Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Selected geosites within a proposed new trans-border Geopark (Polish-Slovakian)

JAN GOLONKA, MAREK DOKTOR, KRZYSZTOF MIŚKIEWICZ, MICHAŁ KROBICKI, and TADEUSZ SŁOMKA Department of General Geology and Geotourism Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, A.Mickiewicza 30 Ave., 30-059 Kraków, (Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected])

ABSTRACT Only one geopark in Poland is on UNESCO list – Muskau Arc Geopark but one of the first propositions was very interesting cross-border Polish- geopark Pieniny. The proposed geopark includes the central, most interesting part of the and the adjacent areas of the Central Carpathian Paleogene and Western Flysch Carpathians. The specificity of the Pieniny Klippen Belt is that it is a unique area with a complex geological structure resulting from its multi-stage history. The geopark’s core belongs to the Polish Pieniny National Park (Pieniński Park Narodowy) and its Slovak equivalent the Pieninský Narodný Park. The primary task in the framework of Geopark project will be an inventory and valorization of geosites. The authors attempt to provide the review of the most important and significant geotouristic attraction within the proposed. The selected objects include The Rogoźnik Rock, the Białka River water gap at Krempachy, Snozka Pass, Wżar Mountain, the Castle, the Red Monastery (Červený Kláštor - Czerwony Klasztor), the River Gorge, , the Zaskalnik Waterfall, and the Homole Gorge.

Key words: Pieniny Mts., geotourism, geological inventory and valorization, geosites

INTRODUCTION of the first propositions was cross-border Polish-Slovakia geopark Pieniny. The Identification of certain number of major geological theme of this geopark is geological sites is one of the main values of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB), a strongly geoparks (Zouros, 2008). Geosite/ tectonized structure about 600 km long and geotope/geomorphosite are new terms in 1-20 km wide, which stretches from Vienna geological sciences and are subject of in the West, to Romania in the East (Fig. 1). protection (geoconservation) and tourism The area is composed mainly of several development (geotourism). Every geosite successions of mainly deep and shallow- have unique geodiversity (Gray, 2004) water limestones, covering a time span which can be part of scientific research in from the Early Jurassic to Late Cretaceous. geotourism (Miśkiewicz, 2009). This kind The proposed geopark includes the central, of research was conducted in the Pieniny most interesting part of the PKB and the area for many years. adjacent areas of the Central Carpathian An initial list of proposed geoparks in Paleogene and Western Flysch Carpathians. Poland was made (Alexandrowicz, 2006) In the framework of the Polish-Slovak and is still expanding. One geopark in cooperation, preparatory studies began for Poland is on UNESCO list – Muskau Arc this region. The Pieniny Geopark covers the Geopark (Koźma & Kupetz, 2008) but one area of the Pieniny Klippen Belt both the

46 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 1 The Carpathian map (according to Kováč et al., 1998) with proposed trans-border geoparks 1. The Outer Flysch Carpathians and their Mineral Waters Geopark, 2. The Pieniny Geopark, 3. The Beskidy-Orava-Kysuca Geopark.

Polish and Slovak side, together with gorges and interesting outcrops of rocks adjacent areas namely: Pieniny, Little containing fossils like ammonites, bivalves, Pieniny, Spisian Pieniny, , crinoids and brachiopods represent the Ljubovnianska Pahorkatina and Oravska major attractions. It has been the Magura (Fig. 2). The specificity of the destination of numerous geological Pieniny Klippen Belt is that it is a unique excursions, ranging from school trips, area with a complex geological structure general geology field courses for first year resulting from its multi-stage history. students organized by the Polish, Slovak The Pieniny Klippen Belt area can be and other European universities, and also treated as geological field laboratory, where special tours organized in the framework of the studied objects and processes help the international geological congresses understanding whole complex history of (Miśkiewicz & Golonka, 2010, Golonka et Earth. Often the geology conditioned the al., 2012). Tourists can admire an excellent location of the human culture objects; the illustration of the various processes of Medieval castles in Czorsztyn and physical geology. It is possible to study the for example. Pieniny attract millions of history of geological research and mining, tourists. Well sculptured towering peaks, rock and mineral resources, mineral waters deep valleys and ravines, scenic river elements of mineralogy and petrography,

