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ZAKOPANE
Things to do
Weather permits, we shall visit the Tatra National Park. I strongly recommend Stryska Valley, which can easily be
reached from the centre of Zakopane. Those who are not that fond of hiking, or with kids, will make it to the end of
the valley after some 40 minute's walk to see the Siklawa waterfalls and taste tea in the local shelter, to rest at the
foot of the imposing Mount Giewont.

I recommend this trip also in winter time, it is then worth renting sleighs for the kids, as on the way back to the town
they will have a great fun slipping down the valley.

Experienced hikers, used to 5-6 hour's walking, can climb Mount Giewont from Stryska Valley (2,5 hour's climb on
the way up), and then descent via Kondratowa and Kalatwki to Kunice, where mini buses are available on the way
back to the town.

Other places worth recommending and easily available to less experienced and keen hikers are Morskie Oko lake (as
beautiful as popular, it is recommended to start your hike quite early in the morning to avoid enormous crowds later
on in the day), Kocieliska and Chochoowska Valleys. There are horse carts, carriages and sleighs available for
transportation in all of the above making it even more accessible for almost everyone.

While in Zakopane, it is a must to take the cable car to Mount Kasprowy (1987 m asl), both in summer and winter
this is one of the most popular local attractions for both the adults and especially the kids. In winter time, there are
two chair lifts operating in Mt. Kasprowy and two skiing pists for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

The other very popular lift in the area is funicular to Gubawka hill, which starts in the very centre of the town.
Gubawka (1100 m asl) offers spectacular views over the town and the surrounding Tatra mountains.

On the way back to the centre of the town we come across the local market nestled in between the very foot of the
hill and Krupwki street. We shall find local souvenirs (woodware, leatherware, woolware, etc.) there together with
leather jackets and fur coats, clothes, shoes, fruit, vegetables, and a whole alley of local OSCYPEK sheep cheese
sellers - all in different shapes and sizes.

We then reach Krupwki street - the main pedestrian zone of Zakopane, full of shops and restaurants. This is where
the post office, banks as well as exchange offices are situated. In the season the place gets extremely crowded, and
we find it hard to believe that as late as at the very beginnings of the 19th century this street was nothing more than
just a narrow bitten path joining central parts of the village with the iron works in Kunice (this is where the cable car
is today). Krupwki street gets particularly crowded in bad and rainy weather, when people search for alternatives to
outdoor activities.
What else could we recommend to do in Zakopane in rainy weather apart from walking up and down the main street
and visiting local restaurants in search for local specialities?

Most of all, we shall recommend visiting some of the numerous local museums. We shall however remember that
most of those will remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I particularly recommend Tatra Museum in 10 Krupwki
street and Zakopane Style Museum in Villa Koliba in 18 Kocieliska street (on the way to Koliba we shall not miss out
on the Old Church and Old Cemetery). Classical music lovers shall visit Villa Atma, great Polish composer Karol
Szymanowski's Museum in 19 Kasprusie street (closed on Mondays).
Zakopane's churches are also worth mentioning. Personally, I recommend visiting three of those, two are small
wooden ones - Jaszczurwka Chapel and the Old Church in Kocieliska street, the other one is the imposing Fatima
Sanctuary in Krzeptwki.

In bad weather, thou not only then, I recommend a visit to local Aquapark, as well as the bowling alley. Should you
have a car, I would suggest visiting thermal spas in Szaflary as well as Bukowina and Biaka Tatrzaoska (some 20 km
outside Zakopane).

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If the rain is not too heavy thou, I strongly recommend that you get equipped with a raincoat or an umbrella and
decide to do a short walk into one of the Regle valleys. The Tatras can be as beautiful in the rain as in the sun, and
will guarantee no crowds on the trails.

