Mountain Trails [#03] - Grześ

The walking route through the Chochołowska Valley is known to all those who have taken a longer holiday in the Tatras at least once. An easy, pleasant trail that can be somewhat monotonous at times is a staple of many tourist trips, especially around April when a carpet of blooming crocuses appears in the Chochołowska Clearing. For those who prefer to exert themselves a bit more and want to view the valley “from above”, we suggest a quick 1.5-hour ascent from the Chochołowska Clearing via the yellow trail to Grzesia (1653 m above sea level). 

This peak is located in the Western Tatras, on the northern ridge of Wołowiec, and rises above three valleys: Chochołowska, Łatana, and Bobrowiecka. The Polish-Slovak border runs along the ridge of Grzesia, so at the summit, we will find a sign with two names: the Polish one designating the ridge and the Slovak one - Lúčna.

- The time to traverse is about 7 hours, depending on the tourist's condition.

- Total ascent: 805 meters.

- Highest point: 1653 m above sea level.

- Trail length: 18 kilometers.

- No difficulties, no artificial aids.

We start our expedition on the green trail at Siwa Polana, near which motorists can park their cars. We face a march lasting over 2 hours, during which we pass through Huciska Clearing, Dudowa Valley, Starorobociańska Valley, Trzydniówka Clearing, until we finally reach Chochołowska Clearing with its characteristic wooden sheds, huts, and PTTK Mountain Shelter. It is right next to the shelter where the yellow trail to Grzesia begins. The trail runs through a spruce forest alongside the Bobrowiecki Stream, up to Bobrowiecka Pass, where it connects with the blue trail. As we climb the path among the shrubbery, we gradually gain elevation. The effort on the trail is compensated by the incredible view of the valley and nearby peaks. Upon reaching the summit, our attention is immediately drawn to the wooden cross. It was erected there in 1992 and reminds us that before 1989, Slovak and Polish opposition activists would meet secretly at the summit. By conquering this relatively small peak, we can see many sights, including: Kominiarski Wierch, Czerwone Wierchy, Ornak, Trzydniowiański Wierch, Błyszcz, Jarząbczy Wierch, Wołowiec, Rohacze, Banówka, Salatyn, and Brestowa. At Grzesia, there is also an intersection of several trails: the yellow one we came by, the blue one to Rakoń, and the green one heading towards Slovakia to the Zadnia Łatana Valley. We return from the summit via the same path we ascended.

Ascent to Grzesia is quick, pleasant, varied in views, and most importantly, it surely adds an interesting complement to the trip through the Chochołowska Valley.

Photo and text author: Ewa Bandyk