11.TRK JEZIORO OD PÓŁNOCY I PIENINY SPISKIE / THE LAKE FROM THE NORTH AND PIENINY SPISKIE MOUNTAINS

CZORSZTYN – northern shore of the Lake – Dębno – forest path to Nowa Biała – Krempachy – Route Around the Tatras to Dursztyn views –Dursztyn panorama – downhill ride to Łapsze views – Łapsze Niżne – Niedzica – NIEDZICA-ZAMEK

You don't know whether to choose the Lake or heritage sites or mountain landscapes? This route is for you because it has it all! Riding just above the surface of Lake Czorsztyn, through the secluded forests between Dębno and Nowa Biała, the picturesque Tatra and Pieniny Mountains of Spisz near Dursztyn and the magnificent heritage sites of Niedzica and Dębno make you yearn to revisit this route many times. PLEASE NOTE! The route involves a ferry crossing between Niedzica-Zamek and Czorsztyn.

We start the tour at the foot of the Czorsztyn castle ruins. We set off on a bicycle path to the west – 12 km of ride along the northern shore of Lake Czorsztyn in front of us: The route runs just a little higher than the water surface, leading through the picturesque bays of Pusta and Sygulina, offering ever-changing views of the Pieniny Spiskie range with the Żar Mountain towering up and the Tatras on the horizon. In front of us, to the west and in the distance behind the water is the church tower in Frydman, giving the impression of a lighthouse on the shore of the Lake. Behind it, in the background, is the Queen of the Beskidy – the Babia Góra Peak. Watch out for sharp bends when riding! On the way we can stop at one of the many comfortable cyclists’ resting places).

After reaching the end of the path below Huba, we ride to the main road, the DW969. In front of us lies a dangerous stretch of 800 m on the side of the DW969 road, along a narrow bridge over the Dunajec River. Behind us, keeping to the right, we escape to a Velo Dunajec path and cycle under a bridge to go on to the embankment in Dębno; there are splendid views of the Lake.

After leaving the embankment, we turn right sharply to get to the centre of the village, where there is the 15^th century wooden church of St. Michael the Archangel (UNESCO). If it is open, it's worth a look inside. In Dębno, we see the signs for bicycle trail No. 102. Following them, we leave the village for Polna Street to reach Nowa Biała and the signs for the Route Around the Tatras through asphalt, gravel and, again, asphalt, through fields and forest. The road is a safe alternative to the Frydman - Krempachy road.

In Nowa Biała, let's pay attention to the linear spindle-shaped building layout typical of Spisz. We continue to Krempachy, where we turn right on to Tatrzańska Street. The trail leads through beautiful, idyllic landscapes with interesting terrain – the charm of the Pieniny Klippen Belt appears before our eyes together with an uphill stretch (not very easy, but not too long), at the end of which we can enjoy a wonderful panorama.

After a short downhill stretch (sharp bend!), we ride up again, now to Dursztyn itself, a village at the roof of the Spisz, located in a mixed Pieniny-Beskid Tatra landscape. The Route Around the Tatras leads us to the impressive scenic Honaj hill from where the Tatra Mountains look spectacular.

And that's not the end of the attractions. The descent to Łapsze is a fast ride through forests and mountain pastures, with views of the Trzy Korony Peak, the Tatras, flocks of sheep... an unforgettable experience. We leave in Łapsze Niżne and continue downhill (already off the Route and in general traffic) through Niedzica to the shores of Lake Sromowieckie. At the roundabout we pick the route uphill following the Velo Dunajec signs up to the castle in Niedzica. It looks most beautiful at the end of the dam. Those interested in the history of the Inca treasure will visit the castle itself, where there are cafes and restaurants. After the castle we go down to the port and by ferry or small gondola, we return to Czorsztyn.