Kościeliska Valley
Dolina Kościeliska
The most popular gentle valley in the Western Tatras, with limestone cliffs, streams and caves. It is a hiking route suitable for all ages.
The entrance to Kościeliska Valley is at Kiry, about 7 km from Zakopane, and minibuses run there directly. The valley trail is gentle: it takes about 1.5–2 hours one way to Ornak mountain hut, passing the Mroźna Ice Cave (Jaskinia Mroźna), the Raptawicka Spring and tall limestone gorge walls. If you're fit, you can continue up to Smreczyński Lake. Horse-drawn carriages can take you along the first section. A Tatra National Park ticket is required. It makes a good half-day hike for anyone who doesn't want to climb high mountains. After rain the path gets muddy, so wear non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
Open all day (national park trails)
Nearby sights
- Mroźna Cave
- Chochołowska Valley
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima at Krzeptówki
- Giewont
- Strążyska Valley & Siklawica Falls
- Museum of Zakopane Style – Villa Koliba
- Gubałówka
- Villa Atma – Karol Szymanowski Museum