Here are a few things to remember during your time in Zakopane:

Strange people standing on the side of the road holding cardboard signs written "noclegi" or "pokoje" are not
looking for a lift - they're offering cheap accommodation!
Avoid changing your money at Bureaux de Change in Zakopane town centre unless you want to hand a complete
stranger an early Christmas present - the rates can be awful.
Don't hail your taxis from the rank - ask someone to phone for one - it's 30 percent cheaper. Better still, walk -
nothing is that far away.
Coin-operated phone boxes are almost non-existent. You'll need to buy a telephone card (karta telefoniczna) from a
Post Office or kiosk.
Tipping is not expected. No self-respecting waiter will turn away a few extra zloty, but you won't get the customary
grimace if you don't. You're not guaranteed a smile if you do either.
Try the local smoked sheeps' cheeses - oscypki - sold at stands on the street and in the main market in Zakopane.
Unlike in the UK, pubs don't close at 11. Most just about get going then. Zakopane has embraced the apres-ski
culture with a passion - even when there's no snow around.
Bring warm clothes and a hat. Even at the height of the summer, it can be pretty chilly in the mountains, and rain can
arrive without warning.
Poles are passionate about their food. Throw away your preconceptions about miserable eastern bloc stews, and be
prepared for a great surprise.
Poland has adopted its own uniquely confusing symbols for differentiating public toilets for men and women (see
adjacent) - Remember, too, that in Zakopane you will almost certainly have to pay. Oh, and by the way, the circle is
for women, the triangle for men! Or is it the other way around?

Poland has the highest road accident rate in Europe, mostly due to careless driving and some slow-changing
attitudes toward drink-driving, so keep that in mind before deciding to take the car. With that warning in mind,
though, we must say we've been driving for years without too much of a problem and likely you won't either if you
take your time and stay vigilant. If you bring a car or rent one, you will need an international certificate of insurance
cover, and possibly proof of exhaust emission control on your car. Spot checks do happen, and if you plan to visit
Cracow as well as Zakopane, just remember that much of the centre is pedestrianised, or has parking restrictions.
Once you get to either city, it's best to park and walk the centre. Zakopane is only about two hours away from
Cracow by car and parking here is pretty straightforward compared to Cracow. In the winter remember your tyre
chains and a radiator full of antifreeze.

Orange Summer Cinema 2013

From 01-07-2013 until 30-08-2013
Starting at 20:00 Ending at
Dolna Rwieo Krupowa
The evening meetings with good film have become a tradition of its own at the foot of the Tatras. Every year the
Orange Summer Cinema surprises with a rich repertoire and a diversity of film themes, from niche productions from
all corners of the world to Oscar super productions. The screenings start just after dusk. Admission free!


Gubawka

Gubawka (1123 m asl) is the most popular part of the Gubaowski Strip. Backs forming it have the leveled height,
however Butorowy is the highest hill which slightly is surpassing surroundings Peak (1160 m asl). Being in Zakopane it
is necessary absolutely to drive with rope-local railways to Gubawka built in 1938 in the sequence of five months of
backing the Tourism up by the League. At present the modern wagon with the roof fitted with glass enables as
railways are climbing up, admiring the evident multi-storey layout of the Tatra flora wonderfully together with peaks
of high mountains in Poland. A panoramic, put on the upper station map is helping railways to work the
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topographical arrangement out.

On the peak many attractions are waiting for everyone, above all the stretching wonderful panorama of the Tatra
mountains, the Gorce Mountains, High Beskid and the Pieniny Mountains, the view on put at the foot of a mountain
Zakopane as well as the children's playground and the slide wzkowa gravitational and only put beach for hot rays of
sunshine craving for everyone

It is worthwhile seeing the sculpture here "Restituta Polonia" and iron, cast in Kunice and funded by the Dr. Tytus
Chaubioski. From Gubawka they will walk off a stiffness in also numerous bicycle and walking slags to picturesque
highland villages: Zb, Nowe Bystre, of Poronin, Dzianisz, Kocielisko and Chochow. One of them is leading with
ridge of Gubawka to Butorowy of the Peak. For the about half kind of directional marker of the walk, admiring
Tatra from Bielsko-Biaa, by Tall until West, put along the road together highland houses with stylish wooden with
chapel designed by Antoni Kenar we are reaching the wooden gate which is inviting to the chair turn Butorowy
Peak.

