Giewont is one of the most known peaks in the Tatra Mountains, which comprises three peaks: Big Giewont with the cross (1,895 meters), Small Giewont (1,728 meters), and Long Giewont (1,867 meters). Giewont hike is quite demanding, the peak is exposed, rocky and there are chains installed to help you hike. Winter Giewont hike may become a real challenge for adventurous hikers and climbers. I approached it once during a winter mountaineering course in a severe snowstorm. It was more difficult than hiking much higher peaks in different parts of the world.
Giewont hike is popular for its stunning views and the large iron cross on the summit, which is 17.5 meters high 😉 It is well visible from Zakopane viewing points. Giewont is a beautiful hiking adventure if you know how to prepare. Let me guide you through two different routes to accomplish the Giewont hike.
Full guide on Giewont hike.
Let’s start with this – the Giewont is a completely different hiking adventure in winter and summertime. It requires relevant preparation depending on weather conditions. In summer you might witness hundreds of people along Giewont hiking trail. But in winter you need to check TOPR advisory (Tatra Mountains rescue team) also around avalanche danger. You will most likely need crampons, hiking poles, a few layers plus wind proof jacket.
Before entering Tatra National Park you need to purchase an entry ticket (2USD) – it can be purchased online & multiday options are available.
Off-trail hiking in Tatra National Park is not allowed unless you are accompanied by a licensed guide.
Giewont hiking trail summary.
- Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness level is required.
- Weather: Weather in the Tatra Mountains can change rapidly! Hike in a good weather forecast, for w inter hike you should be prepared for snow and ice and be fully equipped.
- Permits: Entrance fee to Tatra National Park is required – you can either purchase at the start of the trail or online- multiday options are available and it is very straightforward to purchase.
- Equipment: Essentials – Proper hiking boots, layered clothing, a rain jacket, water, snacks, a map (get free in one of the Tourist Information Centers in Zakopane) and a first-aid kit. Additionally I always carry a mirror (to reflect the sun) and a whistle in case you need to call help.
How do I get to Giewont Mountain?
- By Car: Drive to Zakopane and park in one of the parking lots near the trailheads.
- By Bus: Take a bus from Zakopane to Kuźnice, the most common starting point for Giewont hike. There are many mini buses driving from Zakopane toward Kuznice (which is also a lower cable car station for Kasprowy Wierch – one of the most famous peaks in the Polish Tatra Mountains). The ticket for the mini bus is 1 USD/one way. The same ticket price is for a public bus no 18.
How to get to Zakopane?
Zakopane offers plenty of mountain hiking, it’s one of the best destinations in Poland for adventurous hikers.
Zakopane is easily accessible via road or rail from major Polish cities like Cracow, Warsaw, Wroclaw. Once you arrive, the local culture, mountain architecture, and the backdrop of the majestic Tatra Mountains will immediately capture your attention.
The best platform to book train and bus tickets in Poland is Omio.com – with more than 1,000 transportation providers.
By Car – I always use Rentalcars.com – the world’s largest online car rental service. A drive from Cracow can take 1.5-2 hours, depending on the season.
Hiking Giewont in winter.
There are a number of trails leading to Giewont Peak.
First of all, as I said – hiking in the summer months is a completely different expedition to winter hike/climb. Winter in Tatra Mountains can be ruthless! Tatra Mountains are considered Alpine style and some of the routes are extremely challenging or even not accessible in winter months.
Be aware in spring there is still a lot of snow in the Tatra Mountains and you should carry an ice axe and crampons.
Moreover, avalanches are a huge danger in Tatra Mountains. Dramatic steep mountain slopes often carry huge layers of snow, which can be easily broken by snowboarders or skiers – remember Tatra Mountains are the biggest winter resort in Poland.
1. Kuźnice to Giewont via Kondratowa Valley
The most popular and the easiest route leads from Kuznice via Kondratowa Valley.
- Start Point: Kuźnice – lower cable car station to Kasprowy.
- Distance: Approximately 5.5 km one way
- Elevation Gain: About 950 meters
- Duration: 3-4 hours one way/depending on the weather and season (it takes 3 hours in summertime).
Giewont hike from Kuznice - trail description.
From Kuźnice (ticket office to Tatra National Park), follow the blue trail towards the Kondratowa Valley.
Pass the Kalatówki meadow and reach the Kondratowa Hut.
Continue on the blue trail to the Kondracka Przełęcz Pass.
1 hour before summiting you will have a crossroad – the left trail leads toward Kasprowy Wierch (another stunning peak with an Upper Cable Car Station), the right trail leads toward Giewont Peak. From the blue trail ail switch to the red trail leading directly to Giewont (see the photo below).
Giewont hike via Strążyska Valley.
The alternative Route leads via Strążyska Valley, which is less popular and much longer. This is the trail we took for a winter Giewont hike. At some stages the snow was extremely deep, the higher we got the wind was getting stronger, and eventually, the visibility was up to 3 meters.
- Start Point: Strążyska Valley
- Distance: Approximately 7 km one way
- Elevation Gain: About 950 meters
- Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours one way.
Start from the Strążyska Valley entrance and follow the red trail. Reach the Strążyska Clearing and continue to the Siklawica Waterfall.
Switch to the yellow trail leading to Przełęcz w Grzybowcu. From here, follow the blue trail to Kondracka Przełęcz and then the red trail to Giewont.
I did this trail in heavy winter conditions, at the higher altitude the snow layer was up to my hips. We were using ropes, crampons and ice axes. The wind at the last stage was so strong it was almost impossible to climb. Temperature feeling was up to -25 Celsius (MINUS 25!).
It was a mountaineering course and we were led by one of the most experienced Polish climber. Still very challenging and risky, but it was a highly valuable experience. Giewont peak with a cross on the below photo 😉
Hiking tips for Giewont.
- Start Early: To avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms in summer and to avoid hiking in darkness in winter when the day is short.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water.
- Respect Nature: Stay on marked trails, and do not disturb wildlife.
- Emergency: Dial 112 for mountain rescue services.
- Summit Cross: An iron cross stands on the summit of Wielki Giewont.
- Views: Panoramic views of Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains, and the surrounding valleys.
- Safety: Be cautious, especially on the rocky sections near the summit. Use the chains for assistance.
The last section was done in extreme conditions. We were on ropes, I was the last one this time, so additionally had to untie the line. The final climb was about 30 minutes. The peak was so windy, we stayed for 1 minute and started ascending carefully to minimize avalanche risk.
Accommodation for Giewont Hike.
- Zakopane: Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and hostels are available.
- Mountain Huts: Kondratowa Hut and other nearby huts offer basic accommodation.
Get inspired by: Check 10 best things to do in Zakopane!
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