Top Things to do in Lesser Poland Province
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The 10 Best Valleys in Lesser Poland Province, Southern Poland
Discover the best top things to do in Lesser Poland Province, Poland including Rezerwat przyrody Dolina Szklarki, Przelecz Miedzy Kopami, Dolina Pieciu Stawow Polskich, Saspowka stream valley, Bolechowicka Valley, Strazyska Valley, Hala Kondratowa, Olczyska Valley, Dolina Bialego, Dolina Chocholowska.
Restaurants in Lesser Poland Province
1. Rezerwat przyrody Dolina Szklarki
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
One of seven valleys in Krakow Valleys Landscape Park, the only one with tarmac road through its whole length. Still very attractive for tourists, with it's steep slopes.
2. Przelecz Miedzy Kopami
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
One of the lowest passes just over Zakopane district of Kuznice. A gateway to highest parts of Tatra mountains.
3. Dolina Pieciu Stawow Polskich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By JustDiveIn - Miami, United States
We started the day by parking in Palenica Bialczanska, cost to park 25zl. Its best to start as early as possible to avoid the crowds, we were parked and ready to hike at 6 am, by then the parking lot was already half full mostly hikers that are going to Rysy peak. National Park entrance is 5zl per person. The first hour of the hike, about 3km, is along a paved road, that leads to Morskie Oko, this is the red trail. At Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza waterfall there is a rest area, with tables and bathrooms, there is a path that goes through the forest, this is the green trail which leads all the way to the valley of five lakes. Near the top you can continue on the green trail where you will end up at Wielki Staw (Large Lake) or you can take the black trail, which is a bit harder and has a steeper incline. We choose the black trail as there was less hikers on it. The black trail leads you directly to the Five Lakes mountain chalet by Przedni Staw (Front Lake). If you take the green trail to the top you will see the magnificent Siklawa waterfall which is a 70m high waterfall. The first three lakes are together, Przedni(Front lake), Maly(Little lake), Wielki(Big lake). If you want to see the other two lakes you need to get on the blue trail to Zadni Staw, although it is quite a hike, to see Czarny Staw (Black lake) which is closer you need to get on the blue trail, then get on the yellow trail. We visited the three lakes and headed back, as the weather was starting to change. It took use 3 hrs to get to the lakes and then about the same to return since there was more hikers on the trail. Overall the hike is very good, you cross a few bridges over streams, the entire trail is picturesque. Near the top, on the green trail, there are some rocks that can be slippery. Tips: Make sure to wear hiking boots with all the rocks along the trail it is easy to twist an ankle. Hiking poles are very helpful, when using them you put less stress on your knees. Keep an eye out on the weather while you are hiking it changes very quickly in the mountains. If there is rain or thunderstorms in the forecast do not go into the mountains. If you found this helpful feel free to hit the Thank button below. Happy Travels.
4. Saspowka stream valley
5. Bolechowicka Valley
6. Strazyska Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The entrance to this valley is within walking distance from central Zakopane (2.4 km from Krupowki street; 100m up; follow Kasprusie road). A well maintained path, at times more like a small road, leads to the upper part of the valley and takes about 40 minutes. Special about Strazyska is the fact it is a rather narrow valley with a wild stream running through. Not just pine trees, but deciduous trees as well provide a colorful experience. Especially this time of the year (October) when autumn sets in. It is possible to hike out of the valley towards Sarnia Skala 1377 m. (follow a trail with black and white markings towards the east). Add another extra hour to reach the peak.
7. Hala Kondratowa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By endrju_74 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
It was once a clearing with grazing sheep, and its name probably comes from the name of the first owner. But since establishing Tatrzański Park Narodowy (national park), all farm activities, especially shepherding, were banned, and Hala Kondratowa became a place known to tourists only. Especially two things affect the unbelievable popularity of Hala: the most popular trail towards the most popular summit over Zakopane - Giewont, as well as the presence of a tourist hostel (or mountain hut) on this trail, which can barely cope with feeding the incredible masses of tourists hiking the trail. There's also another trail, the green one (the main is blue), which starts at the hut, at leads towards Przełęcz pod Kopą Kondracką (Pass under Kopa Kondracka peak) in Tatra main ridge. Absolutely beautiful place, but those huge crowds of tourists are just overwhelming.
8. Olczyska Valley
9. Dolina Bialego
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Almost like a ravine, this narrow valley is close to the center of Zakopane. It is named after the wild stream that runs through it: white creek valley. Perhaps the reason this valley is rather untouched and enchanting is, it does not provide easy access to alps at higher altitudes. A well marked trail (yellow signs) leads to the end with some small waterfalls. You have an option to continue hiking to Sarnia Skala (1377m) along a steep path through the woods. Access to the valley is not easy to find. From Zakopane follow Grunwaldzka street, then Droga do Bialego where there is a sign. Continue straight towards the south (no signs) until you will find the park entrance with ticket boot.
10. Dolina Chocholowska
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By N6044PCmariom - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I decided together with my girlfriend to visit the West Tatras. I'd like to share a couple of tips that can make your trip even better. Starting Point: Siwa Polana. Direction towards: Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej. Accommodation: Zakopane. Time of the year: August. - Feel free to drive your own car to Siwa Polana. There are many parking lots available for around 20 zł for full day. Taking the bus from Zakopane is also an option but if you are with 2 or + people consider driving. - Rent a mountain bike for 50 zł. At the parking lot you'll see the many available bikes for rent. This is a good way to reach the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej (hut/restaurant of Chochołowska), and from there start your real hike. There are 8km from the park main entrance until the hut, with beautiful views. However, the landscapes and views awaiting for you after the hut are more impressive. So it's better to save your energies for the hike after the hut. Consider peak Grzes (1.45h hike from hut). - In case you decide to go from Zakopane to Siwa Polana by bus, wait for the right bus. The minibus 84 goes from Zakopane centrum and leaves you at the main entrance of the park. All other buses will leave you at a crossing, 10min away by foot from the main entrance. - Enjoy a Bigos, coffee and a beer at the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej with a beautiful view before continuing your journey. Best Bigos I've had in Poland so far. Good luck in your trip and hope you enjoy this less popular but as beautiful side of the Tatra Mountains.