Summer Toboggan Run

Summer Toboggan Run is a local attraction. Its modern, safe and open from spring till winter. Children under eight
years are allowed only with parents.

Gubalowka Hill

At the northern end of Krupowki street you can stroll on through the market to Gubalowka Hill. At its summit you
will find the starting points of several trails through the countryside, as well as a sweeping panorama of the Tatra
mountains.
As you walk the short stretch between Krupowki and Gubalowka you may well be cajoled into buying anything from
a bear-hunting jacket to a St. Bernard puppy. The temptation to buy the latter is hard to overcome - but unless
you're shacked up here permanently, sadly the opportunity has to be forgone. However, the spirited old ladies who
run the cheese and pickled mushroom stalls will be delighted if you try their fare. (If the rubbery texture is not to
your taste, you can quietly bury the evidence in some snow at the top of the hill).

Pressing on like a gallant knight, you will soon arrive at the cable-car station. From here you can take the funicular to
the top. It takes about four minutes and costs 14 zloty for a return journey. It's also possible to walk it, which takes
about an hour. However, if you're planning to begin a trail at the top, you may want to go easy on yourself on this
first leg of the trip. The car ascends by rail through an avenue of fir-trees. Half way up, James Bond films start to
come to mind, and you half expect Jaws to suddenly leap onto the roof, with an appropriately steely grin.
At the top there are plenty of little shops and restaurants to potter about in, whilst you'll find a splendid view of the
Tatras. There is also a very pretty wooden chapel about a minute's stroll to the west, and it overlooks the sweeping
expanse of the Podhale.
Several trails are clearly marked on your arrival. Heading west, you can take the black route through the Czarny
Dunajec valley. On this trail you will arrive in the village of Witow after a couple of hours hiking. From there, as is
generally the case with trails in the area, you can take a bus back to Zakopane, or set up camp in a pension.
Another trail that begins on the western route takes you to the attractive old village of Chocholow. There are two
possible routes, and the trip will take you about four hours.
Heading east from the cable-car you can take a path to Poronin. From there, if you're still feeling ready for battle,
you can follow an arc back to Bukowina Tatrzanska, the highest village in the region.

The Sleeping Knight

Giewont is by far the the most distinctive of the Tatra peaks, and it has been revered by the Highlanders since time
immemorial. It's silhouette has long been likened to that of a Sleeping Knight, with his plumed helmet curling away
at the westernmost extent.
'Giewont is the real king of the area,' wrote Maria Stecszkowska in 1858, ' it seems the highest, the best of all the
fells... the inhabitants of Zakopane call Giewont their father, and they hold it in a special kind of respect. Its ridge
serves them as a sundial; and when the sun rises over it, it is exactly midday.'
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On top of the mountain is a famous old cross that was erected by the Highlanders one hundred years ago. Its
construction was no mean feat, as this tall monument is built of jointed steel. As any hiker will tell you, the last
stretch of the mountain is very hazardous, and today there are special chained paths to help you get to the top. The
cross reads 'To Jesus Christ, from the Highlanders of Zakopane. 1900.'

The mountain has been popular with tourists for decades, and it is especially so in the Spring and Summer months.
There are several ways to access it, and you can in fact walk straight there from the town. At the end of Kasprusie
street, you can follow the red trail through the Strazyska valley. It is about a three hour hike all in all, culminating in a
difficult rocky stretch at the end.
Alternatively you could take the cable-car from Kuznice to Mount Kasprowy Wierch. From there you can follow a red
trail over the peaks of Kopa Kondracka all the way to Giewont itself. This is a big hike, involving some ten hours or so.
A final route to the Sleeping Knight takes you through the Malej Waki (the Little Valley), which many find to be the
most beautiful of the Tatra valleys.

