Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatras
Czerwone Wierchy from Kuźnice
Start: Kuźnice · via Four 2,000-metre peaks and Kopa Kondracka
- 7:56 h
- Time
- 15.4 km
- Distance
- +1337 m
- Ascent
Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatraswestern tatrasridgequietviews
Ornak
1854 m a.s.l. · trail green / yellow · start: Kiry (Kościeliska Valley)
Trail openBulletin as of 21 października 2026
Official TPN bulletinNo reported closures or obstacles on this trail according to the official TPN bulletin (21 października 2026).
PolecanyKiry – Iwaniacka – Ornak
Czas i dystans dla całej wycieczki, z powrotem do startu.
Tempo
7 h 49 minSzacunek od czasu z opisu, bez kolejek i postojów.
- medium
- green
- yellow
- Western Tatras
- Dla rodzin: Nie
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kiry – Iwaniacka – OrnakPolecany Valley to the hut, yellow to Iwaniacka, green to the ridge and back. No chains. The figures at the top of the page show this route. | Kiry | 7 h 49 min | Nie |
|
Loop via Pyszniańska Along the ridge to Siwa Pass, black through the reserve. A different descent, not the figures at the top of the page. Still no chains. | Kiry | — | Nie |
|
Kościeliska Valley only The wide road to the hut. No yellow. Separate page: Kościeliska Valley. Zobacz ten szlak → | Kiry | 2 h 59 min | Nie |
|
Polecany
Kiry – Iwaniacka – Ornak
Valley to the hut, yellow to Iwaniacka, green to the ridge and back. No chains. The figures at the top of the page show this route.
Mapa i profil trasy
Kiry – Iwaniacka – Ornak
Profil wysokościowy trasy
Wykres podejść wygenerowany ze śladu GPX. Przesuń kursor lub palec po wykresie, aby sprawdzić profil podejścia i punkty kulminacyjne.
GPX · 18.89 km
Punkt kulminacyjny
1854m n.p.m.
przy 9.45 km
Najniższy punkt
933m n.p.m.
Podejścia (suma)
+1127m
Zejścia (suma)
-1128m
Dystans profilu
18.89km
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.
Ornak (1,854 m a.s.l.) is a vast, grassy mountain ridge that rises between two great valleys: Kościeliska and Chochołowska. Important: do not confuse the summit with the mountain hut! The hut on Hala Ornak lies on the valley floor, and the Ornak ridge itself is a massive mountain that requires a solid climb.
This is an ideal trail for people looking for beautiful views and peace, away from the crowds besieging the neighbouring Czerwone Wierchy.
💡 In a nutshell – Ornak:
- A long trip: The full route from Kiry is over 19 km of walking round trip.
- No chains: The trail is technically easy and safe. There are no precipices or artificial aids here.
- Tedious approach: The section from the Hala Ornak hut to Iwaniacka Pass is a steep, forested climb up stone steps.
- Magnificent ridge: The reward for your effort is a long, gentle walk along an open ridge with a view straight towards Starorobociański Wierch.
Trail description: A scenic walk above the valleys
The figures at the top of the page show the classic route from Kiry, via Iwaniacka Pass, onto the Ornak ridge and returning the same way.
Stage 1: Through the valley to Iwaniacka Pass
We start in Kiry and walk along the floor of the Kościeliska Valley (green trail) as far as the hut on Hala Ornak. From here we turn onto the yellow trail, which leads to Iwaniacka Pass.
- This is the hardest and most tedious section of the trip. The path climbs steeply through dense forest, often over stone, uncomfortable steps.
- After about 1 h 15 min from the hut, we emerge onto Iwaniacka Pass, where you can rest for a while.
Stage 2: The Ornak ridge (Reward for the effort)
From Iwaniacka Pass we join the green trail. The most beautiful stage begins!
- We emerge above the tree line, initially walking among dwarf pine, and higher up along an open, grassy ridge.
- No difficulties: The trail is wide, safe, and there are no chains or precipices on it.
- The Ornak ridge has several culminations (Suchy Wierch Ornaczański, Ornak, Zadni Ornak). We walk along it for about 1.5 hours, enjoying the space.