47 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 2 Selected geosites within a proposed new Polish-Slovakian trans-border Pieniny Geopark. 1 – The Rogoźnik Rock. 2. The Białka River water gap at Krempachy, 3 – The Snozka Pass and Wżar Mountain, 4 – , 5 – Czerwony Klasztor (Červený Kláštor - Red Monastery), 6 – The , 7 – Szczawnica, 8 – The Zaskalnik Waterfall , 9 –The Homole Gorge and the use of stone in architecture. The scientific research, education and tourist future management entity of the Geopark activities). The main geotourist attraction is will be a consortium of the various entities, rafting through the Dunajec River Gorge, including universities, commons and an excellent scenic and educational trip. foundations. The geopark’s core belongs to Several important geosites are located the Polish Pieniny National Park (Pieniński outside the park, including Rogoźnik Rock Park Narodowy) and its Slovak equivalent Nature Reserve, placed on the UNESCO the Pieninský Narodný Park (Miśkiewicz & List of World Geological Heritage and Golonka, 2010, Golonka et al., 2012). Czorsztyn klippe, an interesting mixture of The idea of the National Park was culture and geology. The primary task in provided by Władysław Szafer in 1921 after the framework of Geopark project will be Poland gained her independence. The Park an inventory and valorization of geosites. was established in 1932 in Poland and in The authors attempt to provide the review 1967 in Slovakia. The Pieniny National of the most important and significant Park area in Poland is 2231 ha and 3750 ha geotouristic attraction within the proposed in Slovakia. One quarter of this area is Geopark (Miśkiewicz & Golonka, 2010, devoted to special nature sanctuaries, the Golonka et al., 2012). most important ones are: Macelowa Góra, , Pieniński Potok valley, Pieninki and Bystrzyk. Sixty percent of the THE ROGOŹNIK ROCK park area consists of forests, mainly beech woods; the rest contains meadows, The Rogoźnik Rock (Fig.3), a world-class agricultural areas and rocks. The Pieniny scientific object is situated 1.5 km south of National Park fulfills its roles in nature Rogoźnik village in the Podhale area. It conservation, scientific research, and in constitutes a reserve covering an area of promoting educational and tourist activities 0.26 ha. The rock lies far from tourist tracts (nature preservation role, conducting also and lacks any tourist infrastructure; only

48 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 3 The Rogoźnik Rock rare private accommodation opportunities Rogoźnik Rock illustrate well the exist in the nearby villages. However, we geological and he stratigraphy of the think that a large numbers of tourists, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods 150 especially illegal fossil collectors may containing a lot of well-reserved fossils. damage this place (Słomka et al., 2012). Ammonites, brachiopods, belemnites, The collecting of fossils is prohibited with bivalves, corals and crinoids are abundant the reserve, but it is allowed in the nearby contributing to the name „Rogoźnik quarries. coquina” or Rogoźnik Coquina Member These two neighboring abandoned (Birkenmajer, 1977) within the Czorsztyn quarries (Fig. 4) contain strata rich in Limestone Formation). History of mollusks fauna. The ammonite fauna paleontological research is linked to this indicate earliest Tithonian (Late Jurassic) geosite. Fossils were studied since the 19th up to the Berriasian (Early Cretaceous) age century. Importance of this geosite lead to so the limestones were deposited around the position of the Rogoźnik Rock in the 140-150 million years ago. The fossils are UNESCO World Geological Heritage List. chaotically distributed within sparite or This list includes high-ranking scientific micrite matrix (Słomka et al., 2012). . object of international paleontological and The Rogoźnik Rock and quarries belongs stratigraphic importance among the others to the geological structure known as the (Słomka et al., 2012). Pieniny Klippen Belt. It is an olistolith (Golonka et al, 2014). The limestone block, which includes Jurassic and Lower THE BIAŁKA RIVER WATER GAP Cretaceous strata, lies within the Upper AT KREMPACHY Cretaceous flysch matrix like raisin in the dough. The limestone blocks protrude in the This extremely picturesque water gap landscape as isolated klippen or their (Fig. 5) and is situated in the Białka River groups (Słomka et al., 2012). The valley, about 1.5 km to the southwest of the

49 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 4 The quarry in Rogoźnik, visible thick-bedded, red, micritic, ammonite-brachiopod coquinas.

Fig. 5 The Białka River gap in Krempachy – view from the top of the Obłazowa Rock

