From Kościelisko Valley to Małej Łąki Valley (Zakopane)

This route connects two of the Western Tatras’ most beautiful valleys — the popular and scenic Kościelisko Valley and the quieter, less-visited Mała Łąka Valley — while passing through peaceful forest trails and finishing with an open meadow that offers impressive views of the Czerwone Wierchy massif. It’s a point-to-point hike, which makes using public transport the obvious and recommended choice.

Quick Facts

• Location: GPS 49.27537 19.86871
• Distance: 9.70 km
• Elevation gain: 300 m
• Time needed: ~3.5 hours
• Difficulty (1–5): 2
• Trail type: Mountain trail with gentle elevation gain
• Parking: Not recommended — paid parking is available at both ends, but public transport is a much better option for a point-to-point route.
• Public transport: Both the start and end points are accessible by public transport. Minibuses to Kiry (the start of Kościelisko Valley) depart regularly from Zakopane bus station.
• Entrance fee: A small entrance fee is required to enter Tatra National Park.
• Best season: Late June – October
• Dog friendly: No (dogs are not allowed in most parts of the national park)
• Family friendly: Yes — suitable for families with children who are comfortable walking longer distances on mountain paths.

Parking & How to Get There

Since the trail starts and ends at two different locations, public transport is by far the most practical option.

From Zakopane, take a minibus toward Kiry — this is the entrance to the Kościelisko Valley and the starting point of this hike. Minibuses depart frequently from Zakopane bus station and the ride takes around 15–20 minutes. The return trip from the Mała Łąka Valley end point (near the village of Gronik) is also served by public transport back to Zakopane.

GPS (start): 49.27537, 19.86871

Hiking the Trail

The hike begins in the Kościelisko Valley — one of the most scenic and well-known valleys in the Polish Tatras. The wide, well-maintained path follows the Kościeliski stream through a dramatic rock gorge, with limestone cliffs rising on either side.

After enjoying the valley, the route turns onto quieter, less-trafficked mountain trails. This middle section passes through peaceful forest, offering a calm contrast to the busy valley path below. The landscape gradually opens up as the trail approaches the Wielka Polana Małołącka — a large, beautiful glade at the foot of the Czerwone Wierchy ridge, perfect for a picnic stop.

The final section follows a mountain path out of the national park, descending toward the Mała Łąka Valley exit near Gronik.

Highlights

Kościelisko Valley (Dolina Kościeliska): One of the longest and most picturesque valleys on the Polish side of the Tatra Mountains. The trail follows a mountain stream through a deep limestone gorge, flanked by rocky cliffs and scattered with meadows where sheep graze in summer. Along the way, it’s also possible to make a short detour to Mroźna Cave — the only cave in the Polish Tatras with a prepared tourist route and lighting.

Wielka Polana Małołącka: The large open glade at the heart of the Mała Łąka Valley is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the entire Tatras. With the dramatic vertical rock walls of the Czerwone Wierchy massif rising directly ahead, it’s an ideal spot to stop, rest, and take in the mountain scenery before finishing the hike.

The Route Sections

Kościelisko Valley: The trail starts at the ticket office in Kiry and follows the green trail along the bottom of the valley. The path is wide, well-maintained, and gently inclined — more of a scenic walk than a strenuous hike. The valley narrows at several rocky gorge sections, creating dramatic natural gateways. This section is the busiest part of the route, especially in summer.

Forest Trails and the Transition Section: After leaving the main valley trail, the route climbs gently through quieter forest paths. This is where the crowds thin out noticeably. The trail is narrower here and more of a classic mountain path, but remains easy to follow and not technically demanding.

Wielka Polana Małołącka and the Mała Łąka Valley: The trail opens onto the large Małołącka Glade — a wide, grassy clearing at the foot of the Czerwone Wierchy ridge. This is the most scenic part of the route and a natural picnic spot. From here, the yellow trail descends gently through the Mała Łąka Valley toward the exit near Gronik

When to Visit

• Avoid Crowds: July and August are the busiest months in the Tatras, and the Kościelisko Valley in particular draws large numbers of visitors. For a more peaceful experience, aim for late June or September–October.
• Best Time: The route is beautiful throughout the hiking season. Autumn is especially rewarding, with golden forest colours in the valley and crisp views of the mountain ridges.
• Conditions: In wet weather, the rocky sections of the trail can become slippery. Take extra care after rain, particularly on the forest path sections.

What to Bring

• Water: Carry enough water for the full hike. There is a mountain hut (Hala Ornak) at the far end of the Kościelisko Valley where you can refill, but beyond that point there are no facilities on the route.
• Footwear: Good hiking shoes are recommended. Even on dry days, the rocky and rooty forest sections benefit from proper grip.
• Protection: Sunscreen is essential, especially on the open glade sections with no shade.

Is This Route Worth It?

Absolutely.

Compared to many other hikes in the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane, this trail is on the easier end of the scale — but that doesn’t mean it lacks scenery. The combination of the dramatic Kościelisko Valley gorge, quiet forest trails, and the wide panoramic glade in the Mała Łąka Valley makes for a varied and rewarding day out.

Because the starting point is well-connected by public transport and the elevation gain is modest, this is a great option for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a longer mountain walk without the physical demands of a steep summit hike.