Travel.LovePoland December 2020

Walk: Chochołowska Valley to the Shelter in the Chochołowska
Glade
The green trail to the shelter on the Chochołowska Glade
(Polana Chochołowska) begins its run from Siwa Polana. We get
there using our car or by taking a bus from the center of
Zakopane. The Chochołowska Glade itself is an extremely
beautiful place. The peaks of the western Tatras rise above it.
Wołowiec looks particularly impressive. We are about a good 2
hours walk away from Polana Chochołowska along the green
trail, which leads us successively through the Huciska Glade,
Dudowa Valley, Starorobociańska Valley, and Trzydniówka Glade,
reaching finally the Chochołowska Glade. Until the Huciska
Glade, the trail leads us along a boring asphalt road. Then we
walk along a flat gravel path, and then up a stone "sidewalk".In
terms of time, the trail is almost identical to the trip to Morskie
Oko from Palenica. In winter conditions it will take you from 4 to
5 hours.
Walk: Strążyska Clearing and Siklawica Waterfall
You can start the trip near Wielka Krokiew, at Cafe Roma, where
the entrance to the Strążyska Valley is located. A leisurely walk
from Wielka Krokiew takes 30 minutes to reach Droga pod
Reglami. There is also a small parking lot for cars. The Strążyska
Valley is one of the most popular valleys near Zakopane,
situated between the valleys of Dolina ku Dziurze and Dolina za
Bramką. It leads to the walls of Giewont massif. The trail goes
along a flat and wide road to the Strążyska Clearing, which,
according to the signpost, takes 40 minutes.
After a few minutes, we reach the first bridge over the stream
called Strążyski Potok. There, you can hear the soothing noise
which will accompany us at the bottom of the valley. In the
Strążyska Clearing, there are some chalets, a buffet for tourists,
and benches. Those willing can continue along the yellow trail
that will take them to the Siklawica Waterfall in about 15
minutes. The yellow trail leads slightly uphill over large stones.
They can be extremely slippery in winter, so we advise you to be
careful and use additional protection under your shoes.
Siklawica, a 23-meter waterfall, descends at an 80-degree angle
(13 meters high lower wall and 10 meters high upper wall). The
name of the waterfall is derived from Siklawa in the Valley of
Five Polish Ponds.
Walk: Kościeliska Valley, Smreczyński Pond, and the Shelter at
the Ornak Glade (Hala Ornak)
Another winter suggestion is a walk along the Kościeliska Valley
to the Smreczyński Pond (the only one in the western Tatras)
and on the way back, a stop at the shelter at the Ornak Glade.
We start the trip in Kiry, where again you can get to by your
own means of transport or using a bus, going from the center of
Zakopane. The trail is almost 13.5 km long and the estimated
time of its passage without breaks is only 4 hours. Remember to
add the obligatory relaxation time by the pond and a stay at the
shelter in Hala Ornak. The Kościeliska Valley, 8km long and 34
square km in area, is considered to be one of the most beautiful
in the whole Tatras.
Walk: White Stream Valley
Another suggestion is a walk through the White Valley along the
yellow trail, which begins not far from Wielka Krokiew and the
Strążyska Valley. As I mentioned earlier, both trips can be
connected to make a loop, visiting Sarnia Rock.
The valley is characterised by dolomite walls and numerous rock
gates, which gives it a unique mysterious character. Going
through the subalpine forest valleys is the shortest distance to
Zakopane. The trail continues along the White Stream and its
relaxing, humming sounds. The trip is not long, as it takes about
2 hours. An alternative is to extend the hike to Kalatówki and
the Kondratowa Glade on the way back to Kuźnice (or return
along the same route). This is an option for an approximately 5
hour walk with beautiful views.
Zakopane offers a lot of opportunities to relax for visitors. We
recommend to try:
relax after hiking
Sleigh Rides
Horse-drawn sleigh rides and evening sleigh rides in Zakopane
with torches, often ended with a bonfire with sausages, are a
very popular winter attraction in every mountain town.
Zakopane, unfortunately, does not have a prepared route on
which a horse sleigh could move freely without disturbing cars
or even pedestrians. The organisers of sleigh rides and the cab
drivers face a dilemma every year. That is whether to enter the
pavement, where there is usually a lot of snow, by breaking the
regulations or whether to tire the horses and sheer the
pleasure of passengers while riding down the normally snowfree
street. We recommend the Kościeliska Valley and the
Chochołowska Valley for sleigh rides in Zakopane.
Dog Sled Rides
For several years, dog sled rides have been very popular among
tourists visiting Zakopane in the winter. Both adults and
children enjoy this attraction. We recommend husky sled rides
to entire families spending their time in the Tatra Mountains.
Dog sledding is the best winter attraction for groups.
Aquaparks and Therms
Thermal baths and water parks in Zakopane are really
important places during trips for a reason. They are amazing
attractions for children who love to swim and parents who want
to amuse their toddlers.
89 TRAVEL.LOVEPOLAND