Chocholowska Valley Zakopane – Tatra Mountains

You can get your medals at the papomat in the hostel!

The Chochołowska Valley (1150 m) is the longest and largest valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains. It is a sanctuary for wild animals, and crocuses bloom here en masse in spring. The main tourist trail along the valley floor leads to the Chochołowska Glade Hostel located at the edge of the forest. The first one, built in 1932, was burnt down during the war. Rebuilt in 1953, it still functions today and is the main base for summer and winter tourism in this part of the Tatra Mountains. During World War II, the existing shelters and numerous chalets in the valley provided a base for Polish and Soviet partisans. During the fights with the partisans, the Germans burnt these shelters and numerous huts and sheds. A sleigh ride scene was filmed in the Chochołowska Valley for the film ‘Potop’’.

The beautiful areas around the shelter provide an unforgettable experience and the possibility of active relaxation.

The Chochołowska Glade is one of Karol Wojtyła’s favourite places in the Tatra Mountains. There is even, commemorating this fact, a white and yellow papal tourist trail leading through the Chochołowska and Jarząbcza Valleys. On 23 June 1983, the Pope met Lech Wałęsa at the shelter here. He said then: ‘I will come here to you in a calmer time’.