Wiśnicko-Lipnicki Landscape Park is a hidden gem of the Lesser Poland region, where rolling forested hills, dramatic rocky outcrops and medieval market towns come together in one surprisingly compact area. Covering over 14,000 hectares on the Wiśnicki Foothills, this park rewards curious hikers with mushroom-shaped sandstone boulders, crystal-clear streams and an extraordinary variety of wildlife. It feels refreshingly off the beaten track — even in peak season.

The terrain here is wonderfully varied. Forested hills rising above 500 m are cut through by steep stream gorges and open out into traditional farmland, meadows and peat bogs. In spring the meadows burst with protected species like the stemless carline thistle and gentians; summer brings cool shade under the Carpathian beech forests; autumn transforms the hillsides into a blaze of colour. The air is remarkably clean — no heavy industry, no big cities, and farming practices close to organic. A slow, peaceful atmosphere makes this a perfect destination for those who prefer nature walks over crowded mountain trails.

• Bochnia (train station parking) — blue trail towards Nowy Wiśnicz – Kamień Grzyb – Paprotna – Rajbrot – Tymbark, difficulty: moderate
• Rajbrot — red trail via Rogozowa and the Piekarski Stream valley to Lipnica Murowana, difficulty: easy to moderate
• Rajbrot — green trail via Bukowiec and Machulec to Czchów, difficulty: moderate

• Landscape park — free entry, open year-round
• Kamień Grzyb nature reserve features a sandstone rock shaped like a mushroom, about 7 m tall — one of the most distinctive sights in the park
• Bukowiec forest reserve protects a well-preserved beech stand with flowering ivy
• 119 protected animal species recorded, including black stork, fire salamander and European otter

The wooden church of St Leonard in nearby Lipnica Murowana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a perfect cultural add-on to any hiking day in the park.