’ll have time to explore the medieval Old Town, sample local cuisine, and get ready for the start of your cycling journey along the Dunajec River.
Departure
The tour ends near Nowy Sącz or Szczawnica, with a return transfer arranged back to Kraków. This comfortable journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by minibus.
Weather
The Dunajec Cycling Tour is best enjoyed from May to September, when southern Poland offers warm, pleasant days perfect for cycling through the valleys and mountains. During this time, daytime temperatures range between 18–26°C (64–79°F), with long daylight hours and mostly clear skies.
May and June bring fresh greenery and blooming landscapes, while July and August are warmer and more lively. September is calmer, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Early October can still be pleasant but cooler, while late autumn and winter months are generally too cold or wet for comfortable cycling.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Mixed
May
Best
June
Best
July
Best
August
Good
September
Best
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.
For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
The setup experience varies by destination:
-
In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.
-
In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.
All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.
During the Tour
You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.
What to Expect
The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:
- You start with the correct frame size
- You can fine-tune your comfort easily
- You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route
It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.
We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.
Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.
To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.
A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.
We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.
Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
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