Dolina Chocholowska
Dolina Chocholowska
4.5
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4.5
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Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,740 contributions
Oct 2020
In contrast to the east and central part of the Tatra mountain range, this most western valley is lower and wider. An asphalt road leads to Polana Huciska at about one third of the distance to the end of the valley. During the tourist season there are many vehicles along this part of the road (horse carts, train imitation, sometimes cars of locals), as well as people on rent bikes. Reaching the PTTK schronisko (literally 'shelter', but more like a big hotel with restaurant) there are several options for hikes into the side valleys and towards peaks like Ornak, Wolowiec and Grzes on the border with Slovakia. I liked this upper part of the valley most, as it is more quiet and nature is less affected by tourism and the forestry business.
I did not stay overnight at the PTTK hotel, but hiked and travelled up and down to Zakopane. Buses between the park entry near Kiry and Zakopane are frequent and convenient enough. The 7.3 km to the PTTK hotel is an easy and pleasant walk, though it adds to the time available for hiking in the upper part of the valley.
I did not stay overnight at the PTTK hotel, but hiked and travelled up and down to Zakopane. Buses between the park entry near Kiry and Zakopane are frequent and convenient enough. The 7.3 km to the PTTK hotel is an easy and pleasant walk, though it adds to the time available for hiking in the upper part of the valley.
Written 6 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BordRestaurant
Cameron Park, CA531 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Dolina Chocholowska is the last valley leading into the Polish side of the Tatra Mountains, on the west side of the National Park. It is the longest valley in the Park, with an imposing mountain hotel at the end. We visited the area in August, at the height of the tourist summer season.
For me, this is the most appealing part of the Polish Tatra Mountains. The valley ascends gently among the ever taller peaks and lush forests. The Chocholowski Potok stream narrows down as you walk into the valley, as the feeder streams peel off to the sides. The walk begins at the end of the access road that's available to all traffic, and continues on a paved road for about 4 kilometers. At that point, the pavement ends and the trek continues on an easy, wide forest road. That first 4 kilometers can be covered in as little as 10 minutes, if you choose the tractor drawn tram ("kolejka"), which departs every half hour or so. The cost is very reasonable, and taking the tram significantly increases the time that you have to enjoy the most beautiful part of the valley, which really starts once the pavement ends.
At the end of the valley is the Polana Chocholowska, a large clearing where there are a number of mountain huts for livestock, and the Schronisko Gorskie PTTK na Polanie Chocholowskiej. It's the biggest, and most imposing mountain hotel on the Polish side of the Tatras. There are a number of these scattered through the National Park, making it easy to hike across the mountain range, staying one or a few nights at different locations. Each of these features accommodations ranging from dormitory-style rooms to rooms for two, with a restaurant. The Dolina Chocholowska moutain hotel is arguably the most impressive. The imposing stone and wood structure was built in the 1950's, after the original building burnt down. We visited the restaurant there, but did not stay overnight. It's worth noting that even though this was the height of the summer vacation season, there were still beds available at the hotel for the night that we were there. The restaurant offers a large selection of items, all hearty and nicely prepared. Even though the restaurant is closed for the night, a late arriving hiker can always get boiling water, for tea, coffee, or soup, 24h a day.
A number of hiking trails originate at the mountain hotel. One interesting hike follows the walk taken by Pope John Paul II during one of his visits to the Tatras. The Pope loved the mountains, and there are many places in the Park commemorating his many visits. Another short, rewarding hike is to the nearest mountain, the 1,600 meter Grzes peak. Our ascent took about one and a half hours, and the descent about an hour. It's an easy hike of about 500 meter elevation gain, on a well maintained trail. It's popular, so you'll meet many fellow hikers; on our ascent, we met folks from Poland, Slovakia, Germany, and France. The views from Grzes are fantastic, spanning a 360 degree vista of the western Tatra Mountains.
Topping off our great day in Dolina Chocholowska are the crowds, or, rather, lack of. Compared to the Morskie Oko area in the eastern part of the mountains, the Chocholowska Valley gets less than one tenth the crowds. And once you get off the main trail leading to the Schronisko Gorskie, you start getting the sense that despite Zakopane being such a popular tourist destination, you can still find plenty of places in the Tatras where you can be alone for hours.
