Kościelisko in summer – 10 things you must do during your stay in the Western Tatras

Planning a summer holiday in the Tatra Mountains but want to avoid long traffic jams on Zakopianka, crowds on Krupówki Street, and constant noise? The Kościelisko municipality, which includes the charming villages of Kościelisko, Witów, and Dzianisz, is the perfect alternative to the bustling center of Zakopane. By choosing accommodation in Kościelisko, you gain direct access to the most beautiful trails of the Western Tatras, breathtaking views of the majestic Giewont, and authentic, highlander culture within reach.

If you are comparing accommodation in Zakopane and Kościelisko, the latter wins by its closeness to nature and logistics – instead of sitting in traffic jams, you'll be on the trail in the morning. To make your holiday unforgettable, we have prepared a list of 10 experiences you must try this summer when visiting the Western Tatras.

10 attractions in Kościelisko and surroundings you must experience

1. Hiking along the bottom of the Kościeliska Valley to the shelter at Hala Ornak

This is an absolute classic. The approximately 9-kilometer trail starts in Kiry. Walking along the valley floor beside the rushing Kościeliski Stream is pure pleasure – the route is gentle, and the views of rocky narrowings (Kantak Gate or Kraszewski Gate) are breathtaking. Along the way, you will pass the historic Robbers' Chapel built by former metallurgists and traces of the old mining industry. The end of the hike is the iconic PTTK Shelter at Hala Ornak, built in a charming Zakopane-style architecture. An obligatory point of the visit is tasting the famous apple pie, which provides the perfect energy boost before the return trip.

• Entrance fees to Tatra National Park:
  • 11.00 PLN (regular ticket)
  • 5.50 PLN (discount ticket)

If you choose Villa Izydor for accommodation in Kościelisko, you will reach the valley gates in Kiry in just a few minutes, beating the morning tourist peak.

2. Exploring underground cave systems

The Western Tatras are famous for their rich karst systems. In the eastern slopes of the Kościeliska Valley, extraordinary underground adventures await you.

The most accessible is the Mroźna Cave (in the Organ Massif) – the only cave in the Polish Tatras with full electric lighting and prepared stairs, ideal for families with children (ticket: 11 PLN, open from April 26 to October 31).

If you seek stronger thrills, pack a headlamp and head to Mylna Cave in the Raptawicka Turnia, where you sometimes need to crawl through the labyrinth of corridors.

Don't miss Kraków Gorge with the famous Dragon's Den, where ladders and chains facilitate passage.

• Practical info: Remember stable footwear and warmer clothing – caves have low temperatures.

3. Magical sunrise or sunset over Smreczyński Pond

Smreczyński Pond is a unique glacial lake in the Tatras, located at 1226 meters above sea level. Unlike the harsh lakes of the High Tatras, this lake is surrounded by dense spruce forest. The water has a dark, mysterious color due to humic substances from peatlands. The approach to the pond follows the black trail from the Shelter at Hala Ornak (about 30 minutes).

At the end of the trail, there is a wooden viewing pier, perfect for taking some souvenir photos. The best lighting conditions occur in the late afternoon. The setting sun beautifully illuminates the western walls of Ornak and Bystra, creating a perfect mirror reflection of the peaks on the dark water surface.

4. High-mountain trekking on the Red Peaks loop

For hiking enthusiasts, a must is trekking along the ridge of the Red Peaks: Ciemniak (2096 m), Krzesanica (2122 m), Małołączniak (2096 m), and Kopa Kondracka (2005 m). This is a demanding, all-day trek (approx. 8.5 - 10.5 hours walking, over 1400 meters of total ascent), starting from Kiry.

The trail enchants with wide panoramas, grassy meadows, and deep karst cliffs dropping to the valleys. However, remember that the route requires stable weather – the limestone ground becomes very slippery after rain, and fog on the flat ridges can make navigation difficult.

[Kiry / Start] ➔ [Upłaz Clearing] ➔ [Ciemniak 2096 m] ➔ [Krzesanica 2122 m] ➔ [Małołączniak] ➔ [Descent via Przysłop Miętusi] ➔ [Return to Kiry]

5. Walking the historic Mieczysław Karłowicz trail to Hala na Stołach

Want to escape mass tourism? Head to Hala na Stołach (1340–1417 m a.s.l.). Here, in 1892, the outstanding composer Mieczysław Karłowicz marked the first official hiking trail in the Western Tatras. The blue path starts at the Ice Spring in Kościeliska Valley and climbs steeply through the montane forest (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). At the clearing, you’ll find three historic, well-preserved shepherd huts and one of the best viewpoints over Giewont.

