A pine more than five centuries old
The pine on Sokolica grows on a limestone ledge about 80 m above the surface of the Dunajec. Since the 1960s it has been protected by a stone wall that stabilises its root system. The tree is the symbol of Pieniny National Park and one of the most photographed trees in the Polish mountains.
What to see
- The lone pine — more than 500 years old, on a rock ledge
- The viewing platform — a steel deck with a panorama of the Dunajec gorge
- The view of the Three Crowns — clearly visible opposite
- The Falcon's Path — a waymarked trail starting at Sokolica and running through the Lesser Pieniny
Practical notes
The climb to Sokolica starts at Krościenko nad Dunajcem — the waymarked yellow trail from the Zawodzie district over Przełęcz Sosnów, about 1.5 hours. Because the platform is small, queues form in season — patience and care are needed.
How to get there and practical info
- Height
- 747 m a.s.l.
- The climb
- From Krościenko (the yellow trail over Przełęcz Sosnów), about 1.5 hours
- The viewing platform
- A narrow steel deck with railings
- Admission
- A day pass to the park
- Nearby
- The Three Crowns, the Falcon's Path (the Lesser Pieniny)
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours there and back
When to go
The pine in fresh green, few visitors and flowers in bloom.
The height of the season, queues on the platform — mornings are best.
Golden woods around the summit and the best light for photographs.
Slippery trails and limited access to the platform.
Other sights in Pieniny
Straight-line distances from „Sokolica" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Sokolica within walking distance or a short drive.