To get there, take the minibus service from in-front of the Zakopane train station. The minibus stops at several locations before it leaves Zakopane. Alternatively, there is plenty of (paid) parking for private cars at the end of the public road access.
Dolina Chocholowska - a magnificent place well worth a visit.
For me, this is the most appealing part of the Polish Tatra Mountains. The valley ascends gently among the ever taller peaks and lush forests. The Chocholowski Potok stream narrows down as you walk into the valley, as the feeder streams peel off to the sides. The walk begins at the end of the access road that's available to all traffic, and continues on a paved road for about 4 kilometers. At that point, the pavement ends and the trek continues on an easy, wide forest road. That first 4 kilometers can be covered in as little as 10 minutes, if you choose the tractor drawn tram ("kolejka"), which departs every half hour or so. The cost is very reasonable, and taking the tram significantly increases the time that you have to enjoy the most beautiful part of the valley, which really starts once the pavement ends.
At the end of the valley is the Polana Chocholowska, a large clearing where there are a number of mountain huts for livestock, and the Schronisko Gorskie PTTK na Polanie Chocholowskiej. It's the biggest, and most imposing mountain hotel on the Polish side of the Tatras. There are a number of these scattered through the National Park, making it easy to hike across the mountain range, staying one or a few nights at different locations. Each of these features accommodations ranging from dormitory-style rooms to rooms for two, with a restaurant. The Dolina Chocholowska moutain hotel is arguably the most impressive. The imposing stone and wood structure was built in the 1950's, after the original building burnt down. We visited the restaurant there, but did not stay overnight. It's worth noting that even though this was the height of the summer vacation season, there were still beds available at the hotel for the night that we were there. The restaurant offers a large selection of items, all hearty and nicely prepared. Even though the restaurant is closed for the night, a late arriving hiker can always get boiling water, for tea, coffee, or soup, 24h a day.
A number of hiking trails originate at the mountain hotel. One interesting hike follows the walk taken by Pope John Paul II during one of his visits to the Tatras. The Pope loved the mountains, and there are many places in the Park commemorating his many visits. Another short, rewarding hike is to the nearest mountain, the 1,600 meter Grzes peak. Our ascent took about one and a half hours, and the descent about an hour. It's an easy hike of about 500 meter elevation gain, on a well maintained trail. It's popular, so you'll meet many fellow hikers; on our ascent, we met folks from Poland, Slovakia, Germany, and France. The views from Grzes are fantastic, spanning a 360 degree vista of the western Tatra Mountains.
Topping off our great day in Dolina Chocholowska are the crowds, or, rather, lack of. Compared to the Morskie Oko area in the eastern part of the mountains, the Chocholowska Valley gets less than one tenth the crowds. And once you get off the main trail leading to the Schronisko Gorskie, you start getting the sense that despite Zakopane being such a popular tourist destination, you can still find plenty of places in the Tatras where you can be alone for hours.
To get there, take the minibus service from in-front of the Zakopane train station. The minibus stops at several locations before it leaves Zakopane. Alternatively, there is plenty of (paid) parking for private cars at the end of the public road access.
Dolina Chocholowska - a magnificent place well worth a visit.