50 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63 center of Nowa Biała village. The unusually grey granites originated in the Tatra clear and cold mountain braided river cuts batholith dominate. through two high klippen: Obłazowa (670 The private parking lot is located near the m a.s.l., 50 m high) in the west and rocks. The geosite is annually visited by Kramnica (688 m a.s.l., 68 m high) in the great numbers of tourists, climbers, hikers east. These klippen are built up of carbonate and holiday-makers. Landscape values of rocks that belong to the Czorsztyn this place are also attractive to film makers. Succession of the Pieniny Klippen Belt It is exactly here where scenes used in (Słomka et al., 2012). Polish films “Janosik”, “Trzecia granica” The stratigraphic column of the Obłazowa [The third border] and “Karol – człowiek, klippe exposes a thick complex of white, który zostal papieżem” [Karol – the man partly yellowish or purple crinoid limestone who became the pope] were filmed (Słomka of Bajocian age (Smolegowa Limestone et al, 2012). Formation), bearing well visible fragments of crinoids, more rarely ammonites and brachiopods. Up the section, the ca. 3 m SNOZKA PASS AND WŻAR thick red crinoid limestone appears MOUNTAIN (Krupianka Limestone Formation), and then red nodular limestone (Czorsztyn The Snozka Pass can serve as a gateway Limestone Formation), which is overlain by to the Pieniny region and is well known purple-white calpionellid limestone among tourists travelling toward the (Dursztyn Limestone Formation) Dunajec river rafting, Pieniny Mountains as (Birkenmajer, 1977; Słomka et al., 2012). well as Kreościenko and Szczawnica towns. The Białka River water gap at Krempachy The monument (Fig. 6) designed by the is well known among archeologists. The famous artist Władysław Hasior is located small 9 m long cave is rich in artefacts near the parking lot. This monument site documenting prehistorical settlement of Cro provides a magnificent view of the Gorce, Magnone people. These artefacts (were Tatra Mountains, Pieniny Mountains and subject of the radiocarbon dating. They are Czorsztyn reservoir (Golonka, 2006a). The around 30 thousand years old and belong to shepherd cabin (local term “Bacówka”) is Pavlov Culture, well known from Moravia, located between parking lot and monument. Czech Republic. The oldest boomerang was Excellent and famous sheep cheese known made of mammoth tusk. The oldest human as “oscypek”, Podhale regional product is bones found in the Poland belong to the available here. mammoth hunters. The remnants woolly The Wżar mountain geosite is located rhinoceros, Eurasian cave lion or cave north of the monument and parking. The hyena, were also identified here (Słomka et Neogene igneous rocks, known as andesites al., 2012). crops out here (Fig. 7). The term andesite The Kramnica Klippe is located on the is not correct, suggesting a volcanic origin right, eastern side of the Białka River. It of the rock. From modern petrological point exposes complex block- and slice-type of view it is rather microdiorite. The tectonic structure deforming white and red amphibole and augite crystals are visible in crinoid limestones, red nodular limestones the rock. The magma crystalized well and red limestones and siltstones of below the Earth surface forming an Tithonian and Berriasian ages (Dursztyn intrusion within the Limestone Formation) Birkenmajer flysch rocks. The magnetic anomaly (Birkenmajer, 1977, Bartuś et al., 2012). illustrate well the magma cooling process. Well rounded boulders and cobbles fill This anomaly shows the Earth magnetic The Białka River bed. These cobbles were reversal. The compass needle shows the transported from the Tatra Mountains. The magnetic North outside the intrusion. It

51 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 6 Memorial of World War II soldiers in the Snozka Pass

Fig. 7 The quarry in the Wżar Mountain Andesites changes slightly its direction in the outer compass needle shows the magnetic South part of the intrusion. The change increases inside the intrusion. Birkenmajer & toward the intrusion center. Finally the Pécskay (1999) investigated the intrusion

