The gondola lift from Czarny Potok
You can reach the summit of Jaworzyna Krynicka by a modern gondola lift whose base station is at Czarny Potok, not far from the centre of Krynica-Zdrój. The comfortable enclosed cabins climb several hundred metres in a quarter of an hour or so, with striking views of the surrounding ridges from the windows. It is popular with skiers in winter and with families and walkers in summer.
The lift runs for most of the year, and the upper station makes a convenient starting point for further walks. For those who would rather not climb on foot, the gondola is the easiest way to the summit, while more active visitors can use it one way only, walking up or down on the waymarked trails.
The panorama, the trails and the nature
In good weather a wide panorama of the Sącz and Low Beskids opens out from the summit area, and in the right conditions the chain of the Tatras appears on the horizon. The summit and its surroundings are partly wooded, so the best views are from the clearings, the viewing terraces and the area around the upper station.
Jaworzyna Krynicka sits within a network of waymarked trails, along which you can walk up from Krynica-Zdrój via the Krzyżowa pass among other routes. The slopes of the range are protected, and the walk leads through fragments of old Carpathian beech woods typical of this part of the Beskids.
Worth knowing before you go
- The PTTK mountain hut — near the summit, offering a rest, a meal and a bed for those walking the ridge.
- The ski station — in winter one of the largest ski areas in the Sącz Beskids, with several kilometres of runs of varying difficulty.
- Walking trails — going up on foot from Czarny Potok or Krynica-Zdrój usually takes a few hours; proper footwear is worth having.
- Weather — mountain conditions change quickly, so check the forecast and the lift's hours before setting out.
How to get there and practical info
- Height
- 1114 m a.s.l.
- Range
- The Jaworzyna range, Sącz Beskids
- Getting there
- The gondola lift from the Czarny Potok base station
- In winter
- A large ski station with several kilometres of runs
- Accommodation
- A PTTK mountain hut near the summit
- Who it suits
- Families, skiers and walkers
When to go
Melting snow and the beech woods waking up; patches of snow may still lie in the higher parts.
The best time to take the gondola for the panorama and to walk along the ridge.
Golden and russet beech woods, with frequent clear days and long views.
The ski season at the largest station in the Sącz Beskids, with runs and lifts by the summit.
Other sights in Krynica-Zdrój
Straight-line distances from „Jaworzyna Krynicka" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Jaworzyna Krynicka within walking distance or a short drive.
