Sokolica Scots Pine

Sokolica Scots Pine grows from a limestone cliff at 747 meters elevation in Pieniny National Park, displaying distinctive orange-red bark. The trunk rises directly from the rocky face, creating a striking silhouette at the summit.

This Scots pine has stood at the summit for several centuries, surviving countless storms and extreme weather conditions. It became a natural monument of the region and has shaped the landscape character of the Pieniny Mountains.

This pine has become the symbol of the Pieniny Mountains and appears in countless photographs taken by visitors from around the world. It represents how nature persists and thrives even in the harshest environments.

The tree is accessible via marked hiking trails through Pieniny National Park, with the main routes starting from Szczawnica town and other nearby trailheads. The final approach involves steep rocky terrain, so visitors should have good balance and wear sturdy footwear.

The root system has adapted in a remarkable way to the rocky habitat, growing directly into the limestone face itself. This deep root anchor allows the tree to remain firmly planted despite the powerful winds that sweep across the summit.