Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (The Valley of the Five Polish Lakes)

The Valley of the Five Polish Lakes is the very heart of the High Tatras. It is a rugged, rocky and breathtaking place, completely different from the forested western valleys. Here you will find Poland’s highest waterfall, deepest lakes and highest-altitude mountain hut.

This is a full-day hike that requires a good level of fitness, but presents no technical difficulties (there are no chains on the approach trail).

Stage 1: Through the Roztoka Valley

We set off from Palenica Białczańska. The first 40 minutes involve walking along a tarmac road amidst the crowds heading for Morskie Oko. Just past Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza (the roaring waterfalls on the right), we turn right onto the green trail. This is where the real mountain adventure begins. The trail leads along the bottom of the Roztoka Valley, beside the stream. It is quieter here, and the forest gradually gives way to mountain pine, revealing views of Wołoszyn and Kozi Wierch.

Stage 2: Siklawa or Zakosy? (An important choice)

At the end of the valley, the trail forks. You have two options for reaching the mountain hut:

1. Green Trail (Siklawa Route): Recommended in summer. It passes by Siklawa Waterfall (the largest waterfall in Poland, 70m high). The path runs over rock slabs, which are comfortable when dry but very slippery after rain.
2. Black Trail (Zigzags): It bypasses the waterfall, winding its way through mountain pine straight to the mountain hut. It is shorter (about 10 minutes’ difference) and safer in winter or in the rain.

The Heart of the Valley

Once you’ve crossed the valley threshold, a breathtaking view unfolds: the surface of Wielki Staw Polski (the deepest and longest lake in the Tatra Mountains) against the backdrop of the mighty peaks of Orla Perć. A few hundred metres further on, above Przedni Staw, stands the famous PTTK Mountain Hut in the Valley of Five Lakes. It is the only mountain hut in the Polish Tatra Mountains that cannot be reached by car (not even the staff can get there), which creates a unique, truly mountainous atmosphere. A must-do is to try the local apple pie.

How to get back? (Options)

1. Return via the same route: The safest option for those who are tired.
2. Via Świstówka to Morskie Oko (Blue Trail): If you still have the energy, we recommend doing a loop. The trail via Świstówka Roztocka offers stunning views of both lakes (Morskie Oko and Pięć Stawów) from above. The descent leads straight down to the tarmac road to Morskie Oko. Note: This trail is closed in winter (1 December – 15 May)!

Practical information

• Winter: The Valley of Five Lakes is an area at high risk of avalanches. In winter, the green trail next to Siklawa is extremely dangerous – you must only follow the marked winter route (marked with poles).
• Wind: Due to the open terrain, very strong winds often blow in the valley. Even in summer, it is advisable to bring a hat and a jacket.
• Parking: Online booking is required for the car park in Palenica Białczańska (as at Morskie Oko).