Written 6 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustDiveIn
Miami, FL1,033 contributions
Jan 2020
Dolina Chocholowska being the longest and largest valley on the Polish side of the Tatra mountains is a great hiking destination for everyone, no matter the age and no matter the season. This is one of the few trails that you can also bring your dog. It was our first time hiking the trail in the winter, a few days after it had snowed, words can't describe the beauty. The green trail from the parking lot to the Polana Chocholowska Chalet at the end of the trail is around 8km (5miles). Once you get off the main road there will be several parking lots, the first one will be on the right for 10zl, then there will be another one on the left for 15zl, if you park at any of these you will have a considerable walk. If you arrive early enough, take the road as far as it goes, there will be another parking lot on the left between Gazdowka u Zajaca and the entrance to the park, cost is 10zl. The entrance to the park is 5zl per person. The trail from entrance to the chalet can be completed in 2hr at a moderate walking pace. The trail is easy, there is a slight accent throughout the trail, from start to finish there is a 250 meter (830ft) rise in elevation. Most of the trail is next to a stream (Chocholowski Potok), the running water is very calming and relaxing as you connect with nature on your walk. At the beginning of the trail, there are several stands with souvenirs and oscypki(cheese). The small oscypki can be eaten cold or warmed up on the grill, must try for cheese lovers. When the trail begins going into the woods there is a big rock on the left side with a commemorative plaque of names of people that were killed in that spot by the Germans. The trail goes through the woods, don't just look down at your feet, look around you might see some wildlife, also look up there are beautiful views of mountains. Near the end of the trail, you will come out of the woods and see Chocholowska Polana on the right side, there will be wooden huts. During the summer there are grazing sheep and shepherds making cheese in the huts. By the first wooden hut on the right site, the black trail begins, it is a short hike up the hill to an old Chapel, it's worth taking a look at, there is a Sunday mass during the summers. At the end of the trail is the chalet, here you can have something to eat or even spend the night in the hostel if you are planning on going deeper into the mountains.
This is a trail that Pope John Paul II frequently hiked. Not too far from the entrance on the left side there is a cross that commemorates where the Pope's helicopter landed during his visit as Pope in 1983. When you reach the chalet at the end of the trail there is also a plaque that commemorates his visit.
When it snows this trail is great for cross country skiing. When there is snow on the ground there are horse-drawn sleigh rides that are available. In the summer you can rent a bike near the entrance and bike the trail.
Feel Free to read my reviews of Gazdowka u Zajaca and Dolina Chocholowska trail.
If you found this helpful feel free to hit the Thank button below. Happy Travels.
This is a trail that Pope John Paul II frequently hiked. Not too far from the entrance on the left side there is a cross that commemorates where the Pope's helicopter landed during his visit as Pope in 1983. When you reach the chalet at the end of the trail there is also a plaque that commemorates his visit.
When it snows this trail is great for cross country skiing. When there is snow on the ground there are horse-drawn sleigh rides that are available. In the summer you can rent a bike near the entrance and bike the trail.
Feel Free to read my reviews of Gazdowka u Zajaca and Dolina Chocholowska trail.
If you found this helpful feel free to hit the Thank button below. Happy Travels.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
endrju_74
Ipswich, UK4,837 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
This is the westernmost part of Polish part of Tatra mountains, and farthest from Zakopane, which means public transport links are not as frequent, as in Kościeliska valley. Large car park at Polana Siwa, from there it's either on foot, road train or horse drawn carriages. Main walking areas at the top of the valley, around Polana Chochołowska, where there's a mountain base, and starting point for many colour marked trails to pretty much every visible peaks. Some trails will take tourists over the border to Slovakia. Been there many times, but on this occasion we walked to Chochołowska from Kiry, then only hiked a small portion of the Valley, before we turned into a black trail, which leads to Zakopane, thou we only did walked a small section of it, till Przysłop Miętusi.
Written 18 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
valkirius
Warsaw, Poland1,570 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
One of the longest valleys in Polish Tatry mountains and one of the easiest. A bit nore than 7 kms, around 2 hours of flat in 90% route that provides close contact to real Nature, picturesque view, several memorials and rest at the end of the route at the shelter when you can try typical Polish tourist dishes.
There are horse coasches and mini-train (high season only) and bikes for rent available but walking and talking ...and picture taking are the best option !
Enjoy no matter if you are a big family, couple or a single one.
Teasing to visit during every Season.
The only route in Polish Tatry akkowed for dogs.
There are horse coasches and mini-train (high season only) and bikes for rent available but walking and talking ...and picture taking are the best option !
Enjoy no matter if you are a big family, couple or a single one.
Teasing to visit during every Season.
The only route in Polish Tatry akkowed for dogs.
Written 19 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mario Munera
Amsterdam, The Netherlands17 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
I decided together with my girlfriend to visit the West Tatras. I'd like to share a couple of tips that can make your trip even better.
