Obidowa
Accommodation in Obidowa
Obidowa lies at an altitude of 750 to 850 metres in the western Gorce. Cross-country skiing, several hiking trails and the mountain landscape with its clearings help define the area.
Widok z „Maciejówki na Obidową”, Rabka, 1912
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Obidowa at a glance
- Obidowa is the highest-altitude village in the western Gorce and the largest village by area in the Nowy Targ municipality.
- A cross-country ski route runs from Obidowa to the mountain shelter at Turbacz and is considered suitable for advanced beginners.
- A popular hiking trail from Rabka to Turbacz passes through Obidowa.
- The village has good local public transport connections with Nowy Targ.
How does the mountain landscape shape Obidowa’s character?
Above the forests lie the mountain clearings of Bukowina, Roznowa, Płowowa, Grajcarowa and Rusnakowa. Mountain grasses grow in the clearings; until recently, they were used for summer grazing. This former use as pasture shapes the landscape. A few shepherds’ huts have also been preserved in the mountain area. The forests are described as remnants of the former Carpathian primeval forest.
The landscape brings together forested mountain slopes, open clearings and traces of former grazing. If both forests and open mountain areas interest you when choosing a destination, these features offer a concrete impression of Obidowa’s surroundings.
Which routes fit your travel plans?
The cross-country ski route from Obidowa leads to the mountain shelter at Turbacz and is suitable for advanced beginners. The ascent is said to take two to three hours, and the return journey about one to one and a half hours. Thanks to a special microclimate, cross-country skiing conditions are generally described as very good from December through March or April. This gives you an idea of the route’s duration and season.
Two other hiking routes are described. A popular hiking trail from Rabka to Turbacz passes through Obidowa. Another route runs west from the Stare Wierchy mountain shelter, via Mount Obidowa, Klikuszowa and PyzĂłwka, towards Babia GĂłra. When choosing, you can consider their different destinations and directions: one route leads to Turbacz, while the other heads towards Babia GĂłra.
What cultural features can you find in Obidowa?
A chapel in the shape of a shepherd’s hut stands in the Rusnakowa clearing. It was built to commemorate the first papal pilgrimage to his homeland and the Pope’s stay in Podhale in 1979. Masses for the mountain community, with a sermon in the Goral language, are held there annually on the first Sunday in August. If you would like to plan around a particular Mass, confirm the date locally.
Local architecture is also part of the area’s cultural character: Obidowa still has wooden houses in the Podhale style, with beams laid one on top of another in a wreath-like pattern. The chapel and wooden houses thus reflect different aspects of regional culture.
How can you plan your journey and accommodation?
Obidowa has good local public transport connections with Nowy Targ. If this connection matters for your journey, check the timetable for your travel date before setting off.
This helps you compare the reasons for choosing your destination. Check the specific details of any hotel separately.
Discover more destinations: Zubrzyca GĂłrna, Trybsz, Maruszyna, Rabka-ZdrĂłj, Lasek, Huba, Ochotnica GĂłrna, RogoĹşnik.
FAQ
When are Masses held in the Rusnakowa clearing?
Annually on the first Sunday in August. If you would like to attend a particular Mass, confirm the date locally.
How long does the ascent to the mountain shelter at Turbacz take?
The ascent on the cross-country ski route is said to take two to three hours, and the return journey about one to one and a half hours.
How is Obidowa connected to Nowy Targ?
Obidowa has good local public transport connections with Nowy Targ. Check the timetable for your travel date.
Go to the higher-level travel overview: Nowotarski.
.jpg){kind=link}