Stage 3: Return
After reaching Siwa Pass (where the Ornak ridge ends), we return exactly the same way (green trail to Iwaniacka Pass, and then yellow to the hut).
Panorama: Eye to eye with Starorobociański
The views from the Ornak ridge are fantastic:
- To the south: Right in front of you rises the massive, perfectly triangular pyramid of Starorobociański Wierch (the highest peak in the Polish Western Tatras).
- To the west: Close up you can admire the impressive limestone walls of Kominiarski Wierch.
- Looking down: The deeply incised Pyszniańska and Starorobociańska valleys.
Logistics and alternatives
- Time and distance: The whole trip from Kiry is over 19 kilometres. With breaks, it will take you about 9 hours.
- The “Pyszniańska” variant: From Siwa Pass you can return by a different trail (black), which leads through the wild reserve in the Pyszniańska Valley straight to the hut on Hala Ornak. This is a beautiful loop, but beware: the black trail can be very muddy and overgrown!
- Wind: The Ornak ridge is very exposed. Windy days mean a real gale here.
Who is this absolutely NOT for?
Do not attempt Ornak if a walk along the floor of the Kościeliska Valley is your maximum effort. The approach to Iwaniacka Pass will make you sweat. Do not bring a dog (TPN ban in the whole valley). In winter, the Ornak ridge is exposed to strong winds, and the approach trails cross avalanche terrain. If you have a fear of heights, Ornak will be a great place to overcome your fear – it is wide and safe here!
Getting there, parking & buses
Trailhead logistics – reach the start smoothly without parking hassle.
Trailhead:Kiry (Kościeliska Valley)
Parking & car access
Paid on site (private & municipal car parks)
Kiry car parks (at Kościeliska Valley entrance)
Parking fee: 30–40 PLN / day
Numerous parking lots line the road in Kiry. On sunny weekend mornings they fill up after 8:30 AM. Some accept cards, but cash is recommended.
Bus & transit access
Buses from Main Station towards Kościelisko & Kiry
Route & bus stop: Zakopane Main Station ➔ Aleje 3 Maja ➔ Kościelisko ➔ Kiry (bus stop right by TPN gate)
Fare: ~8–10 PLN one-way
Buses marked „Kiry / Dolina Kościeliska” depart every 10–15 minutes.
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
- Views of Starorobociański Wierch
- Kominiarski Wierch within arm’s reach
- Iwaniacka Pass
- The mountain hut on Hala Ornak
Questions
Is Ornak the same as the hut?
No. The hut on Hala Ornak is in the valley. The ridge is several hundred metres higher. The route on this page is a full hike from Kiry, not a walk for apple pie.
Do I descend via Pyszniańska?
No. The route on the map comes back the same Iwaniacka way. Black from Siwa Pass is in the table, not at the top of the page.
Are there chains? Can I bring a dog?
No chains. You cannot take a dog into Kościeliska at all — not even on the valley floor. This is not Chochołowska.
Do I have to go on to Starorobociański?
No. That is a separate page and a different valley. From Iwaniacka towards Starorobociański you turn onto the Chochołowska side and do not return to Kiry.
How high is Ornak?
Ornak is 1854 m above sea level.
Ornak: how long does it take?
Start: Kiry (Kościeliska Valley), finish in the same place. The whole route is 19.2 km and takes 7 h 49 min of walking without breaks, with about 1121 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:
#slovakia#western tatras#highest peak
Bystra (Bystrá)
Bystrá (2248 m) from Kiry via Ornak and Błyszcz: 28.1 km, 11 h 50 min there and back, no chains. The summit trail is closed from 1 Nov to 31 May.
⏱️ 11 h 50 min📏 28.1 km🎯 very demanding (physically)
View trailSimilar trails
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- 8:02 h
- Time
- 15.6 km
- Distance
- +1432 m
- Ascent
- Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatras
Małołączniak via Kobylarzowy Żleb
Start: Gronik · via Kobylarzowy Żleb and Czerwony Grzbiet
- 7:27 h
- Time
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- Distance
- +1350 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