Starting Point: Siwa Polana.
Direction towards: Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej.
Accommodation: Zakopane.
Time of the year: August.
- Feel free to drive your own car to Siwa Polana. There are many parking lots available for around 20 zł for full day. Taking the bus from Zakopane is also an option but if you are with 2 or + people consider driving.
- Rent a mountain bike for 50 zł. At the parking lot you'll see the many available bikes for rent. This is a good way to reach the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej (hut/restaurant of Chochołowska), and from there start your real hike. There are 8km from the park main entrance until the hut, with beautiful views. However, the landscapes and views awaiting for you after the hut are more impressive. So it's better to save your energies for the hike after the hut. Consider peak Grzes (1.45h hike from hut).
- In case you decide to go from Zakopane to Siwa Polana by bus, wait for the right bus. The minibus 84 goes from Zakopane centrum and leaves you at the main entrance of the park. All other buses will leave you at a crossing, 10min away by foot from the main entrance.
- Enjoy a Bigos, coffee and a beer at the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej with a beautiful view before continuing your journey. Best Bigos I've had in Poland so far.
Good luck in your trip and hope you enjoy this less popular but as beautiful side of the Tatra Mountains.
Starting Point: Siwa Polana.
Direction towards: Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej.
Accommodation: Zakopane.
Time of the year: August.
- Feel free to drive your own car to Siwa Polana. There are many parking lots available for around 20 zł for full day. Taking the bus from Zakopane is also an option but if you are with 2 or + people consider driving.
- Rent a mountain bike for 50 zł. At the parking lot you'll see the many available bikes for rent. This is a good way to reach the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej (hut/restaurant of Chochołowska), and from there start your real hike. There are 8km from the park main entrance until the hut, with beautiful views. However, the landscapes and views awaiting for you after the hut are more impressive. So it's better to save your energies for the hike after the hut. Consider peak Grzes (1.45h hike from hut).
- In case you decide to go from Zakopane to Siwa Polana by bus, wait for the right bus. The minibus 84 goes from Zakopane centrum and leaves you at the main entrance of the park. All other buses will leave you at a crossing, 10min away by foot from the main entrance.
- Enjoy a Bigos, coffee and a beer at the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej with a beautiful view before continuing your journey. Best Bigos I've had in Poland so far.
Good luck in your trip and hope you enjoy this less popular but as beautiful side of the Tatra Mountains.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissWorld01
Leeds, UK131 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
A great day of walking talking (& cursing) when we had inclines to navigate!
A bus from Zakopane train station to KIRY delivers you to the park ‘gates’ for 5 zl each (1 way) & takes roughly 15 minutes. From there you need to pay 5 zl each for park entrance fee, but it is well used on the upkeep of the paths & provision of chemical porta cabin loos... much appreciated!! Take moist wipes & tissues, although loo roll is included.
The initial 0.5km of path is quite rocky & unenticing but then the Tatra come into view as your senses register the sound of gushing water... it’s STUNNING!! If you are unable to walk there is always the horse drawn cart available for a charge.
You pass a shepherds hut where we observed them constructing wooden cross bar fencing & herding the sheep to shear then to milk. We passed 3 sets of porta loos on a 1 mile stretch, several picnic tables & crosses a few bridges.
There is clear signage for the green, blue, red & black walking routes. If you want to visit any caves such as Jask Raptawiska then you need to be physically fit to ascend & descend using chains hammered into the rock... oh.. & remember your head torches!! Do not stray from the main cave corridor or you can get lost easily.
We had lunch & drinks at Schronisko PTTK na Hali Ornak (the log cabin - tourist prices) but it was beautiful watching the snow capped peaks, looking at the tall tall pine trees & feeling the crisp breeze. We followed this with an uphill hike on the black trail to Smreczyński Staw a beautiful natural small lake with direct views of Smreczyński Wierch (mountain) directly behind. There are many bench seats & it would be a great place to eat picnic here. However, it’s quite a sharp climb on uneven stepping stones, but even more difficult descending!
Enjoy your day & have a wonderful time!! Remember a snack & water!!!
