Giewont Location and History
Giewont is located in the Western Tatras, which are part of the Tatra Mountains, within the Tatra National Park in Poland. The peak of Giewont rises to an elevation of 1894 meters above sea level and is situated near Zakopane, the most popular mountain resort in Poland. Giewont is easily recognizable due to its distinctive shape, which resembles a sleeping knight.
Legends and Myths
Giewont is shrouded in numerous legends and myths. The most well-known legend speaks of sleeping knights who rest inside the mountain and will rise to defend Poland in its greatest time of need. In 1901, a metal cross was erected on the summit of Giewont, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Tatras. The cross stands 15 meters tall and was raised at the initiative of Father Kazimierz Kaszelewski as a sign of faith and patriotism.
Trails to Giewont in the Tatra Mountains
1. Trail from Kuźnice through Kalatówki and Hala Kondratowa
Start: Kuźnice
Hiking time: approximately 3 hours
From Kuźnice (the lower station of the Kasprowy Wierch cable car), follow the blue trail to the shelter at Hala Kondratowa via Kalatówki.
From the shelter at Hala Kondratowa, continue on the blue trail to the Przełęcz Kondracka pass.
From Przełęcz Kondracka, follow the red trail to the summit of Giewont.
2. Trail from Kuźnice through the Strążyska Valley
Start: Kuźnice
Hiking time: approximately 4 hours
From Kuźnice, follow the blue trail through Kalatówki to the Strążyska Valley.
In the Strążyska Valley, continue on the yellow trail to Polana Strążyska.
From Polana Strążyska, follow the red trail through Przełęcz w Grzybowcu to Przełęcz Kondracka.
From Przełęcz Kondracka, follow the red trail to the summit of Giewont.
3. Trail from the Mała Łąka Valley
Start: Mała Łąka Valley
Hiking time: approximately 4 hours
From the parking lot in the Mała Łąka Valley, follow the yellow trail to Wielka Polana Małołącka.
Next, follow the yellow trail to Przełęcz Kondracka.
From Przełęcz Kondracka, follow the red trail to the summit of Giewont.
4. Trail from Kasprowy Wierch
Start: Kasprowy Wierch
Hiking time: approximately 3 hours
From Kasprowy Wierch, follow the red trail through Goryczkowa Czuba to Przełęcz Kondracka.
From Przełęcz Kondracka, follow the red trail to the summit of Giewont.