52 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63 radiometric age using K-Ar method. They brachiopods, crinoids, calpionellids, distinguished two generation of dykes. The foraminifers, were collected here. Today older yield 12.5-12.8 Ma age, while the the great part of rock is covered by the younger is 10.8-12.2 Ma old (Birkenmajer water of Czorsztyn Lake. The upper part of & Pécskay, 1999; Golonka, 2006a). the rock composes very well with the castle walls, while the lower part is accessible by boat. The red nodular limestone is very well THE CZORSZTYN CASTLE visible castle and within the walls of the lower castle. This limestone is known as The Czorsztyn Castle (Fig. 8) was built in the Czorsztyn Limestone Formation the fourteenth century by King Casimir the (Birkenmajer, 1977). In the Pieniny Great. Almost all Polish kings visited this Klippen Belt. Similar limestone is known as site. The castle was important fortification “Ammonitico Rosso Veronese” in Italy. guarding the Polish-Hungarian border. It The famous Juliette (character in the was the largest Polish defensive stronghold Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliette) on the southern fringe of the country. The balcony in Verona contains this castle was besieged several times and “Ammonitico Rosso Veronese” limestone. seriously damaged during peasant upheaval The half of this beautiful town also in XVII century. Today, only ruins ascend contains red nodular limestone walls and to the top of the castle 53 m above the pavements (Krobicki et al., 2006). surface of Lake Czorsztyn. Defensive wall of the upper castle with a massive tower was preserved. The lower castle is THE RED MONASTERY (ČERVENÝ represented only by remains of the walls. KLÁŠTOR - CZERWONY KLASZTOR) In 1921 the castle was included into the protected reserve. Since 1966 it has been an The Red Monastery (Červený Kláštor integral part of the national park. The castle buildings are located in Slovakia between can be visited every day from 1.05 to 30.09 the Pieninský národný park ) Pienap and and from 10 to 15 Tuesday to Sunday in the Červený Kláštor village. Ancient linden remaining months (Krobicki et al., 2006). trees spread out between the monastery and The rock on which the Czorsztyn Castle Dunajec River. The statue of St. Anthony was built belongs to the most important dating from the eighteenth century is geosites within. It was visited by numerous located between these trees. The monastery geologists and paleontologists since and village name is derived from the red beginning of the XIXth century. The roof of the complex, the original name was geologists visited type locality of the Lechnicki (Golonka & Krobicki, 2007). Czorsztyn Succession containing Middle The monastery construction, which started Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous limestones. in 1330 was finance by Hungarian noble This rock is known as Czorsztyn or Sobótka Kokos Berzevici as well as by Polish king Klippe (Krobicki et al., 2006).. It is the Kazimierz and Queen Jadwiga. The limestone ollistolithic block, which lies Camelot order constructed new houses, within the Upper Cretaceous- Paleogene hospital and famous apothecary in XVIIIth flysch matrix like the Rogoźnik Rock century. The brother Cyprian (Franz Ignatz (Golonka et al, 2015, in press).. The Jäschke) belonged to the Camelots. He was limestone blocks protruding in the known as flying monk, because the Pieniny landscape as the isolated klippe is well Highlanders believed that he was a sorcerer, distinguished in the landscape being more which could fly. He used the home-made erosion-resistant than the surrounding wings to fly from Trzy Korony Mountain to flysch matrix. the Red Monastery (Golonka & Krobicki, The numerous fossils such as ammonites, 2007). In reality he was very good scholar

53 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63 and pharmacist. He collected famous The river depth is about 8m at the herbarium containing 282 plants from Zbójnicki Skok or Janosikowy Skok Pieniny, Tatra Mountains, Podhale and Spis (Janosik’s or highland robber’s jump), the regions. The herbarium guide was written narrowest fragment of the gorge Fig. 11. The in Greek, Latin, Polish, Slovakian, and place was named after Janosik, legendary German languages. (Golonka 2006b; chief of highland robbers. He is famous and Golonka & Krobicki, 2007). Today, the known in Poland and Slovakia being Red Monastery complex includes buildings compared to Robin Hood and depicted in of the post-monastery, museum, restaurant numerous books, plays and movies, the and resort. The museum contains historical musical “Na Szkle Malowane (Painted on exhibitions, ethnographic collections and the Glass)” by Katarzyna Gertner among the pharmacy. The mineral waters are known others, this musical was played without from Červený Kláštor Kupele break for over thirty years in Bratislava in (Śmierdzonka) hamlet south of the XXth century. It is perhaps the world record monastery. accomplishing result better than that achieved by Broadway theaters.. According to legends, Janosik was chased by hayduks THE DUNAJEC RIVER GORGE (policemen) and escaped by jumping across Dunajec River in XVIII century (Golonka The antecedent Dunajec River Gorge, 2006b; Golonka & Krobicki, 2007). which cut through the Pieniny mountain The Dunajec River is meandering due to range represent the main attraction. The the antecedent character of the gorge. The Dunajec River is meandering among the boat pilots ask visitors to figure the direction several hundred meters high cliffs. Rafting of the river bends. The large peninsula down the river is an unforgettable surrounded by meandering river is known as experience (Golonka 2006b; Golonka & the Facimiech Mountain the rocks visible Krobicki, 2007). from the boat displays shapes resembling the At Sromowce Niżne village Dunajec Polish Eagle and a nun. The 20 m long cave River is entering Pieniny Klippen Belt. was formed below the Eagle cliff (Golonka Here below the magnificent limestone walls & Krobicki, 2007). The next scenic rocks of Trzy Korony Mountain (982 m), the (Fig. 12) is known as Siedem Mnichów highest mountain group of the Pieniny Mts. (Seven Monks). These monks were trying to (Fig. 10), begins the most beautiful part of visit the nun and for their adultery turned the Pieniny Mountains – the Dunajec River into rocks (Golonka 2006b; Golonka & Gorge (Golonka 2006b, Golonka & Krobicki, 2007). Krobicki, 2007). Another famous cliff known as Sokolica The magnificent panorama from the Trzy Mountain (435 m above sea level or 312 n Korony (Three Crowns) Mountain allows to above the river level) is located close to access tote Southern Poland and Slovakia Szczawnica on the Polish side of the river. It mountain ranges: Pieniny Mountains, Tatra is offering a magnificent view on the Mountains, Spiska Magura, Sądecki Beskid Dunajec gorge and therefore is frequently and Gorce. This site is formed by very visited by thousands tourists every year strongly folded usually vertical cherty (Golonka, 2006b; Golonka & Krobicki, Pieniny Limestone limestones (Maiolica or 2007). The tourists must buy a ticket and Biancone), Trzy Korony were visited by often wait in line to visit tops of Sokolica thousands of tourist every year (Golonka and Trzy Korony Mountains. Two rocks 2006b; Golonka & Krobicki, 2007). The Sama Jedna (Lone or Spinster Rock) and Dunajec River constitutes the border Wylizana (Licked Rock) frame the scenic between Poland and Slovakia within the valley of Leśnica River on the Slovak side. gorge . The boats reach the end of their trip at the

