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Olczyska Valley, Kopieniec Meadow, and ascent to Wielki Kopieniec

Region:

Zakopane (Zakopane), Tatry (Tatra Mountains)

straighten 4.2km

timer 2h 8min

north_east 434m

south_east 36m

Medium - For young hikers, steep sections possible

Route Map

The slope of the terrain
No dogs allowed

Through Olczyska Valley to Kopieniec Meadow

This is one of the easier trails in the Tatra Mountains - perfect for beginners or for a first mountain hike with children. Along the route, there are two meadows with benches, ideal for a family picnic. The trail features wooden bridges, a waterfall, old shepherd huts, and the Olczyskie Spring. If you are looking for a place in the Tatras without large crowds, Olczyska Valley is a great choice.

The trail is not an easy, flat path - it has a mountain ascent!
From Kopieniec Meadow, you can hike to the summit of Wielki Kopieniec - one of the easiest peaks to reach in the Tatras.

Kopieniec Meadow from the trail to Wielki Kopieniec

Start of the Trail: Jaszczurówka

The green trail through Olczyska Valley starts in Jaszczurówka, about 4 km from the center of Zakopane on the road to Morskie Oko. You can get here by buses going to Morskie Oko or by your own car. There is a parking lot at the entrance to Olczyska Valley.

Parking at the entrance to Olczyska Valley

Where did the name Jaszczurówka come from?

This is one of the few places around Zakopane where natural thermal springs were found. The water from these springs reached about 20°C. Salamanders gathered around these warm springs, which the highlanders called 'jaszczury' - hence the name of this area.

Fire Salamander encountered in the Homole Gorge

Olczyska Valley

Formerly known as Olczysko, this is a charming and peaceful Tatra valley located between Nosal and Mały and Wielki Kopieniec. The green trail leads us through the valley. The Olczyski stream flows through the valley, its sound accompanying us during the walk. The trail through the valley is a wide, gravel path gently climbing uphill - mostly in the sun rather than the shade of trees.

Olczyska Meadow (1035 m a.s.l.)

This is where the green trail intersects with the yellow trail leading to Nosalowa Pass. The meadow has picnic benches, a wooden bridge, and access to a stream.

Olczyskie Spring

A spring is where underground water comes to the surface - this is a source with a very strong water flow. Olczyskie Spring is the largest spring in the Polish Tatras! During heavy rainfall, its output can reach up to 6000 liters per second. This is where the Olczyski stream begins.

To reach the spring, you need to follow the yellow trail and walk to the stream.

Ascent to Kopieniec Meadow

This is undoubtedly the most difficult part of the trail! A wide, rocky path climbs uphill. In some places, the trail is exposed - you can see the peak of Giewont. A significant part of the trail leads through the forest, in the shade of trees. The stones on this part of the trail are larger and less friendly for small children's feet.

Kopieniec Meadow (1250 m a.s.l.)

Also known as Skupniowa Meadow, this is a large and scenic meadow below Wielki Kopieniec. In the past, the meadow was heavily used - there were many huts arranged in a row, now only a few remain. In early spring, crocuses bloom en masse on the meadow. Kopieniec Meadow is a great place to rest and have a family picnic.

Wielki Kopieniec - Ascent to the Summit

Wielki Kopieniec is one of the easiest peaks in the Tatras - perfect for beginners and children. From the meadow to the summit, it takes about a 15-minute climb - if you still have some energy, definitely try it! The views will surely make up for the effort!

In the Podhale dialect, 'kopieniec' refers to a mountain shaped like a mound. In the Tatras, there is another peak with the same name - Wielki Kopieniec above Chochołowska Valley. As you can see - from the summit, there is a wide view covering almost the entire Tatras, and even Babia Góra.