Niedzica Castle

The prospect of Niedzica castle, which is best enjoyed from the ruins of Czorsztyn on the other side of the lake, is
amongst the most picturesque in the country, and it adorns the cover of many books. Before the reservoir was built,
the castle had a very Bram Stoker-like setting, when it was perched high on a cliff above the Dunajec river. Some of
the former residents also belong to the world of the gothic novel, and this is a place that is rich in tales and legends.
For centuries the castle was a border-post with Hungary. Yet when the Turkish menace reached its peak five
hundred years ago, a deal was done at Niedzica that made this region a Polish protectorate. However, the owners of
the castle remained Hungarian right up until the middle of the Second World War. The coming of the Soviets then
provided the final nail in the coffin for the family, and the last countess left with her children in 1943, two years
before the Red Army marched in.

The castle has been well looked after in recent years. In 1949 it came under the supervision of the Ministry of
Culture, and since 1963 it has functioned as a museum. The furnishings are not entirely as they were in the 1930's,
but the castle remains a great place to visit. The views are magnificent, particularly to the south over the Pieniny
mountains. There is also a beautiful courtyard, above which it is possible to take guestrooms. For many years, an old
moustachioed gentleman, resplendent in his Spisz costume, charmed visitors with the legends of the castle - he still
remembers the last owners.
The legends are indeed rather fantastic. Most famous is the tale of the lost Montezuma treasure. During the 16th
century, a relative of one of Niedzica's owners travelled to the New World, and became embroiled in the the
troubles of the conquistadores. He fell in love with the daughter of the last Inca king, Tupac Amar II, who was himself
murdered by the Spaniards, after rebelling against the invaders. However, the sacred scrolls of the Incas had been
handed down to the princess, who then fled to Hungary with her new husband. The notion that Inca treasure lies
hidden somewhere in the depths of the castle, is still cherished today.
Other tales follow the exploits of some of the castle's former owners, a somewhat motley crew. These involve
counts and jesters who tortured village folk, stabbed priests and generally behaved in an unsavoury manner.
Returning to the distinctly less grisly world of modern day Niedzica, its worth bearing in mind that there is a pleasant
restaurant just below the castle, which is a fine place for a break. Over the road, an eighteenth century wooden barn
houses a charming little museum of Spisz folk culture.

Spisz, the Pieniny and beyond

If you are inspired to negotiate the local bus system, or have the opportunity to jump in a car, there are some very
rewarding days out in the region. Don't be put off by the prospect of taking your family on a wild goose chase, as
many hotels in both Cracow and Zakopane can help you get to where you want to go, often liasing directly with bus
companies.

One area that feels on the crest of discovery is Czorsztyn (48km from Zakopane, 1h15min via Michelin), which is
about half an hour north east of Zakopane. Czorsztyn lies on the fringe of the Spisz region and it is dominated by a
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vast, man-made lake. On the southern bank lies the splendid old gothic castle of Niedzica, which for centuries lay on
the border with Hungary.
Within close striking distance of the lake are a handful of enchanting old wooden churches. For many years these
were little known outside of Poland, but they were recognized in 2002, when a clutch were listed by Unesco - a
tribute that was richly deserved. Some of the best examples, including Debno, Harklowa and Grywald, are no more
than ten minutes from Czorsztyn, making this a fine area to explore.
Heading still further east is the beautiful Pieniny mountain range. Less dramatic than the Tatry yet in their own way
perhaps more beautiful, they are another favourite amongst the Poles. The Dunajec river cuts through the
mountains and it is possible to go rafting here - a very worthwhile trip on a summers day.
Closer to Cracow, there are the famous salt mines of Wieliczka. However, many travellers will also be interested in
visiting the former Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz.

The Eye of the Sea

Morskie Oko is arguably the most beautiful of the Tatra lakes, and it is certainly the largest. It covers about 35
hectares in all, stretching some 860 metres in length, and 566 in breadth. The lake is entered through a small pass,
and once inside, you are entirely surrounded by the mountains. It is very much as if you are in a huge crater, and
hence the name, the eye of the sea,
Morskie Oko has delighted travellers since the region was first discovered one hundred and fifty years ago, and it
remains amongst the most popular places to visit in the Tatras. It is also one of the most easily accessible, with a
swift route from Lysa Polana (accessed by bus) followed by a walk of about one and a half hours. There is now even
an asphalt turf running along this short stretch - a reality that will leave many hikers feeling crestfallen. However
there are other routes, and the final goal is certainly a marvel of nature.

