Stary Sącz

The Poor Clares’ Monastery is part of the historic townscape and, together with the Old Town, forms a heritage site of particular importance to Polish culture and heritage. Bobrowisko lies within the area of Stary Sącz, between the Dunajec and Poprad rivers; wooden observation walkways about 400 metres long lead through wetlands, small lakes, and shrubland. A network of cycle paths leads, among other places, to the historic market square, the monastery, and the Papal Altar.

The Poor Clares’ Monastery includes the Gothic Church of the Holy Trinity and Saint Clare. Its nave is elongated and divided into five aisles; the chancel is short and consists of two bays. These architectural features make the church a useful point of reference for anyone interested in the architectural history of religious buildings. The monastery’s location also has a historical connection: in 1280, Kinga had Franciscan monasteries founded in Sącz. A steep slope above a former bed of the Poprad was chosen for the women’s monastery.

The Seweryn Udziela Regional Museum offers another perspective on the town’s history. Its present-day collections trace their origins to shoemaker and collector Józef Paszkiewicz (1887–1953). They include memorabilia relating to the history of Stary Sącz, as well as local craft guilds and the “Sokół” gymnastics association. Visitors who want to explore cultural history beyond churches and the townscape will also find connections to crafts and community life here.

At Bobrowisko, the focus is on wetlands, small lakes, and shrubland. Wooden observation walkways about 400 metres long pass through this landscape. Leśne Molo offers a different experience: its walkway winds among the trees on Miejska Góra. Glass spheres invite visitors to follow the development from tadpole onward; from the walkway, Stary Sącz can be seen in the foreground.

For a longer hike, a yellow-marked trail runs from Stary Sącz railway station to the mountain hut at Przehyba. The route is about 14.5 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of around 840 metres. Consider both figures when deciding whether this route suits your plans. If you would rather include cycle paths in town, you can use the network that leads to the historic market square, the Poor Clares’ Monastery, and the Papal Altar. This offers a choice of different themes for your trip: a marked hiking route, urban destinations by bike, or trails through natural areas.

Since 2009, the Stary Sącz Town Office has held the two-day Starosądecki Jarmark Rzemiosła toward 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. Another event is described as a celebration in honour of Stary Sącz’s patron saint: on a day in July, the market square becomes a knights’ camp with period music, craft stalls, and food.

For further comparisons between places, also see the pages for Nowy Sącz, Brzyna, Żeleźnikowa Wielka, Nowa Wieś, Grybow, Chełmiec, Labowa and Świdnik.

How long is the hiking trail to Przehyba?

The yellow-marked trail from Stary Sącz railway station to the mountain hut at Przehyba is about 14.5 kilometres long. The elevation gain is around 840 metres.

What can you expect at Bobrowisko?

The nature reserve between the Dunajec and Poprad rivers includes wetlands, small lakes, and shrubland. Wooden observation walkways run through it for about 400 metres.

When is the Starosądecki Jarmark Rzemiosła held?

The Town Office has held the two-day market toward the end of August since 2009. It serves to showcase folk culture that has been preserved or revived.

For the broader travel overview: Nowy Sącz.