A trip to Podsarnie can be shaped around cultural and historical details or a hiking and cycling trail with named views. The historic landmarks differ in their construction and history: a wooden bell tower, a stone figure and a brick roadside shrine. The trail runs from Harkabuz to the edge of Podsarnie, following the border between Orawa and Podhale. This offers a choice between specific local history and a landscape perspective, depending on your interests.

Historic Landmarks in Podsarnie

Podsarnie is home to a wooden bell tower dating from the 17th century. In 1924, it was donated by fellow countrymen from the USA and is called the “Bell of Saint Isidore.” The two dates refer to different periods in its history: the 17th century dates the bell tower, while 1924 marks the year it was donated. Its name also gives the structure a special connection; it names the bell after Saint Isidore rather than referring only to its shape or material. Visitors interested in local history will find both an early date and a later story of its donation here.

The historic stone figure of Saint John of Nepomuk stands on the main road. Katarzyna and Jan Kapuściak donated it in 1874 as a votive offering of thanks for their rescue from a flood. Krystyna and Piotr Antoniak restored the figure in 1998. The dates therefore mark two different events: 1874 for the donation and 1998 for the restoration. Its votive purpose also makes the figure a testament to a specific expression of gratitude; the names of its donors and restorers place its history across several generations.

Another historic landmark is a brick roadside shrine containing a figure of the Coronation of Mary. It dates from the 1960s, stands free-standing and is surrounded by a brown-painted metal fence. Before the present-day church was built, religious services were held in the shrine. Its history therefore encompasses both its construction and the figure inside, as well as an earlier religious use. This distinguishes the shrine from the bell tower with its story of a donation and the votive figure with its specific reason for being made.

For travelers interested in cultural history, the difference between these three landmarks lies in their respective features: the bell tower is defined by its date, donation and name; the figure, by its votive purpose and restoration; and the shrine, by its former use as a place of worship. This makes it possible to explore local history not only through architectural forms, but also through different occasions and uses.

Hiking and Cycling Trail on the Border of Orawa and Podhale

The hiking and cycling trail from Harkabuz to Podsarnie starts at a car park at the entrance to Harkabuz and ends at the edge of Podsarnie. The trail follows the border between Orawa and Podhale. Along the route, there are views of the Tatra Mountains, Babia Góra, the Polica Range and the summit of Luboń Wielki. For those choosing between cultural and historical sights and an outdoor activity, the trail provides clear points of reference: its direction, its location on the regional border and the named views. Check the current route description before setting out, as route information may change.

Discover more destinations: Ponice, Grywałd, Szaflary, Ratułów, Rogoźnik, Chochołów, Łopuszna, Falsztyn

See the wider travel guide: Nowotarski.