Dolina Białej Wody (Bielovodská dolina)

Biela voda Valley (Slovak: Bielovodská dolina) is the longest and probably the wildest valley in the entire Tatras. It starts right at the Polish-Slovak border (at Łysa Polana) and cuts deep into the High Tatras massif, leading right to the foot of the highest peaks, including Gerlach and Rysy.

💡 In a nutshell – Biela voda Valley:

1. Peace and quiet: Right next to the crowds heading to Morskie Oko, on the Slovak side you will find a wild, empty valley.
2. Long distance: The full route to Litworowy Staw is almost 25 km and nearly 8 hours of walking.
3. No huts: There is not a single cafe or mountain hut in the entire valley. You must carry your provisions and water with you.
4. Winter closure: The upper part of the valley (above Polana pod Wysoką) is closed from 1 November to 31 May. Remember your insurance!

While crowds of tourists march along the tarmac to Morskie Oko, you can cross over to the Slovak side and enjoy absolute silence, the murmur of the stream and views that become increasingly alpine with every kilometre. There are no chains here, but the distance can tire you out.

Trail description: Deep into the wild Tatras

The tiles above show the full route along the valley floor all the way to Litworowy Staw and back. It is a trip of almost 25 kilometres!

Stage 1: A walk along the Białka

We start from the car park at Łysa Polana (on the Slovak side) and join the blue trail.

• Initially we walk along a wide forest road along the Białka river (which forms the state border here).
• After less than an hour we reach the first large clearing – Bielovodská poľana. This is a good place for a walk with a pushchair (further on the road becomes too stony).

Stage 2: Polana pod Wysoką

The trail delves into the forest and slowly climbs upwards.

• After about 2.5 hours from the start we emerge onto Polana pod Wysoką. The view from here is insane! In front of us tower the vertical walls of Młynarz and Ciężka Turnia. This is an ideal place for a longer picnic.

Stage 3: Climbing the rock steps

Beyond Polana pod Wysoką the stroll ends and a real mountain hike begins.

• The path climbs steeply up stone steps, crossing glacial thresholds.
• We pass the impressive Kacza Siklawa waterfall.
• After over 4 hours of walking we reach our destination: Litworowy Staw (1,864 m a.s.l.). We are in the heart of the high-mountain landscape.
• We return exactly the same way (blue trail) to Łysa Polana.

Logistics and warnings

• Trail closure: The upper part of the valley (above Polana pod Wysoką) is closed from 1 November to 31 May due to nature protection and avalanche danger.
• Insurance: You are in Slovakia. The rescue operations of Horská služba are payable. Always buy insurance before going into the mountains.
• No huts: There is not a single mountain hut or cafe in the entire Biela voda Valley. You must carry all your provisions and water in your backpack.

Who is this absolutely NOT for?

Do not go here if you are looking for a short walk – getting to Litworowy Staw and back is a slog of almost 8 hours. Do not take a pushchair above the first clearing. If you care about a hut and apple pie, cross the bridge to the Polish side and go to Morskie Oko.