From Zakopane to the Schronisko mountain refuge

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This first stage allows you to gradually leave the Zakopane area behind and enter the wooded areas of the Tatra National Park. A relatively balanced day’s walk before the much more demanding mountain stage the following day.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Crossing the High Tatras from Zakopane to Starý Smokovec

Details

n°56839483
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.86 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,709 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,660 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,488 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,251 ft
  • ⚐ Country: Poland
  • ⚑
    Start: N 49.287558° / E 20.011672°
  • ⚑
    End: N 49.233497° / E 20.095404°
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Photos

Schronisko mountain hut

Description of the walk

There is a car park right next to the start of the hike, in the hills above Zakopane. N.B. Car parks in Poland are pay-and-display, even if they have limited spaces; make sure you have small change. It is also possible to park in Zakopane itself. This then involves a good hour’s walk along the road.

(S) From the car park on the hills above Zakopane, follow the main path south-eastwards as it gradually leads into the forest.
Continue along this route for several kilometres, following the track until you reach the entrance to the Tatra National Park.

(1) Pass the gatehouse at the park entrance. There is an entry fee. Then continue along the route which descends towards the valley. Carry on until you reach the Schronisko mountain hut (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 3,251 ft - Car park – Upper Zakopane
  2. 1 : mi 5.22 - alt. 3,940 ft - National Park payment booth
  3. E : mi 6.87 - alt. 3,294 ft - Schronisko mountain hut

Notes

There is an entry fee for the National Park; please check the current rates – credit cards accepted.

Wild camping is strictly regulated and may only take place at designated sites (see the National Park website).

The Schronisko mountain refuge is very well equipped (drying room, restaurant, bar, dormitories with bedding); booking is essential (please book several weeks in advance). Bath towels are available for hire.

Other walks in the area

Walking Crossing the High Tatras from Zakopane to Starý Smokovec

Visorando Member
Traversée des Hautes Tatras de Zakopane à Starý Smokovec
↔24.49 mi ↗+6,030 ft ↘-5,879 ft ◔3 days ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Poland
A three-stage traverse of the High Tatras, starting from the heights of Zakopane in Poland and ending in Starý Smokovec in Slovakia. The route begins with a first day spent mainly in woodland, leading to the Schronisko mountain hut. The second stage, which is much more demanding, forms the heart of the trek: after a long walk through the valley and the forest, a particularly steep climb takes you up to the heights of the Tatras and across the Slovak border before reaching the Sliezski Dom hotel. The final day, which is considerably shorter, takes you back down to Starý Smokovec. A hike full of contrasts, with the second day suited to hikers in very good physical condition.

Walking From the Schronisko refuge to Sliezski Dom

Visorando Member
Du refuge de Schronisko à Sliezski Dom
↔13.21 mi ↗+3,967 ft ↘-1,946 ft ◔9h 30 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Poland
This is the key stage of the crossing and by far the most demanding. After a start to the route requiring a detour via the road, the trail enters a wooded valley and follows a river before tackling the long climb to the heights of the Tatras. The end of the stage presents the bulk of the difficulty, with an elevation gain of around 1,000 metres over just 3 km. Covering 21 km with 1,200 m of ascent, this day’s walk requires a very good level of fitness.

Walking From Sliezski Dom to Starý Smokovec

Visorando Member
De Sliezski Dom à Starý Smokovec
↔4.38 mi ↗+102 ft ↘-2,274 ft ◔2h 05 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Slovakia
After the challenging stage the previous day, this third and final day is much shorter. It takes you down from the heights of the Tatras, gradually reaching the valley and Starý Smokovec. The route is just 7 km long, with only 30 m of ascent and 700 m of descent.

Walking Zelene Pleso Route

Visorando Member
Zelene Pleso Route
↔12.56 mi ↗+3,819 ft ↘-4,035 ft ◔10 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Slovakia
Zelene Pleso trail is a beautiful route in the High Tatras of Slovakia, that begins in Skalnate Pleso and takes you to the Green Lake Mountain Chalet. The route has impressive scenic views and numerous tracks you can use to return.

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