Sarnia Skała in winter – Giewont within reach in 3 hours

Where it gets icy

In summer this route is easy. In winter it becomes a test of your boots and your care, because snow on the stone steps quickly turns to ice. You can see it well in our December photos: packed, frosted stones that are easy to slip on.

Three places to watch:

• The black trail from Polana Strążyska. Steep steps in the forest, in shade all day. Going up is fine; going down is worse if you return the same way.
• The summit itself. The limestone on Sarnia Skała is polished by thousands of boots, and in winter there’s ice on top. Little space and a steep drop on one side – don’t step to the edge for a photo.
• The descent into Białego Valley. The gorge is damp, and the footbridges and stones by the stream ice over easily.

That’s why I consider microspikes essential here – light, on in a minute, and a huge difference on icy steps. You don’t need crampons or an ice axe. The difference between them: crampons or microspikes – winter gear for the Tatras.

If you see at Czerwona Pass that the summit rocks are iced over and you don’t have microspikes – skip the last 10 minutes. The pass has views too, and Sarnia Skała isn’t going anywhere.

On the summit: Giewont and Zakopane

From the top you see two worlds at once. To the south stands the huge north face of Giewont – so close that in good visibility you can see people at the cross. To the north, all of Zakopane and Podhale, and on a clear day a wide panorama to the horizon.

In winter the sun is low and shines from behind Giewont, so its face is in shadow and photos are backlit. In return, the view of the snowy Western Tatras and of Zakopane in the sun is beautiful.

Short days and the night-time ban

The loop is about 3 h of walking, but with breaks, photos and careful steps on ice, plan for about 4 hours. In December it gets dark around 15:30, and in the gorge of Białego Valley even earlier.

Until 30 November, walking on trails in Tatra National Park (TPN) is banned from dusk to dawn, and from 1 December between 22:00 and 5:00. In practice: start in the morning, no later than about 11, and carry a headlamp.

Check the TPN trail bulletin before you go. On 4 November 2026 there were no closures on this route, but higher up in the Tatras there was already snow and ice, and lower down mud and frozen snow.

Getting there and parking

You start at the mouth of Strążyska Valley, at the end of Strążyska Street in Zakopane. The car parks there are small and paid, and on sunny weekends and holidays they fill up in the morning. From Krupówki it’s a 20–25 min walk, which is the simplest option if you’re staying in the centre.

More on parking and minibuses: parking, buses and getting to the trails in the Tatras. You can buy the TPN ticket in advance: how to buy a TPN ticket online.

Who this route is for in winter

For people who want to stand on a “real” summit with a panorama in winter, without the experience or gear for high-mountain terrain. For families with children who walk on their own and aren’t put off by steep steps (smaller ones in a carrier). When it’s icy, keep children close on the summit.

It’s not a route for a pushchair (it will get to Polana Strążyska at most) or for a dog (TPN ban). And one important thing: just because Giewont looks close from here doesn’t mean you can pop up it in winter “on the way”. Giewont in winter is terrain for experienced hikers with crampons and an ice axe.

If you’re looking for something even easier, see Kościeliska Valley in winter or other short trails for half a day.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sarnia Skała take in winter?

The Strążyska – Sarnia Skała – Białego loop is about 6.7 km and about 3 h of walking without breaks. In winter, with breaks and careful descending, allow 3.5–4 h.

Do you need microspikes for Sarnia Skała in winter?

Yes, it’s worth having them. The black trail is steep stone steps that are often icy in winter, and the summit is slippery limestone. Crampons and an ice axe are not needed.

Are there chains on Sarnia Skała?

No. There are no chains or clamps on the loop through Strążyska Valley and Białego Valley.

Can you climb Sarnia Skała with kids in winter?

With children who walk well on their own – yes, in good conditions. The summit is small with a drop, so keep them close. If it’s very icy, it’s better to stay at Czerwona Pass.

Is it better to go up from Strążyska or from Białego?

In winter I recommend up Strążyska (gentler start) and down Białego Valley. If the Białego gorge is badly iced, you can return the same way via Polana Strążyska.

Photos from our December hike: gallery – Sarnia Skała.

What about you – have you been up Sarnia Skała in winter, or is it still on your list?