Nature

Chochołowska Valley

The longest valley in the Polish Tatras

Chochołowska Valley is the largest and one of the most accessible valleys on the Polish side of the Tatras. It is known for spring crocuses, broad clearings, shepherds’ huts and views of Kominiarski Wierch, Bobrowiec, Jarząbczy Wierch, Rakoń and Wołowiec. The route follows the valley floor to Chochołowska Clearing, where a PTTK mountain hut and the wooden Saint John the Baptist chapel stand. It suits a family day in the mountains, but it is not a zero-effort walk: the route to the hut is about 7.3 km one way.

Route from Siwa Polana

The official route description gives around 2 h 20 min to the hut, 278 m of ascent and a high point of 1,148 m. The first section follows an asphalt road to Huciska; beyond it the surface becomes gravelly and stony. Highlights include the Chochołowska Gates, the Chochołowskie Spring, the forestry lodge and junctions for Starorobociańska Valley, Trzydniowiański Wierch and Jarząbcza Valley. A tourist train or horse-drawn carriage can take visitors from Huciska; check departures and prices before travelling.

Dogs, bikes and practicalities

Chochołowska is one of the Tatra National Park exceptions: dogs are allowed on this open section, and bicycles may use the route as far as the hut. This does not guarantee full pushchair access: stones, horse traffic and gradients can make the route difficult, so use a sturdy all-terrain pushchair and check conditions. A TPN ticket is required. In spring, stay on the road and keep away from flowering meadows; follow park notices. Allow 5–6 hours.