Activities

Giewont

Giewont is a peak in the Western Tatras with a height of 1,894 meters. The Giewont massif consists of three parts - Great Giewont (1,894 meters above sea level), Little Giewont (1,728 meters above sea level) and Long Giewont (1,876 meters above sea level). The total length of all three parts is 2.7 kilometers.Giewont is an iconic mountain whose outline is associated with the silhouette of a sleeping knight. One version of the legend of the knights sleeping under the Tatra Mountains, who will wake up when Poland is in great danger, places them right under Giewont. It is associated with the numerous caves in the walls of Giewont, including the Zawaliskowa Cave in Długi Giewont, the Well in Giewont, the Juhaska Cave, Śpiących Rycerzy Cave, Śpiących Rycerzy Wyżnia Cave, the Kozia Grotto, Dziura in Szczerba, Ruda Nyża, the Hole over the Strążyska Valley.

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Chocholowska Valley

Chocholowska Valley is famous not only for its beautiful views, but also for the crocuses that are abundant in spring in the local glades. It is the only place in the Polish part of the Tatra Mountains where dogs can be brought in, and one of two such places available for cyclists. The farthest point that can be reached by both cyclists and hikers with pets is the PTTK Hostel on the Chocholowska Glade.The hike begins in Siwa Polana, where, in addition to a ticket booth, there are stalls, a carriage stop and the Rakoń tourist train. You can get up to the Huciska clearing using these. Passing the barrier, along the asphalted road we head deeper into the valley. A relatively large number of private buildings can be seen here. From the road, you can observe a cross reminding us of St. John Paul II's landing in a helicopter on Siwa Polana in June 1983 After passing the last wooden buildings, we enter the forest. At its edge, on the right, you can see a plaque informing you that you are not only inside the territory of the Tatra National Park, but also the Forest Community of Entitled 8 Villages, based in Witow. On the left, however, you can see the exit of the trail leading from the Lejowa Valley along the edge of the Siwa Polana. The paved road goes on. Due to the fact that horse-drawn carriages and a railroad run along it, you should be cautious. After approx. 40 minutes of walking, passing the Lower Chocholow Gate and the Chocholow Wywierzysko, we reach the Hucisko clearing. Here, there is the final stop for the train and carriages, as well as restrooms. This is also where the asphalt ends. We continue hiking along the gravel road. At the exit of the Dudowa Valley, one of the side branches of the Chocholowska Valley, is the beginning of the Ścieżka nad Reglami (black signs), which leads all the way to the Kuznice area. After approx. 20 minutes on the right you pass Chocholowska Forester's lodge (former Blaszynski shelter), and 5 minutes later the outlet of Starorobocinska Valley and the departure of two trails - the yellow one to Iwaniacka Przelecz and to Koscieliska Valley, and the black one leading to Ornak massif. From this point the road rises slightly. After approx. 15 min you reach another crossroads of trails. This time from the trail (green), the red trail diverges to the left, towards Trzydniowiański Wierch, and then through Jarząbcza Valley also reach the PTTK Shelter on Chocholowska Glade. We, however, return to the trail leading along the bottom of Chocholowska Valley. From the place where the red trail joins the green trail to the PTTK Shelter on the Chocholowska Glade, it takes only 20 more minutes. The road at this point becomes almost flat, and even heads slightly downhill for a while. After a while we see the first huts standing on the edge of the vast Chocholowska Glade stretching at the foot of Bobrowiec. In the summer, cultural sheep grazing is carried out here and you can taste fresh sheep cheeses. In the upper part of the clearing there is a small, charming wooden chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The clearing offers a panoramic view of the surroundings of Chocholowska Valley (Kominiarski Wierch, Jarząbczy Wierch, Wolowiec, Rakoń, Bobrowiec with Chocholowscy Mnisi). From the Chocholowska Glade it will take you 10 minutes on a slightly ascending road to reach the shelter, passing the outlets of the following trails: red (Jarząbcza Valley - Trzydniowiański Wierch - Chocholowska Valley), yellow (the so-called Papal trail deep into the Jarząbcza Valley) and green (Wyżnia Dolina Chochołowska - the ridge between Rakoń and Wołowiec).

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Mała Łąka Valley

Mała Łąka Valley, with an area of approx. 5.7 km2, 5.4km in length, is one of the less frequented valleys in the Polish Tatra Mountains, though no less beautiful than the others. It is bounded on the east by the ridges of Giewont and Kopa Kondracka, and on the west by Małołączniak, Wielka Turń, Skoruśniak and Hruby Rygiel. The valley in the lower (northern) part has a V-shaped profile, while in the middle and upper part it has a U-shaped profile, and is a typical example of a post-glacial valley, with a three-story arrangement of glacial cirques. Wielka Polana Małołącka, with a length of approx. 1 km, is located at an altitude of 1150-1200 m above sea level and was formed on the site of a former glacial lake. Both the Glade and the entire valley were used for pastoral purposes. The first records of sheep and cattle grazing in this valley date back to the late 16th century. There used to be an entire shepherd's settlement of 15 buildings here, but none remain to this day.

