Zakopane

An easy, 6-hour walk. The trail will take you through most of the famous forest valleys and will give you a great overview of the forest nature plus a beautiful view of Zakopane. Cyclists are welcome. The path begins on the Aleja Przewodników Tatrzanskich, just above the Księżówka Retreat House which belongs to the Polish Episcopate.

This building, one of the oldest in Zakopane (its oldest part dates back to 1880s while its newest part was built recently), was originally the summerhouse of Countess Rose Krasińska née Potocka. Afterwards, it was a clinic for the mentally ill, and since 1909, it has been used as a recreational house for priests. Pope John Paul II resided here in June 1997 during his 4-day visit to Zakopane. In the past, the Path was called Droga Żelazna (the Iron Path) because it used to connect two steel mills: in Kuznice and in the valley of Dolina Kościeliska. Iron ore, pig iron and lumber were transported along this route. Recently, it has been turned into a walking trail. Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed.

You can see a magnificent view of the Zakopane valley and Gubałówka. It is especially charming in autumn, with a wonderful spectrum of colours. Through the forest you can reach the quarry (not active) where you can spot interesting species of precipice plants, and then proceed to the ski jump complex. It can be circled from the side of the street and once you pass the Great Ski Jump enter the field road to get back on the Droga Pod Reglami. If you continue to go westwards, after a few minutes you will reach the entrance of the Dolina Białki. Go past the forester?s lodge, up the Droga Pod Reglami and then go down to the narrow wooden bridge above a stream called Spadowiec which cuts through a valley of the same name. However tourists are not allowed to enter the valley. After a 15-minute walk you can reach the entrance of the valley Dolina Ku Dziurze, and several hundred metres further down the trail ? the entrance of another valley, Dolina Strażynska. Cross the street and, over the copse called Księżny Las (the Clerical Forest), head for the vast Bundówka glade. Continue down the trail, cross a few streams and you will find yourself at the entrance of the valley Dolina Za Bramką

The urban part of Zakopane is far behind you now. Head west, go past the village houses alongside the road from Zakopane to Kościelisko. Next, pass the entrance to the Dolina Małej Łąki (Little Meadow Valley). Continue to walk in this direction and you will soon see Tatra ridges. Pass the aviation centre in Gronik and go past the glade Polana Nędzowka 300 m down the red trail to reach the entrance of an out-of-the-way Dolina Staników Żleb valley. Now you are only a few steps away from the road which takes you straight to Dolina Kościeliska.