The lake itself is fifty metres deep and it is the only one with a natural stock of fish, in this case river trout. The
prospect of the surrounding mountains is stunning. The most captivating peak is Mnich, which literally means 'the
Monk'. It is called thus as its sharply pointed peak resembles that of a monks habit. Only the hardiest climbers can
scale these heights, and you need a special certificate from the mountaineers association before setting out.
Concealed above you to the south lies the magnificent Czarny Staw (the Black Lake), which is raised on a high
escarpment. Heading west you could then follow the blue trail to the Valley of the Five Lakes (Dolina Pieciu Stawow).
Alternatively you could do a loop back to the Mickiewicz waterfalls, and then follow the green trail on to the lakes.
Another option would be to press on to Mount Rysy, the highest peak in the Tatras. This is a five hour hike that
would involve an early start.

The Old Graveyard

If there is anywhere in Zakopane where you can feel the spirit of a hundred years ago, it is at the Old Graveyard. A
certain Jan Peksa gave this land to the Church, and it is known as Peksowy Brzyszek, 'Peksa's brook' after the small
stream that runs beside the cemetery. It's a very intimate place, encircled by a stone wall, and you will find the
entrance just behind St.Clement's.
The Old Graveyard is plumed with birch trees, and a narrow path winds its way through the centre. The tombs
themselves are very unusual. Many are crafted from gnarled blocks of wood. It is as if a magician has cast a spell on a
host of tree stumps, and the sorry things has been transformed into enchanted folkloric sculptures.

Many great figures from the arts are buried here, as well as numerous gorale heroes. However, you don't need to be
aware of who's who to feel the magic of the place. The graveyard casts its spell as much through the craftsmanship
of the memorials as through the associations with those who were laid to rest here.
All kinds of flourishes can be found - stout wooden crosses that are enlivened by florid carving, dreamy sculptures of
Christ or the Virgin, bulbous clusters of rocks that turn out to be actual graves. The whole ensemble seems to have
grown organically out of the ground, and thus it could not be further removed from the cold, rigid geometry of so
many Western graveyards - it's a distinctly undepressing place. Of course, it is highly likely that the graveyard is
inhabited by many ancient gnome dynasties, but the gnomes are modest fellows and one only sees them if one is
lucky.
Amongst the most distinguished figures to be found here are Stanislaw Witkiewicz, the father of the Zakopane style.
His minstrel friend, Sabala was also laid to rest here, as was the poet Kazimierz Tetmajer and the much-loved
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childrens' author Kornel Makuszynski. One can see that they are still held in great affection by the flowers and
candles that repeatedly appear on their graves.
Witkacy himself was officially buried here in the winter of 1988. It was a scene that would not have been out of place
in one of his own novels, and it quickly emerged that the authorities had buried the wrong man (the remote
graveyard in the Ukrainian forest where he had initially been laid to rest had not been properly studied). However,
Witkacy was certainly not lacking in mischievous qualities, and he would probably have found the event a
triumphant success.

Chocholow

The village of Chocholow lies seventeen kilometres east of Zakopane, and it represents the most complete survival of
an old gorale village. The majority of the houses here were built during the nineteenth century, and it was from
buildings such as these that Witkiewicz took his inspiration for the 'Zakopane Style'.
Chocholow is based around one main street, and its wooden houses mirror each other on either side. Virtually every
building echoes the next, the curious anomaly being the stone gothic church, (the old wooden one was replaced in
the mid-nineteenth century).

