Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatras
Krzesanica
Start: Kiry · via The highest point of the Czerwone Wierchy and Vertical cliffs of the Mułowy Cirque
- 8:34 h
- Time
- 19.6 km
- Distance
- +1412 m
- Ascent
Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatraswestern tatras2,000-metre peakfitnesspanorama
Wołowiec
2064 m a.s.l. · trail green · start: Siwa Polana (Chochołów Valley)
High-altitude conditionsBulletin as of 18 października 2026
Official TPN bulletinSnow and ice reported in upper Tatras. Crampons, ice axe, helmet and winter mountaineering experience required.
Bulletin details
Warunki do uprawiania turystyki w Tatrach Wysokich są bardzo trudne.
PolecanyGreen from the hut
- Wysokość
- 2064 m a.s.l.
- Dystans
- 22.1 km
- Czas przejścia
- 8 h 55 min
- Suma podejść
- 1255 m
- Start
- Siwa Polana
- Meta
- Siwa Polana
Czas i dystans dla całej wycieczki, z powrotem do startu.
Tempo
8 h 55 minSzacunek od czasu z opisu, bez kolejek i postojów.
- medium / difficult (fitness-wise)
- green
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Green from the hutPolecany Valley to the hut, green straight to the summit and back. No chains. The figures at the top of the page show this loop. | Siwa Polana | 8 h 55 min | Nie |
|
Trilogy Grześ – Rakoń – Wołowiec Ridge via Grześ and Rakoń, green down. A separate page: Rakoń. Still no chains. Zobacz ten szlak → | Siwa Polana | 9 h 40 min | Nie |
|
Polecany
Green from the hut
Valley to the hut, green straight to the summit and back. No chains. The figures at the top of the page show this loop.
Mapa i profil trasy
Green from the hut
Profil wysokościowy trasy
Wykres podejść wygenerowany ze śladu GPX. Przesuń kursor lub palec po wykresie, aby sprawdzić profil podejścia i punkty kulminacyjne.
GPX · 21.82 km
Punkt kulminacyjny
2064m n.p.m.
przy 10.91 km
Najniższy punkt
941m n.p.m.
Podejścia (suma)
+1280m
Zejścia (suma)
-1281m
Dystans profilu
21.82km
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.
Wołowiec (2,064 m a.s.l.) is a massive peak closing the Chochołowska Valley from the south. Often called the “Guardian of the Valley”, it is one of the safest and most accessible 2,000-metre peaks in the Tatras. It is the perfect destination if you want to cross the magic 2,000-metre barrier, but are paralyzed by the fear of chains and precipices.
💡 In a nutshell – Wołowiec:
- Two variants: The fastest way up is the green trail straight from the hut. The most beautiful way is the loop via Grześ and Rakoń (the so-called triptych).
- No chains: Neither of these variants has artificial aids or precipices.
- Bike in the valley: The route from Siwa Polana is over 22 km. Renting a bike to the hut will save you 2 hours of boring walking.
- Wind and weather: The summit of Wołowiec is famous for very strong winds. Always bring a jacket, even on hot days.
💡 Logistics Pro Tip: This route is a foot-killer due to the distance (over 22 km round trip). We highly recommend renting a bike at Siwa Polana and riding it to the forester’s lodge just before the mountain hut. You will save about 2 hours of boring walking on asphalt, and the bike ride down after a full day in the mountains is the best reward!
Trail description: Straight to the summit (without the ridge)
The figures at the top of the page show the fastest variant to reach the summit: ascending via the green trail directly from the hut on Chochołowska Glade and returning the same way.
Stage 1: Through the Chochołowska Valley
We start at Siwa Polana. Ahead of us is a 7-kilometre walk along the floor of the Chochołowska Valley (green trail). Tip: To save your legs, it is best to cover this section on a rented bike. The ride down after 8 hours of mountain hiking is pure pleasure!
Stage 2: Green straight up
From the hut, we set off along the green trail.
- The beginning is quite steep and leads through the forest, and then through the dwarf pine zone.
- The path is wide, comfortable, and completely devoid of technical difficulties (no chains, no exposure).
- On the grassy slopes of Wołowiec, you can very often spot grazing herds of chamois (remember not to get too close and startle them).
Stage 3: The windy summit
Wołowiec lies on the main ridge of the Tatras, on the Polish-Slovak border. The summit is vast, flat, and famous for the fact that the wind blows here almost always. The view from here takes your breath away: the Slovak Roháče look extremely menacing from here, and below you can see deep, glacial valleys. We descend exactly the same way (green trail).
A more ambitious variant: The Grześ – Rakoń – Wołowiec triptych
If you have iron stamina and want to spend the whole day on a beautiful, scenic ridge, choose the variant over three peaks:
- From the hut, you take the yellow trail up Grześ.
- From Grześ, you take the blue trail along Długi Upłaz to Rakoń.
- From Rakoń (still on the blue trail), you attack the steep, 40-minute approach to Wołowiec.
- From Wołowiec, you descend via the green trail straight to the hut. It is a beautiful but very long loop (almost 24 km and 1,350 m of elevation gain).
Logistics and safety
- The distance is a monster: Even choosing the shortest variant (green trail), the whole trip from car park to car park is over 22 kilometres. Without a bike in the valley, be prepared for sore legs at the end of the day.
- Weather: Wołowiec is very exposed. In the event of a weather breakdown (storm), you are completely defenceless on the ridge. Always check the forecasts.
Who this is absolutely NOT for?
Do not bring people here who have already run out of strength on Chochołowska Glade. Do not plan the “triptych” (Grześ-Rakoń-Wołowiec) if you have no experience in all-day, exhausting marches. Do not bring a dog (TPN ban above the hut). In winter, the slopes of Wołowiec are extremely avalanche-prone – this is terrain exclusively for experienced hikers with full avalanche gear.
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
- 360-degree panorama
- Views of the Roháče
- Chamois herds
- Chochołów Valley
Questions
Is Wołowiec technically difficult?
No. There are no chains or precipices here, unlike on Giewont. The only challenge is fitness — the route is long and has a lot of elevation gain.
Which variant should I take?
The green trail straight from the hut if you want a 2,000-metre peak without the ridge. That is what the figures at the top of the page show. The Grześ–Rakoń–Wołowiec trilogy is longer and prettier, but it is a full day.
Is a bike in the valley worth it?
Yes. Ride to the hut, then walk to the summit. The descent after eight hours of walking is worth the rental.
How high is Wołowiec?
Wołowiec is 2064 m above sea level.
Wołowiec: are there chains on the route?
No, the route described on this page has no chains.
Wołowiec: how long does it take?
Start: Siwa Polana (Chochołów Valley), finish in the same place. The whole route is 22.1 km and takes 8 h 55 min of walking without breaks, with about 1255 m of ascent. Add time for rests and photos.
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#western tatras#2,000-metre peak#panorama
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⏱️ 8 h📏 18.3 km🎯 medium / difficult (fitness-wise)
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- 8:27 h
- Time
- 15.6 km
- Distance
- +1458 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