🌄 Hike to Kasprowy Wierch via Jaworzynka Valley & Gąsienicowa Valley
Route: Kuźnice → Jaworzynka Valley → Przełęcz między Kopami → Hala Gąsienicowa → Kasprowy Wierch → Myślenickie Turnie → Kuźnice
At the beginning of June, I took one of my favorite routes in the Tatra Mountains — the trail leading to Kasprowy Wierch via Jaworzynka Valley and Gąsienicowa Valley.
The weather was quite dramatic that day — heavy clouds moving across the sky with moments of sunlight breaking through. Perfect conditions for capturing the mood of the mountains.
🌿 Jaworzynka Valley — silence, greenery and old shepherd huts
The first section leads through Jaworzynka Valley — a wide green valley surrounded by forests and meadows, where traditional wooden shepherd huts still stand.
It feels like time slows down here. Early in the morning, it’s quiet, peaceful and full of fresh mountain air.
⛰️ Climbing toward Przełęcz między Kopami
After leaving the valley, the trail starts to climb. It’s a bit of a workout, but the views make it more than worthwhile. At one point, Giewont appears on the horizon, rising boldly above the forest.
With low clouds hanging over the peaks, the landscape looked particularly impressive.
🟦 Hala Gąsienicowa — Kościelec, Świnica and mountain space
Reaching Hala Gąsienicowa always feels special. Suddenly, the mountains open up in front of you.
On the first photo: Kościelec — sharp, rugged, dramatic.
On the second photo: Świnica — massive and unmistakable.
On the third photo: Panorama from the valley's bottom — enormous mountains in front.
It’s one of those places where you just have to stop and look around for a while.
🏔️ Reaching Kasprowy Wierch
The ascent from the valley to Kasprowy Wierch is gradual and scenic.
On the summit, clouds were rolling across the ridges, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.
Even on a moody day — or perhaps especially on one — Kasprowy has something magical.
🟢 Descent via the Green Trail through Myślenickie Turnie
Instead of going back the same way, I decided to descend using the green trail through Myślenickie Turnie.
This route is much quieter than the popular descent or the cable car.
The trail leads through forests and rocky viewpoints, with occasional openings towards mountain ridges. As I went lower, the scent of spruce and wet ground became stronger — the typical smell of early summer in the Tatras.
The route ends back in Kuźnice, completing a beautiful loop.
🎒 Route Summary
| Section | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Kuźnice → Jaworzynka Valley | Easy, peaceful, lots of greenery |
| Jaworzynka → Przełęcz między Kopami | Steeper, great viewpoints |
| Przełęcz → Hala Gąsienicowa | Wide alpine space, dramatic scenery |
| Hala Gąsienicowa → Kasprowy Wierch | Gradual scenic climb to the ridge |
| Kasprowy Wierch → Myślenickie Turnie → Kuźnice | Quiet descent through forest and rock |
✨ Final Thoughts
This hike was full of contrasts — bright green valleys, rugged peaks, fast-moving clouds, and shifting light.
Even on familiar trails, the Tatra Mountains always find a way to surprise and inspire.
Places to visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCHphotogallery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lchphotogallery/