Mountain Trails [#10] - Where do the trails from the Five Polish Lakes Valley lead?

The Valley of Five Polish Ponds is one of the most popular points on the map of the Polish Tatra Mountains. Due to one of the more accessible trails leading through the Roztoka Valley, it is visited by thousands of tourists every year. It is not without reason that it is considered the most beautiful valley in the Tatras - the panorama of towering Tatra peaks, the blue ponds, and the atmospheric mountain hut contribute to the captivating image of the valley. What if we crave a bit more excitement and adrenaline, and further elevation and exposure do not deter us? It is worth considering one of the many trails leading to the higher parts of the mountains, starting right in the Valley of Five Ponds.

1. The trail to Morskie Oko via Świstówka Roztocka. It takes us just two hours to reach Morskie Oko from the Valley of Five Ponds using the blue trail. This is one of the easier options, with only one section involving exposure along the entire route, which has no artificial aids. From the shelter in the valley, we head through Świstowa Czuba, Świstówka Roztocka, and Rówień pod Kępą to Morskie Oko. The highest point is around Kępa, at about 1840 m above sea level. It should be noted that this trail is closed during the winter due to the high avalanche risk.

2. The trail to Szpiglasowy Wierch. From the shelter, we take the blue trail and then shortly turn left onto the yellow trail. The route to the summit is accessible and secured, making it a good choice for those who want to start their adventure with chains. The highest point is Szpiglasowy Wierch at 2172 m above sea level, which we reach after an hour and a half of walking. From the summit, after an additional two hours, you can descend to Morskie Oko via the valley behind the monk. In the valley, there is another hiking option, which is the ascent to the Chałubiński Gate at 2022 m above sea level.

3. The trail to Kozi Wierch. This trail has no artificial safeguards whatsoever. The ascent to Kozi Wierch presents no difficulties, apart from one section that merges with part of Orla Perć. The route to the highest peak located entirely in Poland provides incredible experiences. From Kozi Wierch, a fantastic panorama of the High Tatras unfolds.

4. The trail to Krzyżne Pass. By conquering Krzyżne at 2122 m above sea level from the side of the Valley of Five Ponds, we choose an easier option for the ascent. There are minor difficulties on the trail, with no artificial aids, and the route will take no more than two hours. From the pass, we can see the following in the panorama: the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, the Mięguszowieckie Peaks, Rysy, Cubryna, and Opalony Wierch. The return can be via the same route or further along the yellow trail to Hala Gąsienicowa.

5. The trail to Kozi Pass. You definitely need to be accustomed to exposure and artificial aids such as chains or grips. The ascent takes about two hours. The trail to Kozi Pass at 2137 m above sea level leads through rocky cliffs, but it’s worth undertaking the effort of the traverse, which rewards us with a stunning view. There is also the possibility of descending to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy.

6. The trail to Zawrat. Choosing this trail, we can prepare for an easy and straightforward approach. Although the trail to Zawrat at 2158 m above sea level crosses one of the most difficult trails in the Tatras, namely Orla Perć, it is very accessible. There are no artificial aids at all, and the hike to the pass will take no longer than two hours.

Author of the photos and text: Ewa Bandyk