• For whom? This is a perfect option for a calmer, "slow" trekking lasting about 5-6 hours.
• Logistics: Villa Izydor is so close to the start of this trail that you can plan the trip spontaneously, without needing to start your car.

6. Cycling madness: Chochołowska Valley and Droga pod Reglami

Kościelisko and neighboring Witów are a paradise for bike lovers. Since TPN regulations strictly limit cycling traffic, the main corridors for cyclists are Chochołowska Valley and Droga pod Reglami.

The route from Siwa Polana to the Shelter at Polana Chochołowska (6.5 km one way) to Polana Huciska is asphalted, becoming a rocky MTB climb higher up. At the valley's entrance, you can easily rent a traditional mountain bike or a modern e-bike (electric bike), which makes climbing easier.

• Costs: Renting a standard bike costs about 50–80 PLN per day, and an electric bike (e-MTB) about 220–250 PLN per day. The entry fee for riding a bike into the valley is 11 PLN.

7. Nostalgic ride on the Butorowy Wierch chairlift and Gubałówka loop

Want to see the Tatras from a different perspective? Take the Butorowy Wierch (1160 m a.s.l.) – the highest peak of the Gubałówka Range. The PKL two-person chairlift will take you from the lower station in the Czajki estate straight to the top. The ride is in a calm, nostalgic pace, perfect for taking panoramic photos.

At the top, it is worth walking about 2 km along the scenic ridge towards Gubałówka and then descending by the cable railway straight to Zakopane.

• Ticket prices: A combined ticket for the Podhale Duet (Butorowy ascent, Gubałówka descent) costs about 44 PLN (online) / 49 PLN (at the desk).

8. Tasting on the Małopolska Oscypek Trail

Authentic traditional oscypek made from sheep's milk is produced only in the grazing season – from May to October. Staying in Kościelisko is a perfect opportunity to visit certified sheepfolds protected by European Union law, taste genuine highlander cheeses, and learn interesting facts about their production.

Visit the Sheepfold at Wyżnia Kira Miętusia (in Kościeliska Valley) where cultural sheep grazing is maintained, or the Sheepfold at Biały Potok clearing (in Witów), where shepherd traditions date back to the 17th century. You can try warm, freshly smoked cheese straight from the smokehouse and drink traditional żentyca.

In the evening, be sure to visit a local inn in Kościelisko to try regional moskole with garlic butter or warming kwaśnica soup with ribs.

9. Discovering sacred architecture and the Sabałowe Bajania festival

In the heart of Kościelisko, on the hill of Polana Pitoniówka, rises the larch Church of St. Casimir the Prince. Built in the Zakopane style (according to the design by Eugeniusz Wesołowski, a student of Witkiewicz), it impresses with exquisite woodcarving, beautiful stained glass by Stefan Matejko, and a unique painting "Christ in Stripes" painted by an unknown Italian painter, a prisoner of the Auschwitz concentration camp. In recent years, the building has undergone thorough renovation and now shines brilliantly.

Additionally, if you go to the Tatras in August, be sure to participate in the Sabałowe Bajania – a famous Polish folklore festival filled with highlander music, stories, and crafts.

10. Thermal relaxation at Chochołowskie Thermal Baths and sauna rest

After days full of intense hiking and biking, it's time for well-deserved relaxation. Chochołowskie Thermal Baths in Witów are the largest pool complex in the Podhale region. Here, you will find thermal pools with healing water, zones of raw sulfur water, and a gigantic Saunarium (textile-free zone 18+) with a glazed viewing sauna offering a panorama of the Tatras.

Prices: A 3-hour ticket for the pools in the high season costs about 89–99 PLN. An Open ticket (unlimited time) costs around 189 PLN.

Distance map: check how close Villa Izydor is to attractions

Instead of wasting your holiday in car traffic jams, choose accommodation that will save you time. See how far our villa is from the most important summer sightseeing points:

Book accommodation in Kościelisko and experience an unforgettable summer!

The Western Tatras dazzle in summer with the greenery of valleys and the majesty of rugged peaks. By choosing Kościelisko, you give yourself a chance for premium relaxation – close to nature, away from crowds, surrounded by genuine hospitality.

At Villa Izydor, we offer cozy rooms finished in the regional spirit rooms, a homely atmosphere, delicious breakfasts made from local products, parking for guests, and a location that lets you forget about morning traffic jams.

Don't wait until the best dates are sold out!

• Check our current offers, including the Summer Longer = Cheaper package (from 185 PLN per person per night) or A Week at Aunt Basia's!
• See other attractions in Kościelisko we recommend!