Hike to Mt Wielki Kopieniec with Mountain Guide

Explore the iconic Strążyska Valley – pristine trails, breathtaking waterfalls and a stop at a mountain tea house.

Duration

4 - 5 hours

Ascent / Descent

350m / 450m

Difficulty

Easy

From

€300 / group

Season

April – November

Highlights

Breathtaking summit panorama of the High Tatras and Western Tatras from Wielki Kopieniec

Wywierzysko Olczyskie — the largest karst spring in the Polish Tatra Mountains

Easy woodland trail through one of the quietest corners of the Tatra foothills

Polana Kopieniec — a historic shepherd's meadow with remnants of old mountain huts

Route details

Full route

Zakopane → Toporowa Cyrhla → Polana Kopiniec → Wielki Kopiniec → Wywierzysko Olczyska → Jaszczurówka → Zakopane

Duration

4 - 5 hours

Total Ascent

350 m

Total Descent

450 m

Difficulty

Easy

Extend the hike to Mt Nosal for an extra summit with incredible panorama to round off the day

+ €24

What to expect

The hike to Wielki Kopieniec is a rewarding half-day route that packs in summit views, geological curiosities, and mountain history — all on an easy, well-maintained trail.

Starting from Toporowa Cyrhla, you'll climb through quiet, wooded terrain to Polana Kopieniec, where the remnants of old shepherding huts tell the story of the region's pastoral traditions. From there, the trail continues to the summit of Wielki Kopieniec — a magnificent viewpoint with a sweeping panorama over the highest Tatra peaks and valleys below.

On the descent through the Olczyska Valley, you'll visit Wywierzysko Olczyskie, the largest karst spring on the Polish side of the Tatras. This fascinating natural spring emerges directly from the mountain interior — a must-see for anyone interested in the geology of the range.

The route finishes in Jaszczurówka, where you can see the famous wooden chapel designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz in the traditional Zakopane style.

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What to bring

Comfortable hiking shoes

Weather- appropriate layers

Water & snacks

Camera for the panorama

Sunscreen & sunglasses

Rain jacket (ask guide if needed)

Meeting point

Need transport to the trailhead? We can arrange pickup from your accommodation in Zakopane or the surrounding area. Just let us know when booking.

Frequently asked

How fit do I need to be for this hike?

The Wielki Kopieniec hike is considered an easy hike, suitable for hikers of any fitness level. The optional extension to Nosal is a steep and rocky one, so only embark if you have the energy to spare.

The Wielki Kopieniec hike is ideal for groups and families with children.

We recommend reaching out to us to see how the weather is shaping up to be on the day of your hike. Rapid weather shifts are common in the Tatras, so a raincoat and an extra clothing layer are recommended taking.

The full price applies for groups of any size and includes a guided Strążyska Valley hike and insightful information about the region’s history from your professional guide.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 8 reviews

Lin C.

Apr 2016, came as a couple

We randomly came across Stanisław’s website and decided to have a cave tour with him. We did not have any caving experience before but he really made the adventure safe but exciting! Definitely a professional! My girlfriend was also very happy about the photos he took for us!

Bàrbara L

Oct 2017, came as a couple

Stan is the best mountain guide of Tatra because knows perfectly these mountains and also is a ski instructor and a member of the Voluntary Tatra Mountains Rescue Team. He recommended us the route of the lakes and it was the best choice. The views were beautiful. If we go back to Tatra Mountains we will repeat with his guiding service ¡Thanks for all and see you soon!! Albert and Barbara

Cancellation policy

Flexible booking

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the hike. Within 24 hours, a 50% fee applies. No-shows are non-refundable.

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