Obidowa lies at an altitude of 750 to 850 metres and is the highest village in the western Gorce. It is also the largest village in the Nowy Targ municipality by area. The two details offer different points of reference: the elevation describes its location in the mountains, while the area figure describes its size within the municipality.
Mountain Landscape and Clearings
Forests have been preserved in the mountain area around Obidowa and are considered remnants of the former Carpathian primeval forest. Above these forests lie the Bukowina, Roznowa, Płowowa, Grajcarowa and Rusnakowa clearings. The upper mountain clearings include meadows with mountain grasses that were used for summer grazing until recently. A few shepherds’ huts have also been preserved in the mountain area.
Chapel and Podhale Architecture
A chapel shaped like a shepherd’s hut stands in the Rusnakowa clearing. It was built in memory of the first papal pilgrimage to his homeland and the Pope’s stay in Podhale in 1979. Masses for the mountain community are held at the chapel every year on the first Sunday in August, with the sermon delivered in the Goral dialect. If you plan to attend a particular Mass, check the date in advance.
Obidowa still has wooden houses in the Podhale style. Their beams are stacked in a log-cabin pattern. This beam arrangement defines the houses’ construction, while the chapel is distinguished by its shepherd’s-hut shape.
Cross-Country Skiing and Hiking Trails
The cross-country skiing route from Obidowa to the mountain hut on Turbacz is suitable for advanced beginners. The ascent to the hut is estimated to take two to three hours; the return journey is estimated at about one to one and a half hours. You should therefore allow different amounts of time for the two sections. Thanks to the special microclimate, conditions on the route are considered very good from December to March or April. Check conditions for the specific day of your trip.
Different routes are also described for hiking. A popular hiking trail from Rabka to Turbacz passes through Obidowa. Another starts at the Stare Wierchy mountain hut and runs west over Mount Obidowa, through Klikuszowa and PyzĂłwka, towards Babia GĂłra. It is worth distinguishing between the names: the trail from Rabka to Turbacz passes through Obidowa, while the other goes over Mount Obidowa. The time estimates apply to the cross-country skiing route to the hut, not to either hiking trail.
Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay
Obidowa has a good local public transport connection with Nowy Targ. If Nowy Targ is part of your travel plans, this connection may influence your choice of accommodation. Check the timetable for your specific dates if you plan to rely on it.
Discover more destinations: Lasek, Bańska Niżna, Szaflary, Falsztyn, Maniowy, Czorsztyn, Czarny Dunajec, Chochołów.
Return to the broader travel overview: Nowotarski.
