Smreczyński Staw

Smreczyński Staw (1,227 m above sea level) is a hidden gem of the Western Tatras. Unlike the busy Morskie Oko, this lake is intimate, quiet and slightly mysterious. Hidden in a dense forest, at the mouth of the Pyszniańska Valley, which is inaccessible to tourists, it offers one of the most idyllic views in the Tatras.

It is a must-see for anyone visiting Kościeliska Valley. Getting to the mountain hut and skipping the lake would be a big mistake!

Trail description

Most of the route overlaps with the Kościeliska Valley walk.

1. The valley (green trail): From Kiry we walk along a wide path for about 1.5 hours to Hala Ornak.
2. Turn-off (black trail): Just before the mountain hut (by the signpost) we turn left onto the black trail. This is where the character of the trip changes.
3. Climb through the forest: We leave the crowds behind. The path enters the “Smreczyny” - an old, dark spruce forest. The trail climbs gently uphill over stones and roots. After about 30 minutes of walking we reach the lakeshore.

The magic of Smreczyński Staw

Right by the lake there is a large wooden platform with benches. It is the perfect place for a picnic. The water here is fairly shallow (max 5 m) and dark, and the shores are boggy (do not leave the trail!). In the water mirror you can perfectly see the ridge of the Western Tatras, including the highest summit in this part of the mountains - Bystra (2,248 m a.s.l.) - and the impressive Błyszcz.

Practical information (for parents with pushchairs!)

• Pushchair: You can go through Kościeliska Valley (to the mountain hut) with any pushchair. However, the black trail to the lake itself is not suitable for pushchairs (lots of exposed roots, boulders and mud).
  • Tip: Families with small children often leave the pushchair near the hut (for example locked with a bike lock) and cover the last section with the child in their arms or in a carrier.
• Nature protection: The area around the lake and above it is a strict nature reserve (bear habitat). You must not enter the water, make noise or continue deeper into Pyszniańska Valley (there is no trail).
• Return: We return the same way to the mountain hut, where you can have lunch, and then take the green trail back to Kiry.