Dolina Strążyska i Wodospad Siklawica (The Strążyska Valley and Siklawica Waterfall)

The Strążyska Valley is a classic Zakopane stroll. Close to the town centre, short and very scenic, it is the ideal choice for a first taste of the Tatras, a trip with young children or a relaxing walk on a rest day.

This is where Giewont looks most majestic - its vertical, 600-metre north face seems to hang directly above the end of the valley.

Walk overview

The trail starts at the end of Strążyska Street.

1. Valley floor (Red Trail): A wide gravel path climbs gently uphill alongside the rushing Strążyski Stream. The walk takes place in the shade of beech and fir forest. Halfway along, look out for Sphinx Rock - a lonely pinnacle that, with a little imagination, resembles a mythical creature.
2. Polana Strążyska: After about 40 minutes, the forest opens and we emerge onto the meadow. The view from here is iconic - shepherds huts in the foreground and the mighty Giewont in the background. It is worth stopping at the historic Tea Room for tea with raspberry syrup.

Grand finale: Siklawica Waterfall

Once you are on the meadow, do not miss the extra walk! The yellow trail (about 10-15 minutes) leads deeper into the valley, right beneath the face of Giewont. The path becomes narrower and rockier before reaching Siklawica Waterfall. Here, the water falls over two drops with a total height of 23 metres. On hot days there is a pleasant microclimate, and the water spray brings welcome relief.

Return options

• Leisurely: Return the same way (the quickest option).
• Scenic (for ambitious hikers): From Polana Strążyska, you can take the black trail up to Sarnia Skała (about 50 minutes of ascent) and then descend to Dolina Białego (the Biały Valley). This turns a short walk into a proper mountain trip.

Practical information

• Pushchairs: The valley floor (up to Polana Strążyska) is accessible to all-terrain pushchairs (gravel surface, with larger stones in places). The section under Siklawica Waterfall is not suitable for pushchairs (narrow, roots, boulders) - leave the pushchair by the Tea Room.
• Parking: There are paid car parks at the mouth of the valley, but they are small and expensive. In season they fill up very quickly. It is worth walking from the centre (about 20-25 minutes from Krupówki) or taking a city bus.
• Winter: The trail is safe and almost always well trodden. It is an ideal place for a winter walk without any special equipment, although microspikes can be useful when the trail is icy.