Kościeliska Valley, Valley in the Tatra Mountains, Poland
Kościeliska Valley is a valley in the Tatra Mountains, located in the municipality of Kościelisko, about 10 miles (16 km) from Zakopane. It runs for roughly three and a half miles (5.5 km) along a stream called Kościeliski Potok, flanked by limestone cliffs and pine forests.
The valley was once a center for mining and forestry, with workers living and working in lodges and smelters along its length. Today, only the ruins of a blast furnace near Stare Kościeliska survive from that period, marked with a small memorial.
The valley is a favorite destination for Polish families because the wide gravel path works well for strollers and young children. Along the way, small wooden huts sell fresh sheep cheese and żętyca, a traditional whey drink that locals have made in this region for generations.
The trail begins in the village of Kiry, where large parking areas are available, and the path is mostly flat and wide enough for strollers. In winter, some sections can be icy, so it is worth checking conditions before you go.
Visitors who do not want to walk the full trail can travel part of the way by horse-drawn carriage, which covers a stretch of about 2 miles (3.5 km) along the valley floor. This is one of the few places in Polish national parks where horse-drawn transport is still actively used.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
