Autumn Redyk in Podhale – Where and When to See the Sheep Return in 2026
Discover the autumn redyk in Podhale: 2026 dates, the shepherding tradition and the Czarny Dunajec redyk closest to Siwy Dzwonek.
First you hear the bells. A moment later, a flock of sheep fills the road, led by the baca and his shepherds. The autumn redyk is one of those Podhale traditions that is difficult to understand from photographs alone – it is best experienced in person.
After months of grazing in the mountains, sheep return from the high pastures to their home villages in autumn. It is a striking sight, but more importantly, it is a living part of the pastoral culture of Podhale. Traditionally, the autumn return also marked the end of the grazing season and the moment when sheep belonging to different farmers were separated again.
Today, some redyks have become larger local celebrations with regional music, food and cultural events. Others remain much closer to everyday pastoral life: a shepherd, his helpers and dogs, a flock of sheep and a village road.
What is a redyk?
A redyk is the traditional seasonal movement of sheep associated with mountain grazing. In spring, the sheep are taken up to the mountain pastures, known locally as hale. In autumn, they return to the villages and farms.
The flock is led by the baca, the senior shepherd, assisted by juhasi, or shepherds. The sheep often belong to several local farmers, called gazdowie, and are combined into one large flock for the grazing season.
Pastoral culture in Podhale has its own customs, vocabulary and rituals. The autumn return closes the annual mountain-grazing cycle.
When do sheep return from the mountain pastures?
Traditionally, the grazing season was associated with the period from spring until St Michael's Day on 29 September. In practice, the return depends on the weather, the location of the pastures and the shepherd's decision.
That is why autumn redyks can be seen in Podhale and neighbouring mountain regions over several weeks, from September into October.
Organised redyks are often held at weekends and have become local celebrations where visitors can discover the region's pastoral traditions.
Where can you see an autumn redyk in 2026?
Several autumn redyk events are scheduled across southern Małopolska in 2026. Announced dates include:
- Ochotnica Górna – 2–3 October 2026
- Jazowsko–Obidza – 3 October 2026
- Rabka-Zdrój – 3 October 2026
- Siwa Polana – 4 October 2026
- Szczawnica – 8–10 October 2026
- Kluszkowce – 17 October 2026
- Czarny Dunajec – 23–24 October 2026
Programmes and times can change, so it is worth checking the latest information from the organisers before travelling.
The Czarny Dunajec redyk – the closest one to Siwy Dzwonek
For guests staying at Siwy Dzwonek, the autumn redyk in nearby Czarny Dunajec is particularly interesting.
In 2026, the Pastoral Festival and the second Redyk of the Hyrczyk brothers is scheduled for 23–24 October. It is a great opportunity to combine an autumn weekend in Podhale with one of the region's most distinctive living traditions.
If you are staying at Siwy Dzwonek on these dates, Czarny Dunajec is well worth adding to your plans.
Sometimes a small redyk passes right by Siwy Dzwonek
Not every redyk appears on an events calendar.
In Ciche, smaller local flocks are still moved by shepherds as part of everyday rural life. From time to time, a small redyk led by a local baca passes along the road right next to Siwy Dzwonek.
There is no stage, programme or audience. Just sheep, the sound of bells, a shepherd and an ordinary village road.
For us, these unexpected encounters are among the most authentic experiences Podhale can offer. They are a reminder that shepherding here is not simply a tourist attraction – it remains part of local life.
Baca, juhas, gazda and kierdel – a quick guide to local shepherding words
If this is your first redyk, a few Podhale words are useful to know.
Baca – the senior shepherd responsible for the flock and the grazing season.
Juhas – a shepherd working with the flock under the baca.
Gazda – a local farmer or householder; a gazda may own sheep entrusted to a baca for seasonal grazing.
Kierdel – a flock of sheep.
Bacówka – a shepherd's hut and workplace on the mountain pasture, traditionally also used for processing sheep's milk.
Watra – the fire kept at the shepherd's hut.
These words are part of a pastoral culture that has shaped the landscape and life of the Carpathians for centuries.
Is a redyk worth seeing with children?
Yes. For children, watching a large flock move through a village can easily become one of the most memorable moments of a trip to Podhale.
However, a redyk is not a staged animal show. The sheep move as a large flock, working dogs may be present and popular events can attract many spectators.
Watch from a safe place, do not step into the flock and follow instructions from the shepherds and event organisers.
What else can you do during an autumn weekend in Podhale?
An October redyk is easy to combine with a longer stay in western Podhale.
When the weather is good, choose an easy walk in one of the valleys. You can find ideas in our guide to easy walks in Podhale →.
If the first snow has already appeared higher in the Tatras, stick to lower and safer autumn activities and always check current mountain conditions before setting out.
On a cold day, consider the best thermal baths in Podhale →.
For a ready-made itinerary, see our 3-day autumn weekend in Podhale →.
Where to stay for an autumn redyk?
Siwy Dzwonek is located in Ciche, on the quieter side of Podhale. It makes a convenient base for combining the Czarny Dunajec redyk with Chochołów, the Western Tatras and time to relax away from the busiest resort areas.
Siwy Dzwonek 1 → has three bedrooms, a private hot tub and a private sauna.
Siwy Dzwonek 2 → also has three bedrooms and a private hot tub, plus a pool table.
After a few hours outside in the October chill, returning to a hot tub is a particularly good way to end the day.
FAQ
What is a redyk in Poland?
A redyk is the traditional seasonal movement of sheep connected with mountain grazing. In spring, sheep are taken to the mountain pastures; in autumn, they return to their villages and farms.
When are autumn redyks held in Podhale?
Autumn returns generally begin toward the end of the grazing season. Organised redyk events take place in September and October, with dates varying by location.
When is the Czarny Dunajec redyk in 2026?
The Pastoral Festival and second Redyk of the Hyrczyk brothers is scheduled for 23–24 October 2026. Check the latest programme before travelling.
Can you see a redyk in Ciche?
There is no guaranteed timetable, but local flocks are still moved through Ciche. Occasionally, a smaller redyk led by a local shepherd passes directly by Siwy Dzwonek.
Is a redyk suitable for children?
Yes. It can be a memorable family experience, but keep a safe distance from the flock and shepherd dogs and avoid interfering with the shepherds' work.
Cover photo: Uladzislau Petrushkevich / Unsplash. Taken in Zakopane, Poland.
Plan your stay
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