Besides its architecture, the village is also famous for its role in the doomed Uprising of 1846 (against the Austrians).
This came two decades before the liberalizing of Habsburg policy, and a small museum at number 75 chronicles this
romanticized episode in the village's history.
At number 28 you will find the workshop of a talented local sculptor. He is renowned for his skill with wood, and he
also sports a rather magnificent walrus moustache. His studio is packed to the brim with devotional works, as well as
portraits of highland characters. The house itself, both inside and out, is an enchanting example of Podhale style,
with some beautiful old furniture.
On summer afternoons you are likely to meet plenty of hikers in Chocholow, and there are modest guesthouses too.
However, this doesn't alter the fact that this a very folkloric place. And if you come here outside of the peak season,
there are moments when you feel that you have been transported back to a different age.
It's well worth having a good potter around behind the main street, and the chunky wooden houses seem very much
redolent of a Hansel and Gretel world. One house in particular, no. 24, is known as the 'house from one tree' , and it
is said that the entire building was constructed from one mighty pine. In fact with each step you take from the main
road, the further away the modern world seems. Haughty looking cockerels potter about, and old ladies in patterned
headsquares emerge from the doorways carrying ladles of milk and buckets of grain. At these moments you can
imagine what it must have been like to explore the region one hundred years ago.

Recommended routes

ROUTE 1: a must on a sunny day (aprox. 2-3 hrs.):
START: Krupwki
taking the funicular up the Gubawka hill - walk along the top rigde (2km)
taking the chair lift down the Polana Szymoszkowa (on the picture)
back to the town along the Powstaocw lskich street
then along Kocieliska street - visiting the Zakopane Style Museum in Villa Koliba (closed on Mon and Tue)
visiting the oldest church in Zakopane and the old cemetary
FINISH: Krupwki

ROUTE 2: upper Zakopane (aprox. 3 hrs.)
START: Krupwki
Pisudskiego street
at the crossroads with Tetmajera street - Kornel Makuszyoski's Museum with a pretty figure of the polish most
famous goat Koziolek Matolek (on the picture)
ski jumping hill Wielka Krokiew (possibility of going up to the top with a lift and admiring the views over the town)
walking along the cieka Pod Reglami path to the entry of the Biaego Valley
then along Grunwaldzka street (on the right in the Town Park Culture Center Jutrzenka with an interesting exhibition
of the children's works of art - mainly traditional local techniques of glass painting, available for sale)
further Orkana and Kasprusie streets with Karol Szymanowski's museum at Villa Atma
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Kocieliska street and FINISH: Krupwki

ROUTE 3: following Stanislaw Witkiewicz (aprox. 4-5hrs.)
START: Krupwki
Zamoyskiego st.- Witkiewicza st.- Bulwary Sowackiego st. (along the Bystra stream)
climbing up the Nosal (1.206m) - hiking down to Olczyska Valley with water springs
Jaszczurwka - a 1907 chapel designed by Stanisaw Witkiewicz (on the picture)
Balzera st. - Droga na Koziniec (Willa pod Jedlami/ Pod Jedlami Villa, a house designed by St. Witkiewicz)
Droga na Antawk - Antawka (lovely view on High Tatras)
follow the yellow marked tracks near the Panorama pension
Jagiellonska street - Witkiewicza street (cafe Samanta)
FINISH: Krupwki

ROUTE 4: Two biggest valleys of the Western Tatras (aprox. 5/7 hrs.)
START: bus station at Kociuszki street - taking the bus to Kiry in Kocielisko
Kocieliska Valley (on the picture) - optional the horse and carriage ride (aprox. 150PLN)
shelter in Ornak (apple-pie)- back the same way through the Kocieliska or
hard, 2,5 hrs. hiking through Iwaniacka Pass to Chochoowska Valley
down the Chochoowska Valley to the parking on Siwa Polana (one can rent a bike from the rental in the upper
Chocholowska to ride down the valley)
taking the bus from the bus stop at Siwa Polana back to Zakopane

ROUTE 5: Stryska Valley and Polana Kalatwki (aprox. 4-5 hrs)
START: Krupwki
Stryska st.
Stryska Valley (very pretty one)with small shelter offering drinks and meals
cieka nad Reglami path with nice view on Zakopane(on the picture)- Kalatwki Valley
Mountain Hotel Kalatwki (nice restaurant)
Kunice - Przewodnikw Tatrzaoskich st. - Chaubioskiego st. - Zamoyskiego st.
FINISH: Krupwki