54 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 8 Czorsztyn Castle on Lake Czorsztyn

Fig. 9 Former monastery buildings in the Czerwony Klasztor (Červený Kláštor - Red Monastery)

55 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 10 Trzy Korony (Three Crowns) Mountain

Fig. 11 Zbójnicki Skok or Janosikowy Skok (Janosik’s or highland robber’s jump), the narrowest place of the Dunajec Gorge

56 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 12 Seven Monks Rocks at the turn of the Dunajec River harbor on the right bank of the River in thousands of tourists, vacationers and Szczawnica (Golonka, 2006b; Golonka & patients. The largest part of the town is in the Krobicki, 2007).. The excellent fresh trout is low and medium mountains between Beskid available in the restaurants close to this Sądecki and Małe Pieniny ranges (Golonka, harbor. 2006b; Golonka & Krobicki, 2007). It is The Pieniny Road run along the Slovak easy to reach the Małe Pieniny by the chair bank of the river. This road connecting lift. This lift brings visitor to the top of Polish Szczawnica and Slovak Czerwony Palenica hill known for excellent mountain Klasztor is frequently visited by tourists on bike trails. The peaks Dzwonkówka (990 m), foot and on bikes. Skałka (1163 m), Przehyba (1175 m), Złomisty Wierch (1181 m) and Radziejowa (1262 m), belonging to the Beskid Sądecki SZCZAWNICA mountain range framing the town to the North. The northern part of the town is The spa town Szczawnica (Fig. 13) is located within flysch rocks of Magura famous for its mineral waters known already Nappe, mainly Eocene-Oligocene Magura in medieval times (Golonka, 2006b; Golonka Formation. This formation crops out & Krobicki, 2007). The name Szczawnica is frequently within the Beskid Sądecki derived from word szczawa – mineral water Mountains. Andesitic intrusion cut these with natural carbon dioxide. First written flysch rocks. These andesites crop out at the remarks about these waters are known from Bryjarka Hill close to the Szczawnica town XVIth century. Jozef Salay turned the center the occurrence of mineral waters is highland village into health resort in XIX related to the andesitic intrusions. Their century. The architecture monuments circulation is going through joint cracks in originate from the XIXth century, beautiful andesites and flysch sandstones of the parks and mineral water springs makes Beskid Sądecki Mountains. These waters are Szczawnica a famous destination for known for their medical properties. The

57 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 13 Szczawnica general view ore occurrences associate the andesitic between two formations is well visible intrusions. Prospectors visited this area within the waterfall limits. The upper part looking for gold, silver ore and other was formed in the thick sandstones of minerals in ancient times. The remnants of Magura Formation, Piwniczna Sandstone mining activity are scattered around Member. The lower part of the waterfall Szczawnica. The boat harbor is located in the belongs to Zarzecze Formation thin- to lower Szczawnica the boats end famous medium-bedded distal turbidites, typical rafting down the Dunajec River, a world- flysch strata of the Outer Carpathians. class tourist attraction at this harbor Way. These distal turbidites were formed (Golonka, 2006b, Golonka & Krobicki, during periods of more quiet sedimentation, 2007, Słomka et al., 2012). while sandstones belong to proximal turbidites, which originated during a greater supply of coarser, caused by high-energetic THE ZASKALNIK WATERFALL turbiditic currents on the flysch basin slope and rise. This basin existed during Eocene The Zaskalnik Waterfall (Fig. 14) belongs times, more than 50 millions of years ago. to the highest waterfalls within the Polish It belongs to the large Alpine Tethys Outer Carpathians. It is located on the Ocean. This ocean turned into highly Sopotnicki stream at Sewerynówka hamlet tectonically deformed Carpathian orogene in Szczawnica ), -This four meters high during Miocene times14 million years ago. waterfall developed within the flysch rocks The flysch deposits belong to the of Beskid Sądecki Mountains in the Poprad imbricated nappe, they dip at ca. 45º Landscape Park. These flysch rocks belong northward. (Słomka et al., 2012). to the Magura Nappe, the largest The Zaskalnik Waterfall represents an tectonostratigraphic unit of the Outer unquestionable geotouristic attraction. It is Carpathians in Poland. The boundary poorly marked, however, and there are no

