Gorce National Park

Why visit?

The Gorce are among the quietest of Poland's mountain ranges. Gorce National Park, established in 1981 around the Turbacz massif, protects 70.3 km2 of compact Carpathian forest — trees cover fully 95 percent of its area, and many spruces, beeches and firs over a century old grow here untouched. The scale of the tranquility speaks for itself: in 2024 the park welcomed just 92 thousand visitors — about as many as the Tatras absorb in a single sunny weekend. The character of the Gorce comes from its shepherd clearings, carved out of the forest by Vlach herders as early as the 14th century. What remains of that old economy are the names of the hala meadows, carpets of crocuses blooming each spring and the famous views: from the clearings you can admire the Tatras, the Pieniny and the Beskid Wyspowy. Cultural sheep grazing has been reintroduced on Hala Długa, so in summer you can watch a living slice of shepherd tradition. There is an anecdote here too: the very summit dome of Turbacz (1310 m) formally lies outside the park's borders. The first reserve was created here as early as 1927, named after Władysław Orkan — the bard of the Gorce born in Poręba Wielka, whose manor house can be visited today. The park's symbol is the fire salamander — in the damp forests you may genuinely spot one, along with traces of wolves and bears wandering over from Babia Góra. Practical tips: the easiest route to Turbacz leads from Koninki through the clearings (about 3 hours), while a full ridge loop takes a whole day. The season opens with crocuses in April and May and closes with golden beeches in October. In winter the trails demand experience and gear — the Gorce are beautiful then, but challenging.

What you’ll see

• Turbacz (1310 m) i pasterskie polany z panoramą Tatr i Pienin
• Łany krokusów na halach w kwietniu i maju
• Kulturowy wypas owiec na Hali Długiej
• 95% powierzchni parku pokrywają dzikie lasy
• Salamandra plamista — symbol parku

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