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Koscieliska Valley

It is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful Tatra valleys, rich in natural attractions and historical memorabilia.The tour begins in Kirach. You can leave your car, motorcycle or coach in one of the many paid parking lots in the area. Kiry also has excellent transport links to Zakopane and nearby towns, including Witow, Chocholow, Czarny Dunajec. At the mouth of the valley there are many restaurants and guesthouses, as well as information and educational boards of the Tatra National Park. In addition, tourists have the opportunity to use the services of fiakr, who, for a fee, offer transportation by horse carriage from the mouth of the valley until the Pisana Polana.There is a fee for entering the Koscieliska Valley (which lies within the borders of the TPN), which is paid on site. The trek towards the PTTK Shelter on Hala Ornak initially leads along Koscieliski Creek. After passing through the Niżnia Kościeliska Brama called Kantak Gate, we enter a vast clearing - Wyżnia Kira Miętusia, where cultural sheep grazing is carried out. You can taste sheep's milk products (cheeses, cheeses - zéntyca) in the local shack. After a while we reach the place from which the trails diverge: the black one to Przysłop Miętusi (a fragment of Ścieżka nad Reglami), the red one through Adamica to Czerwone Wierchy, and the one we are hiking, the green one, towards the Shelter on Hala Ornak (actually on Mala Polanka Ornaczanska). For a short time along the bottom of the valley, the green and black trails lead together, but even before Zbójnicka Kapliczka the black one goes to the right, towards Kominiarski Przysłop, Lejowa Valley and Chocholowska Valley.You, on the other hand, reach Stare Koscieliska. It used to be a lively place. Indeed, there were buildings associated with the mining and metallurgical industry, a forester's lodge, later an inn, and a small hostel of Count Władysław Zamoyski. Today there is no trace of these buildings. The exception is the ruins of the foundation of the smelter furnace, the existence of which is attested to by a commemorative plaque. Being in this place, it is worth noting the species of trees: dune pine or a huge linden tree, from the area of which the distant Bystra (2248 m), the highest peak of the Western Tatras, is discernible.At the southern end of Stare Koscieliska there is a junction of trails: the black will lead to the Jaskinia Mroźna, and the blue, marked in 1892 by Mieczyslaw Karlowicz, to Plana Stoły. Just after the trun of the trail to Stoły, you pass through the Pośrednia Koscieliska Gate (so-called Kraszewski Gate), and soon we pass the place where the descent trail from the Jaskinia Mroźna leads. You can find tourists resting here.There is also a toilet in this place.The next point you reach is Pisana Glade. Here, in addition to wooden benches and tables at which tourists can relax, there is also an end stop for horse-drawn carriages. The Pisana Glade area, due to its scenic qualities, is also a popular place for tourists who take souvenir photos. It is impressive due to the limestone rocks visible here and there, the massive Kominiarski Wierch rising above the clearing, and the Kościeliski Creek meandering nearby. Just beyond the clearing, after crossing a wooden bridge, you pass the entrance to the Krakow Gorge ending in a cave called Smocza Jama (Eng. Dragon's Den). A yellow trail leads deep into the gorge. Travelling further along the bottom of the Koscieliska Valley, you pass the exit of the Wodna Cave under Pisana, the exit of the Mylna Cave, and, in the area of the Wyżnia Koscieliska Gate (Raptawicka Gate), the departure of the trail leading to the Raptawicka, Obłazkowa and the aforementioned Mylna Caves. From this point, the valley gently widens, indicating that we are entering an area transformed by a glacier. Soon, on the right, in the forest, the Cross of Wincent Pol will be visible on the hill, and just beyond it the outlet of the Smytnia Valley. After 10-15 minutes you reach a trail junction. The black trail starts at this point, leading in approx. 30 min to Smreczyński Pond. The green one, which you have hiked so far, goes to the left, leading through the Tomanova Valley to Ciemniak (Czerwone Wierchy). If you want to reach the PTTK Shelter on Ornak Hall, you should follow the yellow trail straight ahead to Chocholowska Valley through Iwaniacka Pass.