A bus from Zakopane train station to KIRY delivers you to the park ‘gates’ for 5 zl each (1 way) & takes roughly 15 minutes. From there you need to pay 5 zl each for park entrance fee, but it is well used on the upkeep of the paths & provision of chemical porta cabin loos... much appreciated!! Take moist wipes & tissues, although loo roll is included.
The initial 0.5km of path is quite rocky & unenticing but then the Tatra come into view as your senses register the sound of gushing water... it’s STUNNING!! If you are unable to walk there is always the horse drawn cart available for a charge.
You pass a shepherds hut where we observed them constructing wooden cross bar fencing & herding the sheep to shear then to milk. We passed 3 sets of porta loos on a 1 mile stretch, several picnic tables & crosses a few bridges.
There is clear signage for the green, blue, red & black walking routes. If you want to visit any caves such as Jask Raptawiska then you need to be physically fit to ascend & descend using chains hammered into the rock... oh.. & remember your head torches!! Do not stray from the main cave corridor or you can get lost easily.
We had lunch & drinks at Schronisko PTTK na Hali Ornak (the log cabin - tourist prices) but it was beautiful watching the snow capped peaks, looking at the tall tall pine trees & feeling the crisp breeze. We followed this with an uphill hike on the black trail to Smreczyński Staw a beautiful natural small lake with direct views of Smreczyński Wierch (mountain) directly behind. There are many bench seats & it would be a great place to eat picnic here. However, it’s quite a sharp climb on uneven stepping stones, but even more difficult descending!
Enjoy your day & have a wonderful time!! Remember a snack & water!!!
Written 30 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sigmabook
Krakow, Poland234 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
You can go there for a nice walking during the summer or winter, ca. 2h to reach the tourist center. Nice views, quite easy, not demanding walk.
Written 3 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda C
Wokingham, UK561 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We tried to go to Morsky Oko in August but even at 9am, the police were stopping cars driving up and getting them to park at the bottom of the hill. There were so many cars and coaches we gave up and decided to drive 40 minutes to Dolina koscieliska on the other side of Zakopane - a very pleasant cross country drive.
This has plenty of parking - small charge.
You can take a horse drawn cart up the hill - I think they charge a lot for english tourists but I am sure you can barter for it. The ride was worth it - 6 km up hill. Alternatively, you could get the cart down only or both ways.
We then walked further up 40 minutes to a cafe/rest area which was good.
Then 2 hour walk back down.
Beautiful scenery and very high mountains with a river running all the way.
There are signs about bears but we certainly did not see any.
There are various paths and one is to some caves which we did not do but the pictures looked very good so worth doing that if you have time.
There are good paths so no walking boots required but good sensible shoes - trainers etc. There were families with small children and older relatives doing the walk.
Plenty of porta loos on path and also toilets at the cafe.
This has plenty of parking - small charge.
You can take a horse drawn cart up the hill - I think they charge a lot for english tourists but I am sure you can barter for it. The ride was worth it - 6 km up hill. Alternatively, you could get the cart down only or both ways.
We then walked further up 40 minutes to a cafe/rest area which was good.
Then 2 hour walk back down.
Beautiful scenery and very high mountains with a river running all the way.
There are signs about bears but we certainly did not see any.
There are various paths and one is to some caves which we did not do but the pictures looked very good so worth doing that if you have time.
There are good paths so no walking boots required but good sensible shoes - trainers etc. There were families with small children and older relatives doing the walk.
Plenty of porta loos on path and also toilets at the cafe.
Written 3 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dakot_2010
Lublin, Poland50 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Chochołowska Valley. Walking trail in the Western Tatras. An interesting and not difficult route, also for families with children. The entrance is paid. I especially recommend it in winter. This is an excellent route for cross-country skiing. At the end of the valley, on Polana Chochołowska, there is a hostel with food.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do we need to pay an entrance fee to the park to make the walk from the parking till the Schronisko Gorskie PTTK na Polanie Chocholowskiej? How much will this cost?
Written 19 August 2017
How much will the cost of the mini van from Zakopane be?
Written 19 August 2017
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