Gorce National Park National Park

Hours: Open 24/7

Admission: Free to enter (national park); some services or guided activities may have fees

Gorce National Park is a protected area in southern Poland covering parts of the Gorce Mountains in Lesser Poland Voivodeship. The park preserves mountain ridges, beech forests and alpine meadows and is focused on nature conservation and low-impact recreation.

The park’s highest point is the Turbacz massif at 1,310 metres, which anchors a network of hiking trails and viewpoints used by walkers and naturalists. Trails and educational paths traverse mixed mountain woodland and open ridgelines, making it a destination for day hikes and outdoor education.

Gorce National Park was established in 1981 to protect the region’s natural habitats and biodiversity, including old-growth beech stands and mountain fauna. Management emphasizes conservation alongside regulated public access for hiking and outdoor activities.

The park lies in Lesser Poland Voivodeship in southern Poland, with nearby towns such as Nowy Targ and Rabka-Zdrój serving as common bases for visitors heading into the Gorce Mountains.

• Established and Size: Established as a national park in 1981 and covering roughly 70 square kilometres, with Turbacz as its highest summit.

What to See#

• Turbacz: The Turbacz massif, the park’s highest point at 1,310 metres, which is a focal point for hiking trails and mountain viewpoints.
• Forest and Trail Network: Extensive beech and mixed mountain forests with marked trails and educational paths used for nature interpretation and hiking.

• Aim for weekdays or shoulder seasons (late spring, early autumn) to avoid crowded summer holiday weekends on the popular trails.
• If you want the classic view, hike to Turbacz - the park's highest summit - and pick a trailhead such as Koninki, which is a common starting point for well-marked routes.
• Check local trail markings and weather forecasts before setting out; conditions change quickly in the mountains and winter snow can close higher routes, so plan your route and turnaround times accordingly.