Siklawica Waterfall (Strążyska Valley)

Siklawica Waterfall (shee-klah-VEE-tsah) at the head of the Strążyska Valley is the easiest Tatra waterfall to reach from Zakopane. The Strążyski stream drops over two almost vertical rock steps below the cliffs of Giewont, the mountain that towers over town, and you can walk right up to the base. It is a short, family-friendly hike and one of the most popular things to do in Zakopane on a half day.

Where it is

Zakopane is in southern Poland, about 100 km (60 miles) south of Kraków at the foot of the Tatra Mountains; buses and cars from Kraków take around two hours. The waterfall lies inside Tatra National Park, at the upper end of the Strążyska Valley, whose entrance is at the southern edge of town, just over 2 km from Krupówki, the main pedestrian street.

Do not confuse it with Wielka Siklawa, a much taller waterfall (about 70 m) in the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, which requires a long day hike from a different trailhead.

What to expect

Siklawica is about 23 m (75 ft) high in total, falling over two steps of roughly 10 and 13 m. It is at its best after rain or during the spring thaw; in a dry summer the flow can be modest. In winter it partly or completely freezes into an ice cascade.

Route and hiking time

• Valley entrance to Polana Strążyska meadow: about 40 minutes on the red-marked trail, a wide gravel track along the stream.
• Meadow to the waterfall: about 15 minutes on the yellow-marked trail, finishing on stone steps.

The round trip takes about 2 hours with a short break, with only around 200 m of elevation gain. The meadow has a seasonal tea hut with a view of Giewont.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you have limited time or are traveling with children: it is a genuine mountain setting with very little effort. Strollers can reach the meadow but not the waterfall. Rocks near the falls are wet and slippery. Dogs are not allowed on Tatra National Park trails.

Tickets and rules

As of October 2026, according to Tatra National Park:

• Park entry: 11 PLN standard, 5.50 PLN reduced; 7-day ticket 55/27.50 PLN; children under 7 free.
• Where to buy: at the booth at the valley entrance, online at tpn.gov.pl, or by QR code (save the ticket offline — coverage is weak).
• No hiking between dusk and dawn from March 1 to November 30.

Winter 2026/27

The frozen waterfall is spectacular, but the final steps get very icy. Wear microspikes, use poles, set off early and never walk on the ice at the base. Check the park's trail and avalanche bulletins before you go.

Getting there

Walk from the center along Strążyska Street or take a local minibus to the valley entrance, where you will find stops and private paid parking lots that fill up early in high season.

Nearby

From the meadow, the black-marked trail climbs to Czerwona Przełęcz pass and the Sarnia Skała viewpoint (1,378 m), with a classic view of Giewont and Zakopane. You can return through the neighboring Biały Valley and its limestone gorge, turning the waterfall walk into a rewarding half-day loop.