Nowy Sącz can be explored through a variety of themes: the market square with its historic houses, the Gothic Collegiate Church of St. Margaret, and the junction of two cycling routes. Getting there is also straightforward to understand, as the city is connected to the railway network. When choosing where to stay, it is worth first considering whether you mainly want to explore the city’s history and architecture, or also see Nowy Sącz as a destination for a cycling trip.

Getting There and Understanding the Cycling Routes

In Nowy Sącz, the VeloDunajec route meets the international EuroVelo 11 cycling route. This connection gives cyclists a clear point of reference when planning: both routes converge in the city. As cycling infrastructure can change, check the current route status before setting off. This keeps your choice of transport and the planning of your activities as two clear steps, without assuming a particular route or travel time.

The Market Square, Town Hall and Collegiate Church

The market square is characterized by Renaissance and Baroque houses, as well as lanes and courtyards. The Town Hall stands on the market square and combines an eclectic style with a distinctive façade and tower. It also serves as the seat of the city administration. Architecture enthusiasts will therefore find both a variety of historic townscape styles and a building that continues to serve a municipal function today.

Another facet is the Gothic Collegiate Church of St. Margaret in the center of Nowy Sącz. Its interior features medieval and Renaissance furnishings. The church adds sacred architecture and decorative details to the impression created by the residential houses and the Town Hall. A row of houses with decorated façades runs along Jagiellońska Street from the market square. Thus, the city’s streetscape, not just individual buildings, is among the themes described. You can organize your visit around these different highlights: the square and Town Hall, the church interior, and the façades along the street.

A Historical Perspective on the City

Nowy Sącz is one of the oldest cities in Lesser Poland. The “Ekumeniczny Szlak Pielgrzyma” (Ecumenical Pilgrim Route) offers another way to engage with the city’s history. It leads to places important to Poles, Jews, Roma, Germans and Lemkos, and conveys the pre-war multicultural and multiconfessional character of Nowy Sącz. This themed route differs from an approach focused mainly on architectural styles: it explores the different communities associated with places in the city, and the religious and cultural diversity that existed before the war. If you are interested in the city’s history, you can consider this historical theme alongside the architectural impressions, without treating the two as the same.

Galician Dishes and City Life

At the Galician Town, visitors can stroll around, see a photographer and a watchmaker, and sample Galician dishes. This combines a walk with insights into trades and regional cuisine, offering a different focus from the buildings and historical themes. If you would like to include this visit in your plans, check in advance whether a visit and the offerings are available on your chosen date.

Discover more destinations: Grybow, Nowy Sącz, Muszyna, Krynica-Zdrój, Uhryń, Świdnik, Podegrodzie, Stary Sącz, Rytro, Tylicz, Piwniczna-Zdrój, Łącko, Jazowsko, Gródek Nad Dunajcem, Wierchomla Wielka, Zarzecze, Nowa Wieś, Żegiestów, Labowa, Cieniawa, Żeleźnikowa Wielka, Chełmiec, Krzyżówka, Barcice, Rożnów, Brzyna, Zawadka, Kąclowa, Florynka, Mochnaczka Niżna, Wierchomla Mała, Binczarowa, Białawoda, Berest, Zubrzyk, Rąbkowa.

For the full travel overview: Lesser Poland.