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 tatrasridgepanoramafitness
Rakoń
1879 m a.s.l. · trail yellow / blue / green · start: Siwa Polana (Chochołów Valley)
Trail openBulletin as of 17 października 2026
Official TPN bulletinNo reported closures or obstacles on this trail according to the official TPN bulletin (17 października 2026).
PolecanySiwa Polana – Grześ – Rakoń
- Wysokość
- 1879 m a.s.l.
- Dystans
- 22.6 km
- Czas przejścia
- 8 h 50 min
- Suma podejść
- 1149 m
- Start
- Siwa Polana
- Meta
- Siwa Polana
Czas i dystans dla całej wycieczki, z powrotem do startu.
Tempo
8 h 50 minSzacunek od czasu z opisu, bez kolejek i postojów.
- medium
- yellow
- blue
- green
- Western Tatras
- Dla rodzin: Nie
- Z psem: Nie
- 77 zdjęć
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Siwa Polana – Grześ – RakońPolecany Yellow to Grześ, along Długi Upłaz, down on green. No chains. The figures at the top of the page show this loop. | Siwa Polana | 8 h 50 min | Nie |
|
With Wołowiec The Grześ – Rakoń – Wołowiec triptych. Still no chains. Separate page: Wołowiec. Zobacz ten szlak → | Siwa Polana | 9 h 40 min | Nie |
|
Grześ only The dome and back on yellow. No Długi Upłaz. Separate page: Grześ. Zobacz ten szlak → | Siwa Polana | 6 h 50 min | Nie |
|
Polecany
Siwa Polana – Grześ – Rakoń
Yellow to Grześ, along Długi Upłaz, down on green. No chains. The figures at the top of the page show this loop.
Mapa i profil trasy
Siwa Polana – Grześ – Rakoń
Profil wysokościowy trasy
Wykres podejść wygenerowany ze śladu GPX. Przesuń kursor lub palec po wykresie, aby sprawdzić profil podejścia i punkty kulminacyjne.
GPX · 22.38 km
Punkt kulminacyjny
1879m n.p.m.
przy 11.58 km
Najniższy punkt
941m n.p.m.
Podejścia (suma)
+1186m
Zejścia (suma)
-1187m
Dystans profilu
22.38km
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.
Rakoń (1,879 m a.s.l.) is a peak that is rarely a standalone destination. Most often it is conquered “on the way” – en route from Grześ to Wołowiec. However, this does not mean that Rakoń has nothing to offer! Walking along the ridge over this peak is one of the most beautiful, strolling experiences in the Polish Western Tatras.
💡 In a nutshell – Rakoń in a nutshell:
- For whom: For people who like long distances (22 km) but avoid technical difficulties (no chains).
- Attractions: Długi Upłaz is one of the most scenic and pleasant ridges in the Western Tatras.
- Logistics: Do a loop! Climb Grześ, walk the ridge to Rakoń, and descend via the green trail. And in the valley, make sure to rent a bike so you don’t die of boredom on the asphalt.
- Golden rule: It always blows on this ridge. Always. Keep a windbreaker in your backpack.
Trail description: A walk in the clouds
The figures at the top of the page show a very popular loop from Siwa Polana: ascent via Grześ, traverse over Rakoń, and descent via the green trail to the Chochołowska Valley.
Stage 1: The valley and Grześ
We start the trip with a long walk along the floor of the Chochołowska Valley to the hut (you can shorten this stage by bike). From the hut, we take the yellow trail up Grześ. This is a gentle, safe approach that takes less than 2 hours.
Stage 2: Długi Upłaz (Ridge to Rakoń)
From Grześ we join the blue trail, which leads along the border ridge called Długi Upłaz.
- This is the most pleasant stage of the trip. You walk along a wide, grassy ridge, with incredible views on both sides.
- No difficulties: There are no chains or precipices here. The only challenge is the final, quite steep approach to the dome of Rakoń itself.
- The walk from Grześ to Rakoń takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Stage 3: Descent from Rakoń
From Rakoń we do not return the same way. We descend via the green trail towards the Upper Chochołowska Valley (Dolina Wyżnia Chochołowska), and from there straight to the hut. Thanks to this, we make a beautiful loop.
