Dolina Koscieliska and Mrozna Jaskinia

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 10.8 miles / 17.4 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Dolina Koscieliska (Koscieliska Valley) is situated nearby Koscielisko village in Tatra county in southern Poland close to the border with Slovakia about 5 km from Zakopane.

Koscieliska Valley extends from the foot of the Tatra Mountains to its main ridge and is considered one of the most beautiful valleys. Koscieliska Valley creates a long and deep rocky gorge with walls that are called gates and approach close to each other. In the Koscieliska Valley there are several very popular and accessible caves, including Mrozna Jaskinia (cave Frost).

The moderate loop trip from the entrance to the furthest end of Koscieliska Valley including the Mrozna cave visit is about 17.6 km, gaining about 530 m in elevation.

Basically, the loop hike can be divided into sections as follows: from the trailhead to the Smreczynski Pond, from the Smreczynski Pond back to the trailhead following the same trail and a visit of Mrozna cave between POI 2 and POI 3. It generally takes about 5.5 hours for average hikers to complete the round trip, allowing sufficient time for making refreshment stops.

Tips: Alternatives. Should you decide to shorten the trail and re-classify the trip to easy, drop POI 4 and POI 5. Once you reach POI 2, turn immediately left and head directly to the cave. After reaching POI 3, hike back in direction to the trailhead (the total trip is about 7.2 km).

In the high season the valley is overcrowded - it is one of the most crowded places in the Tatras. The valley including the cave may be visited also when it is drizzling or raining.

Valley bans vehicles, so leave your vehicle at the parking lot.

What to bring:
Snacks and enough water. You can replenish your supplies in Ornak hostel (POI 4).
If it is rainy, a rain cape comes in handy.

Points of Interest

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Dolina Koscieliska Start

Make entrance to Koscieliska Valley your trailhead. It is situated nearby Koscielisko village, at Kira hamlet. Pay admission fee (a few PLN per person).

The next POI is about 2.4 km (or 40 minutes) distant. While hiking onward admire beautiful surroundings including the Outlaw’s Chapel.

The Outlaw’s Chapel of Koscieliska Valley Photo

Dolina Koscieliska Start (POI 1) – The Trailhead Photo

Hiking in Dolina Koscieliska (Koscieliska Valley) on a Rainy Day Photo

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Turnoff Cave Entry

From Turnoff Cave Entry, the entrance to Mrozna Cave (cave Frost) is about 680 m (or 20 minutes). For now, do not turn left in direction of the cave. Do it upon your return to this point later. Now, continue straightaway hiking up the valley in direction Ornak.

The next POI is about 990 m (or 15 minutes) distant. Enjoy beautiful nature till you come to the point Turnoff Cave Exit.

Hiking in Koscieliska Valley shortly before coming to POI 3 Photo

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Turnoff Cave Exit

Turnoff Cave Exit is the point at your left at which people enter again the main valley trail after completing the visit of Mrozna cave. For now just register this point as one of your milestones.

The next POI is about 6.2 km (or 1:57 hour) distant. Continue hiking up the main valley trail. Admire nature till you come close to the point called Ornak Hostel.

Turnoff Cave Exit (POI 3) – After Completing the Cave Tour, Returning to the Main Valley Trail Photo

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Ornak Hostel

When arriving here for the first time, pass Ornak hostel unvisited. Visit Ornak hostel after your return from Smreczynski Pond.

The next POI is about 1.2 km (or 24 minutes) distant. Continue hiking to Smreczynski Pond through the forest trail. In places, admire also green turfs.

Green Turfs Between Ornak Hostel and Smreczynski Pond - 1 Photo

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Smreczynski Pond

Now you are at Smreczynski Pond (Smreczynski Staw). Stop for a refreshment. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the spot. This is the most remote point in the valley you have reached today.

Start your return trip in direction of the trailhead following the same trail. On your way back visit successively Ornak Hostel at POI 4 and then Mrozna cave between POI 2 and POI 3.

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Mrozna Cave End

The main valley trail is from Mrozna cave about 260 m (or 6 minutes) distant. Head to the valley (POI 3).

From POI 3 continue hiking in direction of the trailhead.

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Mrozna Cave Start

Once you reach the entrance to the Mrozna cave, pay the admission fee. In 2010 it was 3 PLN per person. Enter the electrified cave and be your own guide.

The end of the cave is about 440 m (or 33 min) distant. Relish your hike while walking to the other end of the cave. Do not hurry. In fact, the cave is a one-way long corridor. The tour is quite comfortable and safe. The only thing to take care of: do not hit your head against the low hanging rocks.