From the Schronisko refuge to Sliezski Dom

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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.

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

Details

n°56839534
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.21 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 9h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,967 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,946 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,978 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,186 ft
  • ⚐ Country: Poland
  • ⚑
    Start: N 49.233638° / E 20.095575°
  • ⚑
    End: N 49.156113° / E 20.156945°
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Photos

View of the High Tatras from the Bielovodská dolina
Biała Woda River
View of the Sliezsky Dom hotel
End of the first part of the descent

Description of the walk

(S) From the Schronisko mountain hut, join the main path and then follow the track down towards the road. Do not try to cut straight through the forest towards the border: the vegetation there is particularly dense and there are several private properties in this area. The detour is therefore necessary.

(1) Continue along the main path until you reach the road.

(2) Follow the road as it continues to descend.

(3) Keep to the right at the area with shops to reach the valley. The route then continues for some time alongside the river and through the forest. This section, which is relatively easy going, contrasts sharply with the rest of the stage.

(4) Gradually leave the valley behind and begin the main climb of the day. From this point, the route gains altitude rapidly: there is a climb of nearly 1,000 metres over approximately 3 km. Continue the climb to Litvorové pleso.

(5) Carry on towards Zamrznuté pleso, a high-altitude lake set in a much more rocky landscape.

(6) Go round the lake on the right and continue towards Zamrznutý kotol. Then take a path towards Poľský hrebeň. The final ascent is very steep and features large steps that make progress easier. Reach the pass, the highest point of the stage.

(7) Cross over onto the Slovakian side towards Sliezsky Dom (south-southeast). The first part of the descent is steep and particularly impressive. Caution is advised for those prone to vertigo. Continue the descent to the Sliezsky Dom hotel (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 3,409 ft - Schronisko mountain hut
  2. 1 : mi 0.49 - alt. 3,609 ft - Main path
  3. 2 : mi 2.28 - alt. 3,241 ft - Poland–Slovakia border
  4. 3 : mi 3.14 - alt. 3,189 ft - Shops
  5. 4 : mi 9.14 - alt. 4,281 ft - Start of the ascent
  6. 5 : mi 10.59 - alt. 6,007 ft - Litvorové pleso
  7. 6 : mi 11.06 - alt. 6,575 ft - Zamrznuté pleso
  8. 7 : mi 11.37 - alt. 6,962 ft - Poľský hrebeň (2 200 m)
  9. E : mi 13.21 - alt. 5,407 ft - Sliezsky Dom Hotel

Notes

This stage is long and involves a significant elevation gain. Make sure you have plenty of water and food, and set off early enough to allow a comfortable margin. The descent on the final part of the route can be dizzying for those prone to vertigo, as there are plenty of rocks.

Walking poles are useful, both for the ascent and the descent.

The start of the route requires a detour: do not attempt to reach the route directly by crossing the forest and the private property marked in this area.

Accommodation at the Sliezsky Dom hotel (E). Book in advance.

Other walks in the area

Walking From Zakopane to the Schronisko mountain refuge

Visorando Member
De Zakopane au refuge de Schronisko
↔6.86 mi ↗+1,709 ft ↘-1,660 ft ◔4h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Poland
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.

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 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.

Walking Trzy Korony from Sromowce Niżne via the Wąwóz Szopczański

Visorando Member
Les Trzy Korony depuis Sromowce Niżne par le Wąwóz Szopczański
↔4.26 mi ↗+1,736 ft ↘-1,736 ft ◔3h 30 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Poland
Starting from Sromowce Niżne, in Lesser Poland, this circular route takes you to the Trzy Korony, the ‘Three Crowns’, whose limestone peaks rise up in the heart of the Pieniny National Park. The ascent begins in the Wąwóz Szopczański, a deep gorge flanked by two high white cliffs, then continues through the forest along a long path of steps to the Przełęcz Szopka pass, where the view already stretches as far as the Tatra Mountains. A final rocky outcrop leads to Okrąglica and its metal walkway clinging to the rock face, suspended above the Dunajec gorge, its villages and its patchwork of fields. The return route winds down the other side, through the Polana Kosarzyska clearing, before plunging back into the forest and returning to the village.

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