58 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63 information boards. It is accessible by car, The rocks exposed in the Homole Gorge and a small parking lot is located nearby. belong to the Czorsztyn Succession. This The “Czarda” restaurant, offering local succession was deposited in the Alpine specialties is located around 200 m from the Tethys Ocean on the shallow mid-oceanic geosite. The hikers can reach the Zaskalnik ridge. They were deposited during Jurassic waterfall following a blue-marked tourist and Early Cretaceous time. The cliffs of the track starting in Szczawnica town center. It gorge are built mainly by Middle Jurassic takes around half hour. The tail leads to crinoid limestones of the Smolegowa Przehyba (1175 m), and Radziejowa (1262 Limestone Formation (Birkenmajer, 1977). m) mountains, which belong to the, the They are overlain by red nodular limestones main ridge of the Beskid Sądecki Mts. of the Czorsztyn Limestone Formation, (Słomka et al., 2012). similar to those exposed below the Czorsztyn Castle. The rocks of the Niedzica Succession are exposed south of THE HOMOLE GORGE the gorge within the Czajakowa Skała cliff Fig. 17). This succession is represented by The Homole Gorge, deeply indented V- radiolarites and cherty limestones forming shaped rocky valley in the Małe Pieniny the recumbent fold. The Niedzica Mountains is one of the biggest attractions Succession are thrust over the Czorsztyn of the Pieniny Klippen Belt very often Succession. Both successions belong to the visited by tourist (Figs. 15-17). The length Homole block This block represent the of the gorge is about 800 m. The huge olistolith which was gravitationally surrounding rock walls are built of white slided from the ridge into the Magura flysch and red crinoid limestones, and their height (Golonka et al., 2014; Słomka et al., 2012). reaches up to 120 m. The stream with In the uppermost part of the gorge the so- numerous waterfalls is flowing on the gorge called “Stone Paper” - layered limestone is rocky bottom. The gorge is protected as a exposed (Fig. 16). The local legend says nature reserve. It is accessible by short walk that the human lot is written in this rock.. from the large parking lot in the Jaworki village, part of the Szczawnica town hold. This village was inhabited before the CONCLUSION Second World War by Lemko, Ruthenian ethnic group. The tourist can an also admire The identification and description of cultural heritage of this region, while potential geotourist attractions of Pieniny is geological structure provides an excellent a basic task but not sufficient to create a educational field laboratory illustrated geopark, which must meet the criteria of complex history of the Pieniny Klippen UNESCO (Bartuś et al, 2010). These Belt and is frequently visited by students, criteria relate primarily to methods of geotourists and experienced geologists management of the area, its promotion, (Słomka et al., 2012). economic development and protection. It is The hiking trail leads to Wysokie Skałki worth emphasizing that the geopark is not Mountain (slov. Vysoké Skalky, 1050 m another category of conservation, however, n.p.m.), the highest peak within the Pieniny protects natural and cultural values through Klippen Belt in Poland and Slovakia. education, controlled sharing of geosites to Numerous walking and bicycle tourist tracts tourists explore whether the development of exist within the Małe Pieniny Mountains. methods of geoconservation. With the The Homole Gorge belong to the Jan support of UNESCO geopark area is Wiktor reserve, covering an area of 58.6 ha, identified in the international arena, is and protecting landscape as well as abiotic increasing its prestige, and thus it is nature objects (Słomka et al., 2012). possible tourist success. Geoparks stimulate

59 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 14 Zaskalnik Waterfall in Szczawnica

Fig. 15 The Homole Gorge

60 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Fig. 16 Stone Paper in the Homole Gorge

