Wooden observation walkways, around 400 metres long, wind through wetlands, small lakes and bushes in the Bobrowisko nature enclave. The enclave is located in the Stary Sącz area between the Dunajec and Poprad rivers. Stary Sącz combines nature watching with monastic architecture, local history and outdoor trails. For trip planning, these themes can be considered as distinct focuses.
Cultural History and Architecture
The historic urban layout of Stary Sącz, together with the Poor Clares’ Monastery, is a monument of particular importance to Polish culture and heritage. The monastery includes the Gothic Church of the Holy Trinity and St Clare. Its nave is elongated and divided into five aisles; the short chancel consists of two bays.
In 1280, Kinga had Franciscan monasteries established in Sącz; a steep slope above a former riverbed of the Poprad was chosen for the women’s monastery. Today’s Seweryn Udziela Regional Museum traces its origins to the collections of shoemaker and collector Józef Paszkiewicz (1887–1953). They include memorabilia related to the history of Stary Sącz, local craft guilds and the “Sokół” Gymnastic Society. The cultural perspective thus extends from the historic monastery site to collections on local crafts and community life.
Nature Spots and Trails
Leśne Molo is a walkway among the trees on Miejska Góra. Glass spheres invite visitors to discover how a tadpole develops; from the walkway, Stary Sącz can be seen in the foreground. Compared with Bobrowisko’s wetlands, small lakes and bushes, Leśne Molo combines nature interpretation with a view of the town. The two nature spots therefore offer different experiences.
A network of cycling routes runs through Stary Sącz and leads to the historic Market Square, the Poor Clares’ Monastery and the Papal Altar. Before setting off, check the local signage, as the network may change. The yellow-marked hiking trail leads from Stary Sącz railway station to the mountain shelter at Przehyba. It is about 14.5 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of around 840 metres. Markings and trail conditions may change, so check both locally. This makes it possible to weigh up exploring several destinations in town against a longer hike with a specified route and elevation gain.
Markets and Festivals
Since 2009, the Stary Sącz Town Office has held the two-day Starosądecki Jarmark Rzemiosła towards the end of August. The market draws on the long tradition of fairs in the “Old Town” and serves to showcase folk culture that has been preserved or revived. During a celebration honouring the patron saint of Stary Sącz, the Market Square is transformed into a knights’ camp for a day in July, with period music, handicraft stalls and food. If you want to plan your stay around an event date, check the current events calendar.
Discover more destinations: Jazowsko, Cieniawa, Białawoda, Rąbkowa, Binczarowa, Grybow, Chełmiec, Łącko.
For the broader travel overview: Nowy Sącz.
