In the Polish Tatra Mountains, you can encounter several main valleys, some of the most well-known being: Kościeliska Valley, Chochołowska Valley, Valley of Five Polish Ponds, Biała Woda Valley, Jarząbcza Valley. Each of these valleys has its unique features and attractions, such as beautiful views, hiking trails, mountain shelters, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Kościeliska Valley
The Kościeliska Valley is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatra Mountains, rich in natural attractions and historical landmarks. An expedition to the Kościeliska Valley is an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. This route offers beautiful views, a wealth of flora and fauna, and many interesting points along the way. The trail through the Kościeliska Valley is suitable for people of varying levels of physical fitness. It’s a relatively easy route that can be undertaken by families with children, elderly individuals, and less experienced mountain hikers.
The journey usually begins in the village of Kiry, located near Zakopane. Here you’ll find a parking lot for tourists and a tourist information center where you can get necessary information about the trail and weather conditions. The trail leads through charming places such as caves, waterfalls, and viewpoints that invite you to stop and admire the surrounding nature. One of the popular destinations along the route is the PTTK shelter on Hala Ornak. It’s a perfect place to rest and replenish your energy with a traditional mountain meal.
The Kościeliska Valley ends at Chochołowska Glade, where you’ll find another mountain shelter and a point from which you can continue your hike to other areas of the Tatras, such as the Chochołowska Valley or the Tomanowa Valley.
Chochołowska Valley
The Chochołowska Valley is one of the longest valleys and is famous for its beautiful crocuses, which appear in early spring, creating a picturesque view among the mountains.
The hike usually starts at Siwa Polana, which is a popular starting point for the Chochołowska Valley. You can get there by car or use public transportation. At Siwa Polana, there is a parking lot for tourists and a tourist information point where you can obtain necessary information about the trail and weather conditions.
After starting the hike, the tourist is surrounded by beautiful views of the high peaks of the Tatra Mountains and expansive meadows and forests. The trail leads through picturesque places, such as Chochołowska Valley Clearing, where you can admire beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the main destinations along the route is the shelter at Chochołowska Glade. It’s the perfect place for a short rest and to recharge your energy. The hike ends at the end of the Chochołowska Valley, where you can admire further beautiful views and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature
Strążyska Valley
Following its paths, the traveler will discover the charm of wild nature, crystal-clear streams, and breathtaking views. This valley, located near Zakopane, entices tourists with its unique atmosphere and richness of natural wonders.
The adventure begins in the picturesque village of Kuźnice, the starting point for many magnificent mountain trails. In Kuźnice, one can breathe in the fresh mountain air and prepare for an exciting journey into the heart of the Tatra peaks.
After traversing the unforgettable route through the Strążyska Valley, travelers reach the PTTK shelter, the heart of this magical place. Here, one can rest, taste regional delicacies, and share experiences with other mountain adventure enthusiasts.
The impressions from the Strążyska Valley will remain in memory forever as the traveler returns to Kuźnice, full of gratitude for this unforgettable journey. The sights, sounds, and scents of the Tatra nature will leave a mark in the heart of anyone who dares to venture into the trails of this exceptional valley.
Valley of five Ponds
While traveling to the Valley of Five Lakes, we bypass several other trails that do not lead directly to this specific destination. Some of these trails may lead to other valleys, mountain peaks, or other attractions in the Tatra Mountains. The most important trails avoided during the journey to the Valley of Five Lakes are:
- Trail to Rysy: This is one of the most difficult and demanding trails in the Tatra Mountains, leading to the highest peak in Poland, Rysy. When traveling to the Valley of Five Lakes, we bypass this trail, which requires a high level of mountain experience and proper preparation.
2. Trail to the Valley of Roztoki: The Valley of Roztoki is another picturesque place in the Tatras, but to get there, you need to leave the trail leading to the Valley of Five Lakes and head in a different direction.
3. Trail to the Valley of Rybi Potok: Similar to the Valley of Roztoki, the Valley of Rybi Potok offers magnificent views and exploration opportunities, but to get there, you need to head in a different direction than the Valley of Five Lakes.