Panorama and Wind Warning
From Rakoń you can perfectly see the best of the Western Tatras:
- The Slovak Roháče, sharp as a razor.
- The massive massif of Wołowiec, which rises right next door.
- The deep Chochołowska Valley.
Beware of the wind! Długi Upłaz and Rakoń are completely exposed. Windy days in the Tatras mean real gales here, which can literally knock an adult over. Always have a windproof jacket in your backpack, even in the hot summer.
Logistics and the Wołowiec variant
- Distance: The loop via Grześ and Rakoń is a massive distance – over 22 kilometres from the car park at Siwa Polana. Be prepared for a full day of walking (approx. 9 hours).
- Wołowiec: Rakoń is a natural “stop” on the way to Wołowiec (2,064 m a.s.l.). From Rakoń to Wołowiec is another 35-40 minutes of sharp climbing. If you have the strength, it is worth combining them!
Who this is absolutely NOT for?
Do not attempt this loop if you have poor fitness – 22 kilometres and over 1,100 metres of elevation gain is a challenge for the legs. Do not bring a dog here (TPN ban above the hut). In winter, exercise extreme caution: massive snow cornices form on Długi Upłaz on the Slovak side (do not go near the edge!), and the trail is prone to avalanches.
Getting there, parking & buses
Trailhead logistics – reach the start smoothly without parking hassle.
Trailhead:Siwa Polana (Chochołów Valley)
Parking & car access
Cash payment only
Siwa Polana Car Park (8 Villages Forest Community)
Parking fee: 35–45 PLN / day (cash only)
Chochołowska Valley is managed by the 8 Villages Forest Community. Both car parking and trail entry tickets are CASH ONLY. Card terminals are not available.
Bus & transit access
Buses from Main Station to Chochołowska Valley
Route & bus stop: Zakopane Main Station ➔ Kościelisko ➔ Kiry ➔ Siwa Polana (valley entrance)
Fare: ~10–12 PLN one-way
Check that the bus runs all the way to Siwa Polana (some terminate in Kiry). Mountain bike rentals are available right at the trailhead.
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 the Roháče
- Długi Upłaz
- Upper Chochołów Valley
Photos from the trail
Questions
Is Rakoń dangerous?
No chains. The ridge is wide and grassy. Wind on Długi Upłaz knocks adults over. In winter, cornices on the Slovak side — you do not walk to the edge.
Do I have to go on to Wołowiec?
No. The figures at the top of the page are Grześ, Rakoń and the green descent. Wołowiec is 35–40 min further and has its own page. It is not an add-on after a sandwich on the Upłaz.
Can I shorten the valley?
A bike or the Rakoń tourist train to Huciska. The 8 h 50 min at the top of the page is the whole thing from Siwa Polana on foot, not the push from the hut.
Can I bring a dog?
A dog only on the valley floor, as far as the hut. Not on yellow, blue or green above it.
How high is Rakoń?
Rakoń is 1879 m above sea level.
Rakoń: are there chains on the route?
No, the route described on this page has no chains.
Rakoń: how long does it take?
Start: Siwa Polana (Chochołów Valley), finish in the same place. The whole route is 22.6 km and takes 8 h 50 min of walking without breaks, with about 1149 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#fitness#ridge
Jarząbczy Wierch
Jarząbczy Wierch (2137 m) from Siwa Polana via the hut and the Jarząbcza Valley, down Krowiniec: 24.1 km, 10 h, no chains but a lot of fitness needed.
⏱️ 10 h📏 24.1 km🎯 difficult (fitness-wise)
View trailSimilar trails
Difficulty: ModerateWestern TatrasKasprowy Wierch
Start: Kuźnice · via High-mountain observatory (IMGW) and The highest restaurant
- 5:31 h
- Time
- 12.9 km
- Distance
- +986 m
- Ascent
- Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatras
Kasprowy Wierch via Gąsienicowa
Start: Kuźnice · via Murowaniec hut and Hala Gąsienicowa
- 4:01 h
- Time
- 7.6 km
- Distance
- +1056 m
- Ascent
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Plan your trip
Where to stay - WitówThe closest base for this trail. Check availability and prices in Witów.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