ROUTE 6: Morskie Oko - the most popular destination (aprox. 5/6 hrs)
START: bus station at Kociuszki st. - taking the bus to Palenica Biaczaoska (we suggest to start early morning, before
8am to avoid hiking in the crowd)
walk up to Morskie Oko lake (8km on the traumac road)
walk around the lake - (optional: walk up to the next lake Czarny Staw nad Morskim Okiem +1 hour)
back the same way

Hiking

There are 275 km of marked tourist trails located in the Tatra National Park (the park was established in 1954 and
covers an area of 21,197 hectares), with various degrees of difficulty from very easy to extremely difficult ones,
fitted with safety equipment, such as chains, iron steps or rope ladders. The various colors (yellow, red, blue, green
and black), the trails are marked with, don't indicate the degree of difficulty, but they help to identify the individual
route in the open area.
A ticket to the Tatra National Park costs just one Euro.
On the territory of Tatra National Park walking is allowed on marked tourist routes only!
Organized groups of more then 10 people hiking on the territory of Tatra National Park should be guided by a
licenced mountain guide.
Camping in the Tatra National Park is not allowed. The only possibility of accommodation in the Tatra Mountains is
accommodation in one of the eight shelters. Here you will find a list of them: shelters in Polish Tatra Mountains
Our suggestions: try to start your hiking early morning (around 8.00 am or even earlier in August) to avoid walking in
the crowds. Don't forget a rucksack with some drink, food and a jumper and waterproof jacket.
Add the emergency number of Tatra Mountain Rescue Team +48 601 100 300 to your mobile phone memory!
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Notice please that even Tatra Mountains seems to be very small (one can climb the highest summit Rysy in 6 hours)
many routes are very difficult.

SIMPLE TRAILS

Example: The valley floor of Dolina Koscieliska.
Very beautiful trail leads along the valley floor of the Koscieliska Valley. It is marked in green colour. The route starts
in Kiry a part of village Koscielisko. You can get there for example taking a mini-bus from Zakopane (in front of the
bus station) or by car (car park in front of the entrance to the valley). It takes 1,5-2 hours to get to the mountain hut
on the Ornak clearing by the simplest way but you can also visit some side trails (to Mrozna Cave or Krakow Gorge
on the way back). Part of a trail you can make taking a buckboard it may be a great fun for children. After a rest in
the mountain hut there is also possibility to make a short walk to lake Smreczynski Staw or make some more difficult
trips to higher parts of the Western Tatras. For those who feel that its enough for today go back the same way
to Kiry.

Other examples of simple trips:
The valley floor of Dolina Chocholowska, Dolina Bialego, Dolina Strazyska, Sciezka pod Reglami,Dolina Bystrej to
the mountain hut on a Kondratowa clearing, Kasprowy Wierch by a cable car,Morskie Oko

MEDIUM HARD TRAILS

Example: Kuznice Hala Gasienicowa - Kuznice
You can reach Kuznice (district of Zakopane) by a mini-bus (e.g. from the bus station), by a taxi or on foot entering
the district by your own car is forbidden. Kuznice is nowadays a headquarter of the Tatra National Park. In the past it
was the main mining center in the Polish Tatras you can visit there historical buildings, some are turned into
museums. From Kuznice you take a blue trail (the one which leads in eastern direction). The trail will take you to the
Hala Gasienicowa and a mountain hut Murowaniec via so-called Boczan. Climbing the brow of Boczan is the only
difficulty on your way. After that you follow the rolling terrain admiring the beautiful views around you. The way
back may be a little bit diversified by taking a yellow trail through Jaworzynka Valley and pass the old sheprds huts.

Other examples of medium hard trails:
Cyrhla Wielki Kopieniec Dolina Olczyska Nosal, Zazadnia Wiktorwki Gesia Szyja, Sarnia Skala.

