Nosal

Nosal (1,206 m) is the quickest way from Zakopane to a proper Tatra view: a green trail climbs from Kuźnice to the summit in about 35 minutes. This modest crag closes the north-eastern ridge of Kasprowy Wierch and takes its name from rocks that, seen from the north-west, resemble a nose (nos in Polish). From the clearing below the top you can see Giewont, the Czerwone Wierchy (Red Peaks) and the granite towers above the Gąsienicowa Valley.

A limestone crag above Kuźnice

Nosal rises between the Bystra and Olczyska valleys, separated from the neighbouring wooded hill by the Nosalowa Pass (1,101 m). It is made entirely of sedimentary rock — Middle Triassic limestone and dolomite. Its northern slope forms a triangle, both arms of which are cut by bands of steep rock. The tallest walls, up to 50 m, drop from the north-western arm into the Bystra Valley; on the Olczyska side the most striking rock is known as Pióro (the Feather). The north-western slope hides a cave called Dziura pod Nosalem.

Nature and climbing history

Despite being so close to town, the forest on Nosal is in good condition: alongside spruce there are beech, Scots pine and the introduced black pine. The limestone crags support lime-loving plants such as edelweiss and Haller's primrose, as well as rare orchids — the fly orchid and the white adder's-mouth. Edelweiss has been heavily depleted by collectors, and fatal falls among plant hunters occurred on the sheer walls. Lynx, red deer and eagle owls live in the woods.

The western walls were once popular with climbers: about 30 routes were established here, and Tatra mountain rescue (TOPR) teams trained on them. Tatra National Park has since banned climbing on Nosal.

Trails

• Green from Kuźnice via the Nosalowa Pass to the summit — about 35 minutes up and 30 minutes down.
• Green from the summit to the Murowanica bus stop on the road between the town centre and Kuźnice — about 35 minutes down, 45 minutes up.
• Yellow from the Nosalowa Pass to the Olczyska Clearing — about 25 minutes.
• Skiing — on the wooded northern slope there is a ski area with several lifts, and a ski run leads from the top station via the Nosalowa Pass to Kuźnice.

Tripto tip

The simplest option is a loop: up from Kuźnice, down to Murowanica and back to the centre — 1.5–2 hours in total with a relaxed break on top. It is a good first-day outing in Zakopane, a fallback in uncertain weather or a walk with children. The trail is short but steep and rocky in places, and icy in winter, so microspikes are useful. Stay on the marked path: the cliff edges are sheer, and the whole massif lies within the national park.