Nearby attractions
Kościelisko is a small mountain village, in the suburbs of the famous mountain resort of Zakopane. Due to the proximity of the Tatra National Park, Kościelisko is an ideal starting point for mountain trips. The name of the village comes from the Koscieliska Valley, one of the most popular valleys in the Polish Tatra Mountains. The entrance to the Koscieliska Valley is located within the walking distance from the conference venue. Not far from Kościelisko lies also the Chocholowska Valley. It is the largest and the longest valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains, covering an area of 35 square kilometers and having a length of 10 km. A walk through these beautiful valleys shall not take much time and can be easily recommended even to less advanced climbers. In Chochołów, a small village located not far from the entrance to the Chocholowska Valley (10 minutes drive), you can also take advantage of the largest thermal baths in Podhale (Chocholowskie termy).
One of the most famous tourist attractions in the vicinity of Kościelisko and Zakopane is Morskie Oko, the largest and the fourth deepest lake in the Tatra Mountains. It is located deep in the Tatra National Park, in the Rybi Potok Valley. The name "Morskie Oko" ("Eye of the Sea") comes from an old legend, according to which the lake was connected to the sea via an underground passage. The trail to Morskie Oko is considered relatively easy and does not require high physical fitness (the sum of hills on the way does not exceed 500 m), but hiking takes about five hours (back and forth).
From the same spot where the Morskie Oko trail starts (red track), you can also choose a bit more demanding path (green track) along the Roztoka Valley, heading to a picturesque mountain valley, called the Valley of Five Lakes. It is located at an altitude of over 1,625 m above sea level and is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatra Mountains. It has an area of about 6.5 square kilometers and a length of almost 4 km, and is named is due to five post-glacial lakes.
More experienced mountain-climbers can also climb Giewont, with its characteristic cross at the top. This hike requires proper equipment and preparation, but gives the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable views. Mount Giewont, located at an altitude of 1894 m above sea level, is considered a symbol of the Polish Tatra Mountains. Due to its shape, it is also called the Sleeping Knight, who according to an old legend is to guard the Polish Tatra Mountains and the entire country, and wake up when they are in danger.
In addition to hiking, you can use the cable car, reaching the most popular peak of the Polish Tatra Mountains: Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m above sea level), with a magnificent panorama of the Western Tatras, or the funicular to Gubalowka (1120 m above sea level), the most popular hill near Zakopane, with a panoramic view of Mount Giewont and Kasprowy Wierch.
Copyright © WMS AGH