Nowy Targ and Bór na Czerwonem

Peat bog plants and pine woodland illustrating a nature walk

A town square and a peatland reveal two different worlds in one day. Nowy Targ and Bór na Czerwonem suit a Silverton stay when you want to discover Podhale without another demanding ascent.

Walks & views · information checked: 16 October 2026

Two sides of Nowy Targ

Often passed on the way to the Tatras, Nowy Targ deserves a day itself. Its buildings, square and meeting places contrast with the reserve’s woodland and open peatland. Together they reveal Podhale beyond mountain panoramas. Choose the order around weather: nature first in dry, calm conditions, or the centre first if improvement is expected. Do not join both by an improvised walk without checking distances. They have separate starting points, with sensible transfers part of the plan.

Begin with the market square

The square shows Nowy Targ as a town in its own right, not just a transport stop. Look at the town hall, surrounding proportions, streets and gathering places before choosing a café. A later meal can complete the visit. For local history, check current museum programmes and event dates; exhibitions need not open daily. A family’s town section can be short and purposeful: one site, a few observations and rest rather than hours of aimless walking.

Printing and history on paper

The Printing Museum offers a different view through craft, work and communication. Check current exhibitions or workshops rather than expecting a machinery demonstration on every visit. Ask how many stages once produced something now printed almost instantly at home. Children can compare paper, type and impressions with a phone screen. It suits less favourable weather, but remains optional: if the reserve leads the day, keep the museum short or save it for another occasion.

Bór na Czerwonem: more than an ordinary forest

The reserve protects a delicate peatland environment where woodland, water and specialised vegetation meet. Forestry’s educational trail and infrastructure let visitors see it without walking freely across the bog. Use the information boards and notice plant colours, ground structure and changes from shade to open space. This rewards small-scale observation rather than only panoramic views. Stay on the designated route, never stepping onto peat or plants to arrange a family photograph.

A century of protection and the role of water

Established in 1925, the reserve marked its centenary with an updated educational trail. Its value was recognised long before the current popularity of nature walks. Retaining water and limiting drainage are important to protection. Ask why such an apparently modest landscape needs deliberate care. Panels explain processes not obvious at a glance. For children, a sponge can offer a simple analogy for holding water — not an invitation to test the ground with a foot. Observe from the boardwalk under access rules.

Preparing for a gentle walk

Even a short trail depends on conditions. Wet timber can be slippery; strong wind matters in woodland, while insects and sun affect summer comfort. Ask forestry about current infrastructure and specific mobility access. One accessible section does not establish access to every observation point. Bring water and suitable footwear, leaving time for interpretation. Avoid loud music and rushing. A shorter deliberate option is fine: the aim is to notice a valuable environment easily overlooked when focusing only on the Tatras.

Planning from Silverton

A simple day can combine the reserve, food and one town-centre destination — or reverse the order to fit weather and museum hours. Plan separate access routes and follow parking signs. Do not add a long Gorce hike merely because you are nearby. Keep the gentler character and return with energy for tomorrow. Silverton can be a base for towns, crafts and small but important natural places as well as mountains and baths.

A suggested day plan

Check trail and museum access, then choose the order around the weather.
Visit Bór na Czerwonem on the authorised route, using the interpretation boards.
After a meal, explore the square or Printing Museum, then return without a demanding extra hike.

Getting there and planning your return

From: Kaniówka 28c, Białka Tatrzańska.
Destination: Bór na Czerwonem trail entrance; plan town-centre access separately.

By car

Check the current routeGet driving directions

Once you arrive

Park in a permitted place when you arrive. Plan the walk to the entrance, your stroll or your visit using the attraction guide. Allow for this separately from the drive.

Allow time for the return journey

Allow for the drive both ways, the whole visit or walking route, a meal and some spare time. Check admission and transport times, and decide when you will return to Silverton before setting off.

The button opens current driving directions. We do not give an unverified journey time. Check directions, conditions and attraction availability before setting off. Driving time does not include walking or the visit itself.

Before you set off

Can we leave the boardwalk and walk on the peatland?

No. Keep to the accessible route. This is a delicate protected habitat, not an open lawn. Infrastructure allows observation without damaging ground and plants. Follow current forestry notices and local signs; take photographs from permitted points.

Check current information: Nowy Targ Forestry — trail

Is this a good recovery day after hiking?

It can be, if length and conditions suit how everyone feels. Completing both parts is unnecessary: a short nature visit and town meal may be enough. After rain or in strong wind, check the trail and consider the museum instead of assuming an easier route is automatically trouble-free.

Check current information: forestry — latest notices

Is Nowy Targ worth more than a shopping stop?

Yes. Its square, history and museums support a visit of their own, with the reserve providing a natural contrast. Pick a theme and check the current programme rather than moving aimlessly between shops. The town and organisers publish exhibition and event availability for your particular dates.

Check current information: Nowy Targ — official visitor website

Check the official sources

Check opening hours, tickets and availability for your intended visit. Information was checked on 16 October 2026; the operator’s current information takes precedence.