Świstówka Roztocka

Świstówka Roztocka is the blue trail along the ridge of Opalony Wierch that joins the Five Polish Lakes with Morskie Oko. From above you see both cirques at once. In winter TPN closes this section, because avalanches do not ask about your holiday plan.

💡 In a nutshell – Świstówka:

1. For whom: A long day when you already know both valleys separately and want to join them.
2. No chains. There is exposure on the descent and 20 km in the legs.
3. Closure: 1 December – 15 May. Do not improvise “because there is little snow”.
4. Direction: Five Lakes → Morskie Oko. You walk the asphalt down, not up.

The tiles count the full loop from Palenica. They do not count Szpiglas or Rysy.

Trail description: Two valleys, one ridge

Stage 1: Palenica – Five Lakes

Red asphalt to Wodogrzmoty, green up Dolina Roztoki past Wielka Siklawa. The hut at 1,671 m. You eat here, not on Świstówka.

Stage 2: Blue over Opalony

Behind the hut blue climbs the ridge (about 1,855 m). The Five Lakes behind you, Morskie Oko in front. Wind here is often the first reason to turn around.

Stage 3: Descent to the eye and asphalt

Steep, stony, narrow. Then 8 km of red asphalt to Palenica. The knees will notice this stage more than the climb.

Logistics and warnings

• Parking: Palenica e-ticket only. Without a ticket you do not drive in, and you will not “work it out”.
• Winter / spring: Closed 1 Dec–15 May. In summer after a storm: stones and mud.
• Shortcut: If someone is done at the hut, you return down Roztoka. The loop is not mandatory.
• Dog: TPN ban.

Who is this absolutely NOT for?

Not a first day in the Tatras. Not with a pushchair. Not on 1 April “because the calendar says spring”. If you want only one valley, take its card. If you want chains between these valleys — that is Szpiglas from the Five Lakes or Zawrat.