DIFFICULT TRAILS

The trails described below are mostly difficult because they require good physical condition.

Example: Czerwone Wierchy
Beautiful trip, especially in the late summer/early autumn when the plants covering that part of the mountains are
getting red. Thanks to that plants we have the name of the mountains: Czerwone Wierchy simply means Red
mountains. You start your trip in Kiry (mentioned above) but after around 20 minutes you turn left and change the
trail from green to red one. That is a beginning of a real hiking ;) After 4 hours and 1000 meters of height difference
you will reach the first summit of Czerwone Wierchy called Ciemniak. Then you follow the main Tatra Mountains
ridge to the east through Krzesanica and Malolaczniak. On Malolaczniak you can decide to go down (taking the blue
trail with one artificial facility placed on a short distance a metal chain working as balustrade) or reach another
summit Kondracka Kopa. This is a trip example for experienced hikers it may take 8-10 hours (depending on your
physical condition).

Other examples of difficult trails:
Dolina Pieciu Stawow Szpiglasowa Przelecz Morskie Oko, Kasprowy Wierch Kopa Kondracka, Ornak
Starorobocianski Trzydniowianski, Grzes Rakon Wolowiec

VERY DIFFICULT TRAILS

9

The trails described below are mostly difficult because they require good physical condition and they
include technical difficulties.

Example: Rysy the highest summit in the Polish Tatras
The height difference: approx. 1600 m, trip duration: 10-11 hours. You start the trip from Palenica Bialczanska (you
can reach it by car or by mini-bus from the bus station in Zakopane) taking the asphalt road to the famous Morskie
Oko lake and the mountain hut (2-2,30 h). It is very popular trail so in summer there are crowds of tourists. But if you
start your trip early (6-7 AM) you will meet there only climbers, experienced hikers or those who slept in the hut.
After a short break in the shelter you continue hiking passing two lakes Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw and then you
climp up the summit. From the mountain hut it may take 4-4,30 hours. On your way you will encounter some
facilities like metal chains they help crossing steep and difficult parts of the trail. To go back you take the same
trail.

If your physical conditions are very good but youre not sure if you manage with the technical difficulties - use the
service of reliable and experienced mountain guide. Also at other very difficult trails like:
Orla Perc, Koscielec, Swinica.

Useful information for those who are going to ski on KASPROWY WIERCH:

Before you decide to go go to Kasprowy Wierch I recommend to check if the cable car and ski lifts are open
at www.pkl.pl
To get to Kasprowy Wierch - the best place in Poland for advanced skiers and snowboarders you have to get
to Kunice.
The cable car is open from 8.00 in Dec and Jan and then from 7.30.
In high season /Christmas, New Year, school holidays and weekends/ cable car can be very busy.
Notice please that the ticket-office sells tickets only for the current day immediately before the departure of
the cable carriage. All the passengers for whom tickets are being bought should be present in front of the
ticket-office. Once the tickets have been bought, passengers check-in and proceed to the departure
platform.
The cable car trip to Mount Kasprowy (1987 m asl) takes approximately 10 minutes and takes place in two
stages with a change in Mylenickie Turnie (1325 m asl).
There are two beautiful ski pistes on Kasprowy Wierch. (Notice please that cable car to Kasprowy Wierch
takes only 360 people per hour so when you get to the top you are sure there are no more queues!)
Gasienicowa ski slope is 1.400 metres long with aprox 400m elevation difference. There is a modern 4
persons chair-lift, which takes 2400 people per hour and it takes only 8 minutes to get to the top.
Goryczkowa ski slope is about 2.000 metres long with aprox 600m elevation difference. There is an old
fashioned 2 persons lift with uncomfortable wooden chairs but the SLOPE IS GREAT! Chair-lift takes 730
people per hour and it takes 15 minutes to get to the top.
Off-piste skiing is not allowed and will be fined, there are Tatra National Park guards watching. If you
absolutely have to be aware of danger of avalanches.
Just in case add to your handy phone memory Mountian Rescue Team (TOPR) number +48 601 100 300