Szopka Pass

Szopka Pass lies in the Pieniny Mountains at an altitude of 779 m above sea level, between Trzy Korony (982 m) and the hill of Czoło (815 m). It is the main trail junction in the Pieniny proper.

Trails and views

Trails to Trzy Korony, Czorsztyn, Krościenko and Sromowce Niżne cross at the pass. From the Szopka glade you can see the foothills of Spisz and the Tatra Mountains, and from the glade above the pass the Gorce, although the views are limited by the small size of the glade and partial overgrowth. There are a spring, benches and information boards. It can be crowded in the season. The boundary between Sromowce Niżne and Krościenko nad Dunajcem runs through the pass.

History and nature

This has long been a crossing between Krościenko and Sromowce Niżne. In the mid-19th century the first tourists came up here in highlanders' horse-drawn carts. There used to be a shelter here in which rafters spent the night. The glade is mown by Pieniny National Park, and it supports a Pieniny meadow with the rare Gladiolus imbricatus.

Nearby

Higher up the trail is Trzy Korony, and not far away is the Szopczański Gorge.

Practical information

• Locality: Sromowce Niżne, Nowy Targ County.
• Access on foot along the trails from Krościenko, Sromowce Niżne or Czorsztyn. Check walking times on a current trail map.