Difficulty: EasyWestern Tatras
Dolina Białego (The Biały Valley)
Start: Dolina Białego · via White Stream and Uranium Adits
- 2:10 h
- Time
- 5.1 km
- Distance
- +305 m
- Ascent
Difficulty: Easywestern tatrasvalleyfor familyeasy routes
Dolina Małej Łąki (The Mała Łąka Valley)
1165 m a.s.l. · trail yellow · start: Gronik
Trail maintenanceBulletin as of 17 października 2026
Official TPN bulletinTPN alert: Maintenance work underway: Wielka Polana Małołącka - Przełęcz w Grzybowcu - Wyżnia Kondracka Przełęcz. Proceed with caution.
Bulletin details
TPN advises special caution in this section.
PolecanyGronik – Wielka Polana
Czas i dystans dla całej wycieczki, z powrotem do startu.
Tempo
1 h 47 minSzacunek od czasu z opisu, bez kolejek i postojów.
- easy
- yellow
- Dla rodzin: Tak
- Z psem: Nie
- Ślad GPX (.gpx)
Warianty wejścia
Polecany jest na tej stronie. Inny start ma osobną kartę — własny opis i mapę.
| Wariant | Start | Czas przejścia | Łańcuchy | Kolor szlaku |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gronik – Wielka PolanaPolecany Forest, meadow, back the same way. No chains. A pushchair struggles on the stones. The figures at the top of the page show this loop. | Gronik | 1 h 47 min | Nie |
|
Loop via Przysłop Miętusi Black trail from the meadow to Przysłop, blue down. Still no chains. You see Czerwone Wierchy; you do not climb them. | Gronik | 2 h 45 min | Nie |
|
Yellow trail to Giewont Not an add-on after a picnic. Separate page: Giewont from Gronik. On Wyżnia Kondracka you join the same queue as from Kuźnice. Zobacz ten szlak → | Gronik | 7 h | TakChains only on the dome. The valley and Kondracka Pass have none. |
|
Polecany
Gronik – Wielka Polana
Forest, meadow, back the same way. No chains. A pushchair struggles on the stones. The figures at the top of the page show this loop.
Mapa i profil trasy
Gronik – Wielka Polana
Profil wysokościowy trasy
Wykres podejść wygenerowany ze śladu GPX. Przesuń kursor lub palec po wykresie, aby sprawdzić profil podejścia i punkty kulminacyjne.
GPX · 4.18 km
Punkt kulminacyjny
1167m n.p.m.
przy 2.04 km
Najniższy punkt
938m n.p.m.
Podejścia (suma)
+247m
Zejścia (suma)
-247m
Dystans profilu
4.18km
Ślad GPX do nawigacji
Wgraj trasę do zegarka sportowego (Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Apple Watch) lub aplikacji nawigacyjnej (Mapy.cz, Komoot, Locus Map, Strava) i nawiguj po szlaku w trybie offline bez zasięgu.
Kompatybilność:GarminCorosSuuntoApple WatchMapy.czKomootStrava
Jak wgrać plik GPX?
- Kliknij przycisk „Pobierz ślad GPX”, aby zapisać plik .gpx na telefonie lub komputerze.
- Otwórz plik w aplikacji Garmin Connect, Coros, Suunto, Mapy.cz, Komoot lub wyślij na zegarek GPS.
- Zapisz trasę w trybie offline, aby w Tatrach nawigować pewnie i bez obaw o brak zasięgu sieci komórkowej.
The Mała Łąka Valley is the smallest of the so-called ‘main ridges’ (reaching the main ridge) in the Polish Tatra Mountains, but is considered by many connoisseurs to be the most beautiful. It is an exceptionally peaceful and intimate valley. Unlike the neighbouring Kościeliska Valley, there are no mountain huts or crowds here; instead, there is close contact with nature and mighty rock faces within easy reach.
💡 In a nutshell – Mała Łąka Valley in a nutshell:
- For whom: For those seeking peace and quiet. It’s the least crowded valley near Zakopane.
- Attractions: Wielka Polana Małołącka resembles a huge, natural amphitheatre with an incredible view of Giewont.
- With a pushchair: It’s possible, but only with an all-terrain pushchair (large wheels). The last section before the meadow is very rocky.
- Pro Tip: From the meadow, you can make a nice loop by returning via Przysłop Miętusi (black and blue trail) to Gronik.
At its heart lies Wielka Polana Małołącka – a vast, former shepherds’ pasture that formed on the site of a buried glacial lake.
Route description: A stroll to the foot of Giewont
The figures at the top of the page show the walking variant: reaching Wielka Polana Małołącka and returning the same way. It is an ideal option for a relaxed afternoon.
Stage 1: Through the forest along the stream
We start the hike in Gronik (right by the road from Zakopane to Kiry).
- The initial section (yellow trail) follows a wide gravel path through the forest, alongside the babbling Małołącki Stream.
- It is a peaceful, roughly 50-minute walk that climbs gently uphill and serves as a prelude to the main attraction.
Stage 2: The “Wow” effect in the Meadow
Emerging from the forest onto Wielka Polana Małołącka makes a huge impression. Suddenly, you find yourself in a vast, natural rock amphitheatre.
