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Five Polish Lakes Valley

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Valley of the Five Polish Lakes (Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich) is a spectacularly rugged, post-glacial high-altitude valley in the High Tatras, captivating visitors with its profoundly pristine alpine beauty. The expansive valley is situated at an elevation of roughly 1,600 to 1,900 meters well above the tree line and is dramatically enclosed by gigantic, nearly vertical granite walls. Stretching across the valley floor are the five intensely cold, deep blue alpine lakes that grant the valley its name, among which the Wielki Staw Polski (Great Polish Lake) stands out significantly with its massive depth of nearly 80 meters and a surface area exceeding 34 hectares, making it the most voluminous lake in the Tatras. A primary focal point of the valley is the historic mountain hut built on the shores of the front lake at an altitude of 1,671 meters, proudly holding the title of the highest mountain shelter in Poland. Surplus water from the lakes plunges majestically over the steep rocky threshold of the Wielka Siklawa waterfall down into the adjacent Roztoka Valley. Due to the extremely harsh alpine climate, the valley is typically blanketed by a dense layer of snow for well over half the year.

Location: Poland
Top sights: Kościelec · Valentková / Walentkowy Wierch · Krajná Kopa / Skrajna Turnia
Nearby: Zakopane (12 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-6	-2	5	10	13	15	15	10	5	0	-5
Rain mm	66	64	69	69	119	127	139	102	89	78	71	65

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The high-altitude valleys are generally accessed by well-marked hiking trails starting from the popular resort town nearby. Visitors typically face a demanding hike to reach this spectacular post-glacial landscape.

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Best season

The optimal time for visiting is usually from late June to early October when the snow has mostly melted from the trails. Winter visits are extremely challenging and are strictly for highly experienced mountaineers.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain consists of steep, rocky paths that wind through a dramatic alpine environment featuring pristine mountain lakes. The trails involve significant elevation gain and navigate across uneven, rocky ground.

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What to bring

High-quality, ankle-supporting hiking boots are absolutely essential for safely crossing the rocky terrain. Due to the high altitude, bringing warm layers, windproof jackets, and ample water is extremely important.

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Parking

Parking is typically available at designated entry points to the national park, located miles away from the high valley itself. These lots require payment and fill up very early during the busy summer hiking season.

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Safety

Weather in the High Tatras can change violently and unexpectedly, presenting a serious risk to unprepared hikers. Always check mountain rescue forecasts and never wander off the clearly marked trails in the alpine zone.

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Time needed

Completing a hike to this valley and returning usually demands a full and strenuous day of continuous walking. Many hikers make it part of a longer multi-day trek, staying overnight at mountain shelters when available.

Geography

Coordinates

49.21000, 20.03000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Siklawa Waterfall1 km · EExplore →

Morskie Oko3 km · EExplore →

Rysy Peak5 km · SEExplore →

Tatra National Park6 km · NWExplore →

Kriváň6 km · SExplore →

Tatra Mountains7 km · NWExplore →

Gerlachovský štít9 km · SEExplore →

High Tatras9 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Five Polish Lakes Valley (3)

Kościelec 📍 landmark

An iconic, pyramid-shaped mountain peak in the Polish High Tatras, very popular among climbers.

Valentková / Walentkowy Wierch 📍 landmark

A mountain peak in the main ridge of the High Tatras on the Polish-Slovak border.

Krajná Kopa / Skrajna Turnia 📍 landmark

A peak in the High Tatras, part of the rugged mountain ridge between Poland and Slovakia.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are there really five lakes in the valley?

There are actually six, but the smallest one (Wole Oko) is periodic and often not counted.

How do you get to the valley?

The classic route starts from Palenica Białczańska and leads up to the valley past the Siklawa waterfall.

Is the mountain hut in the valley open year-round?

Yes, the hut in the Valley of the Five Polish Lakes is the highest-situated hut in Poland and is open year-round.

Is swimming allowed in the mountain lakes?

No, swimming in the lakes of the Tatra National Park is strictly prohibited to protect the ecosystem.

How difficult is the hiking trail?

The hike is moderately difficult and requires good fitness, but no specialized climbing equipment is needed.

Five Polish Lakes Valley: where is it located?

Five Polish Lakes Valley is located in Poland.

Five Polish Lakes Valley: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kościelec, Valentková / Walentkowy Wierch, Krajná Kopa / Skrajna Turnia.

Five Polish Lakes Valley: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Five Polish Lakes Valley: why is it worth visiting?

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

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