Here are some travel inspirations from the Małopolska in the eco rhythm Guide, which will satisfy every curious traveller and culinary adventurer.
On the trail of shepherd's huts (bacówka)
Let us start with Podhale, Spis and Orawa as the most popular holiday destinations in Małopolska. Numerous mountain trails and well-prepared and marked bicycle routes encourage you to be active and discover charming corners. The culinary hit of the area is, of course, the cheese. Highland cheeses taste best when bought straight from a shepherd's hut. They can also be a great snack on a longer hike. But all in all, why not take a culinary trip from one shepherd's hut to another and enjoy the characteristic smoked aroma endlessly? The Oscypek Trail will help you plan such a trip. In the mountain shepherd's huts, you will not only find the best cheeses, but you will also get a glimpse of how the sheep graze, how the cheese delicacies are made and what life is like for the highlanders in the mountain pastures. If you happen to be in the Czorsztyn area, make sure to visit the Shepherd’s Hut at the Majerz Glade, where Wojciech Komperda, one of the creators of Slow Food Polska but first and foremost a shepherd by birth, will introduce you to the shepherd's world, show you what cultural sheep herding looks like and treat you to delicious oscypek, bryndza, bunc, żętyca and other delicacies. Sheep herding traditions came to Poland with the Wallachians, so if you want to learn more about this history, follow the Wallachian Culture Trail.
Nowy Sącz refreshment
When cycling from Spis and Pieniny towards Nowy Sącz, be sure to stop in Łącko. A VeloDunajec bicycle trip is a brilliant idea. You can visit the famous Maurer's Press for a rest en route. There, juicy and crunchy Łącko apples and other fresh fruits are turned into delicious fresh juice full of vitamins. Such fruit refreshments can prove invaluable during summer excursions, especially in hot weather. The famous Łącko plum vodka and other fruit spirits are also produced at the winery. A bottle of local liquor can be an excellent souvenir from a trip. There are many places in the Nowy Sącz Region where you can seek refreshment, thanks to numerous mineral and therapeutic water springs. Walking or cycling along the Poprad Valley, you can enjoy the taste and healing power of the local waters. After a trip on the Radziejowa Mountain or the Jaworzyna Range and long walks in Muszyna, Piwniczna-Zdrój or Krynica, you will undoubtedly appreciate a sip of the best quality, natural water.
The idyllic atmosphere of Western Małopolska
If your holiday is a time of rest and tranquillity, visit Lanckorona. This small town with a unique artistic atmosphere is ideal for relaxing in a slow rhythm. Finish your walk around Lanckorona Mountain in one of the local atmospheric cafes to linger over the picturesque surroundings. Be sure to try the preserves from Taste of the Guesthouse and bread from the Siwek Family Bakery. You can also learn more about the use of herbs at the ’U Maciejowej’ educational and herbal farm in nearby Jastrzębia. For dessert, be sure to drop by Wadowice. Nowhere else will you taste such a delicious, legendary piece of pastry with thin flaky layers and filled with custard cream (kremówka) as the kind you’ll find in the home town of John Paul II. In the surroundings, you can discover the secrets of beekeeping – a fantastic adventure for young and old travellers alike. Beekeeping workshops at Wojtek's Apiary (Pasieka u Wojtka) in Marcyporęba, educational classes at Apilandia in Klecza Dolna, and a visit to the Apiary in Zastawie will be not only an exciting adventure but also an opportunity to taste delicious local honey. If, on the other hand, you would like to taste the famous carp from Zator but also learn how to fillet and prepare this royal fish, visit the Podolsze Fishing Spot.
In the land of vineyards and delicious cuisine
Wine, fresh fruit and vegetables and the famous Piękny Jaś beans are the culinary trademarks of the Tarnów region. If you bring your bikes, you can take a fantastic 40 km trip through Rzuchowa, the Dunajec Valley, Dąbrówka Szczepanowska Janowice, Lubinka, Lubcza and Szczepanowice. The starting point can be Tarnów or the railway station in Świebodzin. On the way, you can visit the local vineyards: Janowice, Gierowa and Uroczysko in Janowice, Dąbrówka in Dąbrówka Szczepanowska, Zadora and Kulawik in Szczepanowice and the Local Product Centre in Rzuchowa, as well as the Michałowin and Epigon vineyards.
An excellent alternative would be the looping bicycle route at the foot of the Brzanka Range. The 36 km-long-ride will allow you to visit Tuchów, the Stec Family Vineyard, the pack and court establishment in Uniszowa, Ryglice, Jonicy, Antoni's Vineyards and Apiary in Wola Lubecka, Zalasowa and the World War I cemetery in the Tuchów Forest. Along the way, besides tasting delicious honey and wine, you will be treated to beautiful views and many historical curiosities of the area.
Something for fish lovers and meat eaters
Something for fish lovers and meat eatersTrout have been bred in the Jurassic valleys for centuries.
If you like these freshwater predatory fish, a hike through the Prądnik Valley or the Będkowska Valley is a must. You can try trout prepared in various ways at the Ojców Trout and the Fishing Farm Będkowska Valley. It tastes best with local side dishes, bread and pickles. The beauty of the surroundings, deep valleys and limestone monadnocks will provide the perfect backdrop for a delicious feast.
A real treat for meat eaters awaits in Liszki and Czernichów. The location by the Vistula River is conducive to walks, and the taste of the local sausages, produced using traditional methods, is famous throughout Poland. Lisiecka sausage has been included on the EU's list of regional products, which attests to its quality. While shopping, you can also visit the nearby Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec or the Wolski Forest.
Take advantage of the holiday time to explore and try new flavours. Enjoy your journey in Małopolska!