The decision point
Most walkers in this part of the Tatras pass through and choose their route here.
Krzysztof Dudzik-Górnicki (User:ToSter) — CC BY 3.0 · Grzegorz Pietrzak, VindicatoR — CC BY 2.5 · ŁukaszWu — CC BY 3.0 · Andrzej Otrębski — CC BY-SA 4.0
A mountain pass at about 1,500 metres in the Tatras, functioning as a crossroads: paths branch from it to Morskie Oko lake, the Gąsienicowa valley and several summits. That is what makes it practically important: most people walking in this part of the Tatras pass through it, and it is the decision point where you choose your destination. Reaching it is an uphill walk from Kuźnice — the southern edge of Zakopane — of about two hours on a wide clear path, a steady climb requiring no scrambling. From the pass the view opens on both sides: the rocky valleys of the High Tatras to the south, the lower hills and the town to the north. This is a serious mountain route despite its simplicity: four to seven hours there and back depending on what you continue to, and the weather above 1,500 metres changes fast and can turn to rain, cold and fog within an hour. Park entry is ticketed, and staying on marked paths is compulsory.
Most walkers in this part of the Tatras pass through and choose their route here.
Rocky valleys to the south, lower hills and the town to the north.
The path is wide, clear and steadily uphill but needs no scrambling.
The High Tatras, southeast of Zakopane
The best-known lake in the Polish Tatras and the park's most visited site: a mountain lake at 1,395 metres ringed by rock peaks. It is reached on a made road about two hours from the Palenica car park — not from this pass. It fills completely in summer and at weekends.
Ankle-supporting mountain boots, layers and rain protection however the morning looks, water and food, and a map or an app that works offline. Start early so you are descending before evening. Check path conditions and the forecast at the park office — some routes close for safety.
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