Chochołowska Valley (Poland)

The Chochołowska Valley is the longest and at the same time the largest valley in the Polish Tatras. It is located in the Western Tatras and has an area of ​​over 35 square kilometers and a length of about 10 kilometers. Early in the morning I arrive at the car park in the place called Siwa Polana. This is the beginning of the valley and the tourist center where you can buy souvenirs related to this place. I start a walk around the valley.

The route for the first kilometers leads through the woods and at the beginning there are not very interesting views. The beginning is an asphalt road, which over time turns into a stone one. In spring thousands of people come here who want to see the first spring crocuses. Individual specimens are visible near the trail all the way. However, the purpose of this trip is the Chochołowska Glade. This is where most crocuses grow.

After about 2 hours I reach a glade. The trail no longer leads through the woods. Now we have great views of the Western Tatras. In the photos above you can see a panorama of the peaks visible from this place. They are from the right: Grześ (1653 m a.s.l.), Rakoń (1879 m a.s.l.) and the highest Wołowiec (2063 m a.s.l.). One day I have to reach all three peaks. Until now, I was only on the first (Grześ). Winter is still in the high Tatras.

First look at the crocuses at the beginning of the clearing. The farther away there will be more. In the photo above you can see how large the area is in the glade. We are here at an altitude of about 1,100 m a.s.l. Far beyond the glade is a rock range called Chochołowskie Mnichy. The glade can only be navigated by specially marked paths. Do not destroy crocuses, because they are under protection and you can get penalty for their destruction.

In the photo above, look back. You can see the glade from a different angle. In the background is the Kominiarski Wierch peak (1829 m a.s.l.). Historically, this place In 1930, there were 60 different types of buildings related to sheep grazing and agriculture. Today, several historic huts remain in the photo. In addition, there is a historic chapel and a mountain shelter near the glade, where you can relax and enjoy a warm meal.

Here a view of the Western Tatras from the chapel. I am coming closer to the shelter, there are the most crocuses. This beautiful valley. The air here is clean and you can relax from the city noise. The trip here is very easy and safe. Many people go here even with young children. The weather is beautiful and the sun is already warm. Remember that in the mountains the sun tanning much faster. I recommend creams with a UV filter.

I arrived at a place near the hostel. There are a lot of crocuses here. The glade here becomes purple. You have to be careful, because they grow here even on the trail and it is easy to step on them. This beautiful phenomenon lasts about two weeks, as soon as the snow melts in the glade. There are few people here all year round, and then in spring this place is visited by up to 50,000 people. For photos with these beautiful flowers some peoples come even from the other end of Poland.

Finally, a close-up of these beautiful crocuses. I recommend visiting the Chochołowska Valley, especially in spring. This is another place in the Tatras that you must see. You don't need mountain equipment here. Good shoes and good will are enough. The round trip route from the car park is about 20 kilometers. It takes about 6-8 hours to see the entire valley, so it's a day trip. Best regards to all those who love mountains!