Fig. 17 The Czajakowa Skała cliff, above the Homole Gorge

61 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63 regional development, including traditional geotourism (Polish perspectives). and new products i.e. the geo-products Geoturystyka/Geotourism, 2(5), 5–12. Bartuś, T., Doktor. M., Golonka, J., Miśkiewicz (Farsani et al., 2012). The participation of K., Stadnik, R., Krobicki and Waśkowska- the local community is extremely Oliwa, A. (2010). Projekt polsko-słowackiego important, and strategy development must geoparku PIENINY i trudności w jego realizacji be based on the principles of sustainability. (Project of Polish-Slovak geopark PIENINY and The area of the proposed “Pieniny” geopark difficulties in its implementation). In: Kupetz & Kocker (red): GeoTop 2009: Geotope und has huge potential, and the first contacts internationale Zusammenarbeit. with local activists in Polish side were Tagungspublikation: zur 13. Internationalen initiated. Jahrestagung der Fachsektion GeoTop der Established geopark can be considered as Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Geowissenschaften: a complex and comprehensive geotourism 20.–24. Mai 2009 in Cottbus gleichzeitig 8. Deutsch-polonisches Geopark-Treffen product (Dryglas & Miśkiewicz, 2014) of Muskauer, 107 regional character. Geosites described in the Birkenmajer K. (1977) Jurassic and Cretaceous article are not a product, but after lithostratigraphic units of the Pieniny Klippen appropriate preparation and accessibility Belt, Carpathians,Poland. Stud. Geol. Pol., 45, 1– can become a part of it. Potential 158. Birkenmajer K. and Pécskay Z. (1999) K–Ar geotouristic attractions of geopark dating of the Miocene andesite intrusions, "Pieniny" is both natural objects with rich Pieniny Mts, West Carpathians. Bulletin of the geodiversity and cultural objects that exist Polish Academy of Sciences, Earth Sciences, 47, thanks to geological heritage e .g. stone in 155–169. architecture, spas, adits, cultural landscape Dryglas, D. and Miśkiewicz, K. (2014) Construction of the geotourism product structure etc. Concept of geotourism product on the example of Poland. In: 14th assumes types and categories of geo- GeoConferences on Ecology, Economics, products, which are part of a complex Education and Legislation, II, 155–162. marketing structure (Dryglas & Farsani, N. T., Coelho, C. and Costa, C. (2012) Miśkiewicz, 2014). Typical geo-products of Geoparks and Geotourism: New Approaches to Sustainability for the 21st Century. Universal- the Pieniny region are the printed materials Publisher, 209 p. like geotourism map of the region (Borecka Golonka, J. (2006a) Field trip A – From Tethyan to et al. 2013), few geotourism panels and Platform Facies. Passage: Kraków-- geological exhibition at the headquarters of Snozka Pass-Wżar Mt.-Corsztyn Castle. In: the national park for example. Many geo- Wierzbowski, A., Aubrecht., R., Golonka, J., Gutowski, J., Krobicki, M., Matyja, B.A, products need to be supplemented and even Pieńkowski, G. & Uchman, A. (eds.). Jurassic of new ones create. There is no popular Poland and adjacent Slovakian Carpathians. geotourism guide of the Pieniny or Field trip guidebook. 7th International Congress catalogue of geosites. There is need to on the Jurassic System, 6-18 September 2006, design and make more geotourism panels in Kraków, Poland, 22-23. Golonka, J. (2006b) Field trip A – From Tethyan to the field, plan and mark geo-path, make Platform Facies. Stop A6 – Sromowce-Kąty – promotional events in the geopark i.e. geo- Dunajec River Boat trip (rafting). In: picnic, mineralogical and paleontological Wierzbowski, A., Aubrecht., R., Golonka, J., exhibitions or other geo-events. Many Gutowski, J., Krobicki, M., Matyja, B.A, geosites already operate as tourist Pieńkowski, G. & Uchman, A. (eds.). Jurassic of Poland and adjacent Slovakian Carpathians. attractions, but their geological information Field trip guidebook. 7th International Congress is lacking. on the Jurassic System, 6-18 September 2006, Kraków, Poland, 42-46. Golonka, J. and Krobicki, M. (2007) Dunajec REFERENCES River rafting as one of the most important geotouristic object of the future trans-bordering PIENINY Geopark. Geoturystyka/Geotourism, Alexandrowicz, Z. (2006) Geopark—nature vol. 3 nr. 10, 29-44. protection category aiding the promotion of