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Path under the Regle

Droga pod Reglami is an interesting trail that runs east-west and connects the outlets of several valleys from Kuźnice to Siwa Polana in Chocholowska Valley.It is an interesting proposition for hikers and cyclists. Those who would like to take a stroll here with a stroller need to consider whether the vehicle's wheels are off-road capable. While the path is wide and comfortable, it is also uneven and bumpy. The city stroller will have to be abandoned and replaced with a carrier, for example. The advantage of this trail is its accessibility at any time of the year and the beautiful views of the southern slopes of the Spisko-Gubałówka Range, with Gubałówka easily identifiable.The hike can be started at the Tatra Guides' Alley leading to Kuźnice, entering the black trail just behind Księżówka, if approaching from the John Paul II Roundabout. For some time we will meander between the facilities of Zakopane's Central Sports Center (stadiums and hills), only to find ourselves by the forest again in the area of Wielka Krokiew. To do this, you need to go down the trail to ul. Bronislawa Czecha and head west along the numerous souvenir stalls. On the left you will pass the ski jumping complex. Cross the road and wander along the "corridor" between the fences. After a while we turn sharply to the left and along the path leading along the chairlift to the Wielka Krokiew we reach the edge of the forest. The trail at this point runs flat and even descends slightly. After a few minutes of walking we come to the outlet of the Białego Valley. Located here are: a buffet, a souvenir stand and restrooms. Our path turns to the right. Now we face a steep climb. Here you need to be especially careful in the rain, because it is easy to slip.On the left we are accompanied by the forest, on the right the views of Gubalowka open up. Soon we pass a commemorative plaque, informing us that the trail we are hiking on is the former Żelazna Droga connecting the Koscieliska Valley with the resort in Kuznice. After a while we pass the mouth of the Spadowiec Valley. After approx. 15 min from the outlet of the Białego Valley we reach the area of the Ku Dziurze Valley. On the right, there is a shack where sheep's milk is processed. We can sample local specialties and, if we're lucky, watch sheep grazing in a nearby clearing. Behind the hut, opposite the entrance to the valley, stands the cabin of the famous robber Mateja. It is a private facility. It's worth mentioning here that we don't need to buy a TPN entrance ticket to visit the Ku Dziurze Valley. At this point, entry is free. Our trail continues in a western direction. After 15 minutes we reach the exit of the Strążyska Valley. Those who do not want to continue the hike can easily reach the center of Zakopane from here.However, the black trail goes on, initially quite steep. On this section we are accompanied by the mature Tatra beech trees. The hike to the exit of another of the valleys - Za Bramką - takes about 25 min. from here. Admission to this picturesque valley is free. We have several minutes of walking ahead of us, passing a barrier and heading down a rather steep path. This brings us to the outlet of the Mała Łąka Valley. However, if you want to continue along Droga pod Reglami (black signs), do not turn towards the valley (left), but head to the right. We pass a wooden house and past a ticket booth we come out to a parking lot. From there, keeping to the left, we walk towards the road connecting Zakopane and Koscielisko. Just before it, we turn left and re-enter the trail. From there, in 30 min we reach the exit of Staników Żleb, which we could use to reach Przysłop Miętusi. Droga pod Reglami, however, goes straight ahead so that after approx. 15 min you find yourself at the exit of the famous Koscieliska Valley.Droga pod Reglami is a trail that is not difficult. Its course is also not complicated. The road is pleasant, largely running along the edge of the forest and clearings, so it's great for walking on hot days.

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Za Bramką Valley

The entrance to the Za Bramką Valley is at 919 meters above sea level. in the area of Zakopane's Krzeptówek. This is one of two Tatra valleys where entry is free - there is no TPN ticket office at the entrance. The trail through the valley is one of the shortest in the entire Tatra Mountains - it is less than a kilometer long (once you reach the end, you have to turn back along the same road), but is nonetheless extremely picturesque. Along the route, you can admire interesting rock formations, and Zza Bramki Creek flows besides the entire trail, creating numerous cascades. The creek starts at an altitude of 1160 meters above sea level. from the southern slopes of Lysanki. In the upper parts of the Za Bramką Valley, it is fed by numerous smaller watercourses. After flowing 3.5 km, already outside the territory of the Tatra National Park, it flows into the Cicha Woda Zakopiańska.The trail along its entire length leads through a mixed forest, making it especially beautiful in autumn. Of great natural value are the two-hundred-year-old specimens of beech trees growing in the valley. In the crevices of the rocks you can spot various species of limestone plants. After just a few dozen meters you pass the first picturesque several meters high rock, with a characteristic protruding "tip" on top. After a few minutes, on the right side of the road, you see Jasiowe Turnie - tens of meters high dolomite rocks with fancy shapes. Some of them have their own names - Dziadula, Kohutek, Matka Boska or Zakonnik. Numerous climbing routes lead along their steep walls. In addition, there is a small, two-and-a-half-meter-long cave, the Jasiowy Schron, in the Jasiowe Turnie, at an altitude of 1,035 meters. The trail runs through mixed forest along its entire length, making it especially beautiful in autumn. Of great natural value are the two-hundred-year-old specimens of beech trees growing in the valley. In the crevices of the rocks you can spot various species of limestone plants. After just a few dozen meters you pass the first picturesque several meters high rock, with a characteristic protruding "tip" on top. After a few minutes, on the right side of the road, you see Jasiowe Turnie - tens of meters high dolomite rocks with fancy shapes. Some of them have their own names - Dziadula, Kohutek, Matka Boska or Zakonnik. Numerous climbing routes lead along their steep walls. In addition, there is a small, two-and-a-half-meter-long cave, the Jasiowy Schron, in the Jasiowe Turnie, at an altitude of 1,035 meters.

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