- To the south: Rises Wielka Turnia – the highest vertical limestone cliff in Poland.
- To the east: The mighty Giewont “hangs” overhead (seen from a completely different, wilder angle than from the centre of Zakopane).
- To the west: The landscape is completed by the soaring peaks of the Mnichów Małołąckich.
- The meadow is a perfect place for a picnic on the grass. After resting, we return the same way to Gronik.
Where next? (For the ambitious)
If a walk to the meadow is not enough for you, you have several options:
- Loop via Przysłop Miętusi: From the meadow you can turn onto the black trail, climb to the Przysłop Miętusi pass and descend via the blue trail back to Gronik. This is a nice loop with no chains.
- Attack on Giewont or Czerwone Wierchy: The yellow trail continues from the meadow steeply up to Kondracka Pass. From there you can climb Giewont (warning: chains!) or Małołączniak (no chains). These, however, are full-day trips requiring excellent fitness.
Logistics and practical information
- Parking: The TPN car park in Gronik is quite small and fills up very early in the summer season. You can easily get here by minibus from Zakopane.
- Tickets: Entry to the TPN is paid (ticket office at the entrance or online ticket).
- No catering: There is no mountain hut, cafe or toilets in the Mała Łąka Valley. You must take all your provisions with you.
Who is this absolutely NOT for?
Do not bring a dog here (TPN ban). Driving a pushchair is possible, but in the upper part of the valley the road becomes very stony and bumpy – a standard stroller will not cope, a pushchair with large wheels (or a baby carrier) is needed. Do not treat this walk as a “quick hop onto Giewont” – climbing the summit from the meadow means further hours of murderous ascent.
Getting there, parking & buses
Trailhead logistics – reach the start smoothly without parking hassle.
Trailhead:Gronik
Parking & car access
Paid on site (TPN forest car park)
TPN Gronik car park / Mała Łąka Valley entrance
Parking fee: 30–40 PLN / day
Medium forest car park along the Kościelisko road. TPN ticket booth on site (cards and cash accepted). Fast start for Małołączniak and Giewont.
Bus & transit access
Buses from Station towards Kościelisko / Kiry
Route & bus stop: Zakopane Main Station ➔ „Kościelisko Gronik” stop (on request)
Fare: ~7–9 PLN
Board any bus to Kiry or Chochołowska and ask the driver for the Gronik stop.
Local buses and transit help bypass morning traffic and parking hassles.
Transport guide in the Tips section
Complete guide to Tatra car parks, buses, and TPN reservations.
Tool
🎒 What to pack? Interactive checklist
Check off items as you pack, switch between summer/winter and clear the list before your next trip. Progress is saved automatically.
What you will see
- Wielka Polana Małołącka
- View of Giewont
- Mnichy Małołąckie
- Wielka Turnia
Questions
Is the valley crowded?
Usually quieter than Kościeliska and Strążyska. On a crocus weekend it still fills up.
Can you see Giewont from the valley?
Yes. From Wielka Polana, Giewont hangs overhead from a wilder side than from Zakopane.
Do I have to do the loop via Przysłop Miętusi?
No. The figures at the top of the page are Gronik – the meadow and back. Przysłop is in the table. Giewont on yellow is the Gronik page, and that is where the chains are.
Dolina Małej Łąki: are there chains on the route?
No, the route described on this page has no chains.
Dolina Małej Łąki: how long does it take?
Start: Gronik, finish in the same place. The whole route is 4.2 km and takes 1 h 47 min of walking without breaks, with about 250 m of ascent. Add time for rests and photos.
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Next trail in this area
Planning your next hike? From the same starting point and area, we recommend:
#western tatras#chains#exposure
Giewont from Gronik
Giewont from Gronik via Dolina Małej Łąki and Kondracka Pass: 6 km, 3 h 31 min, +981 m, chains on the dome. Quieter than from Kuźnice, same queue at the cross.
⏱️ 3 h 31 min📏 6 km🎯 medium / difficult
View trailSimilar trails
- Difficulty: EasyWestern Tatras
Dolina Chochołowska (The Chochołowska Valley)
Start: Siwa Polana · via Chochołowska Glade and The mountain hut at Chochołowska Glade
- 3:45 h
- Time
- 12.6 km
- Distance
- +321 m
- Ascent
Difficulty: EasySmreczyński Staw
Start: Kiry (Kościeliska Valley) · via The mountain hut on Hala Ornak and The viewing platform above the lake
- 3:52 h
- Time
- 13.5 km
- Distance
- +480 m
- Ascent
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Plan your trip
Where to stay - KościeliskoThe closest base for this trail. Check availability and prices in Kościelisko.Find a place to stay →Tickets and activitiesCable cars, thermal baths, transfers and guided trips nearby.Browse offers →
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Before you head to the mountains
- Check the weather forecast, mountain weather changes dynamically
- Match the trail to your abilities, don't overestimate your strength
- Take appropriate equipment: comfortable hiking boots, rain jacket, warm clothing, map, charged phone, first aid kit, power bank, food and water
- Inform someone about your plans, provide the route and expected return time
- Save the emergency number GOPR/TOPR, 601 100 300 or 985
- Buy a ticket to the Tatra National Park