62 Acta Geoturistica volume 5 (2014), number 2, 46-63

Golonka, J. Doktor, M.. Krobicki, M., Carpathians as potential regions for geoparks In: Miśkiewicz, K., Bartuś, T., Stadnik, R., 9th European geoparks conference 2010: Waśkowska, A. (2012) Transgraniczny geopark geoparks: learning from the past – building a pieniński jako stymulator rozwoju regionu — sustainable future : Lesvos Island – Greece, 1–5 The cross-border Geopark Pieniny role as a October 2010: abstracts (ed.) N. Zouros ; Aegean stimulator of regional development . In: Rozwój University. Department of Geography, Natural turystyki kulturowej i przyrodniczej na History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest. pograniczu polsko-słowackim - Rozvoj Proceedings of Scientific Meetings, 156. kultúrneho a prírodného turizmu na slovensko- Miśkiewicz, K. and Golonka, J. (2007) Pieniny: A pol'skom pohraničí (Sadowski P., Ed). Nowy proposed new cross-border Polish-Slovak Targ : Podhalańska Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Geopark. European Geoparks Network Zawodowa, 47–56. Abstracts. 7th European Geopark Network Open Golonka J., Krobicki M., Waśkowska A., Conference in Scotland. Landscape and People: Cieszkowski M. and Ślączka A. (2014) Earth Heritage, Culture and Economy. 13th - 16 Olistostromes of the Pieniny Klippen Belt, th September/Sultaon 2007, Ulapool, Scotland, Northern Carpathians. Geological Magazine, UK North West Highland Geopark, 3 Geological Magazine / FirstView Articles, Miśkiewicz, K. (2009) Problemy badawcze Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 georóżnorodności w geoturystyce (Geodiversity DOI: research problems in geotourism). http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0016756814000211 Geoturystyka/Geotourism, 1-2(16-17), 3–12. (About DOI), 18 pages. Published online: 25 Miśkiewicz, K. and Golonka J. (2010). July 2014. Transgraniczne geoparki na obszarze Karpat — Gray, M. (2004) Geodiversity: valuing and [Transboundary geoparks in Carpathian Mts] conserving abiotic nature. John Wiley & Sons, Schriftenreihe der Deutschen Gesellschaft für 448 p. Geowissenschaften. GeoTop 2009: Geotope und Koźma, J., and Kupetz, M. (2008) The internationale Zusammenarbeit = Geotopy i transboundary Geopark Muskau Arch (Geopark współpraca międzynarodowa: Łuk Mużakowa, Geopark Muskauer Tagungspublikation: zur 13. Internationalen Faltenbogen). Przegląd Geologiczny, 56(8/1), Jahrestagung der Fachsektion GeoTop der 692–698. Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geowissenschaften : Krobicki, M., Sidorczuk, M. and Wierzbowski, A. 20.–24. Mai 2009 in Cottbus gleichzeitig 8. (2006) Field trip A – From Tethyan to Platform Deutsch-polonisches Geopark-Treffen Muskauer Facies. Stop A1 — Czorsztyn Castle Klippe – Faltenbogen = VIII niemiecko-polska Czorsztyn Succession (Bajocian–Berriasian). In: konferencja poświęcona tematowi Geoparku Łuk Wierzbowski, A., Aubrecht., R., Golonka, J., Mużakowa / Hrsg. Manfred Kupetz, Thomas Gutowski, J., Krobicki, M., Matyja, B.A, Kockert, 84–89. Pieńkowski, G. & Uchman, A. (eds.). Jurassic of Miśkiewicz, K. Golonka, J. Waśkowska, A. Poland and adjacent Slovakian Carpathians. Doktor, M. and Słomka, T. (2011) Field trip guidebook. 7th International Congress Transgraniczny geopark Karpaty fliszowe i ich on the Jurassic System, 6-18 September 2006, wody mineralne (Flysch Carpathians and their Kraków, Poland, 22-23. mineral waters cross-border geopark). Przegląd Krobicki, M., Golonka, J., Słomka, T. and Geologiczny, vol. 59, nr 9, 611–621. Doktor. M. (2010). Outstanding geology for Słomka T. (Ed.) (2012) Katalog obiektów tourism potential within trans-border Pieniny geoturystycznych w obrębie pomników i Geopark (Polish-Slovakian Carpathians) In: rezerwatów przyrody nieożywionej. The Geoparks 2010 : “Global geopark – the natural catalogue of geotourist sites in nature reserves way forward” : the 4th international UNESCO and monuments. AGH University of Science and conference on Geoparks : 9–15 April 2010, Technology, 719 p. Langkawi, Malaysia: abstracts. — Malaysia: Zouros, N. C. (2008) European Geoparks Network: Institute for Environment and Development transnational collaboration on Earth heritage (LESTARI); Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia protection, geotourism and local development. (UKM), 89–90 Geoturystyka/Geotourism, 1(12), 3–22. Krobicki, M., Doktor, M., Golonka, J. and Słomka, T. (2010) Selected parts of the Polish

63