Pięć Stawów Polskich
A high alpine basin of five lakes enclosed by dramatic peaks — the most remote major shelter in the Polish Tatras, a serious full-day hike best rewarded by staying the night.
- Difficult
- 28 km
- 900 m
- 8 h 15 min
- Out and back
- Summer, Autumn
- not for young children, no dogs, no strollers
This is a demanding full-day hike (13–15 km one way, ~900 m gain) into remote terrain; do not attempt the mountain passes in rain or with afternoon storms forecast.
Chains and exposure on the Zawrat approach; steep rocky terrain (no chains) on the recommended Szpiglasowa Przełęcz route.
Pięć Stawów Polskich ("Five Polish Lakes") is a high alpine basin at 1,665–1,840 m, enclosed by some of the most dramatic peak scenery in the Polish Tatras — Szpiglasowy Wierch, Miedziane, Świnica, and the Zawrat pass. Five lakes occupy the basin floor, the largest being Wielki Staw (Great Lake), Poland's deepest mountain lake.
The shelter here — Schronisko nad Pięciu Stawami Polskimi — sits at 1,671 m at the edge of the Great Lake. It's the most remote major shelter in the Polish Tatras, a 4–5 hour walk from any trailhead in any direction. There's no road, no cable car, no shortcut. Getting there requires earning it.
The combination of scale, remoteness and the quality of the surrounding peaks puts this among the finest high-mountain landscapes accessible to non-technical hikers in the Polish Tatras.
The route
Route 1: Via Szpiglasowa Przełęcz (recommended). Start: Palenica Białczańska (same starting point as Morskie Oko). Route: follow the Morskie Oko access road to Morskie Oko (9 km), then continue on the blue trail around the western shore and up the steep, rocky ascent to Szpiglasowa Przełęcz (2,110 m), then descent into the Pięć Stawów basin. This is the most scenically satisfying route — you pass through Morskie Oko, climb to a proper pass with Tatra ridge views, and descend into the hidden basin. The Szpiglasowa Przełęcz ascent is steep and requires good footing but has no chains or technical sections. Total time Palenica → Pięć Stawów: 4.5–5.5 hours.
Route 2: Via Zawrat Pass from Hala Gąsienicowa. Start: Kuźnice (for Hala Gąsienicowa). Route: up to Hala Gąsienicowa (3.5 hours), then continue on the red trail to Zawrat pass (2,159 m), then very steeply down into the Pięć Stawów basin. The Zawrat descent is one of the most serious sections of non-technical Tatra hiking — steep, rocky, chains required in places, and the exposure is significant. This route is for experienced hikers only and requires honest assessment of your head for heights.
For most visitors: walk in to the Dolina Pięciu Stawów and return the same way — or descend via Świstówka if it's open and conditions are good. This is the sensible default and it is not a lesser version of the trip. For very fit, experienced hikers: the Szpiglasowa Przełęcz loop is the more logical scenic circuit — it includes a chained section and requires good weather. Zawrat is a serious high-mountain crossing; it should not be presented as a casual alternative for intermediate walkers.
What you'll see
Wielki Staw (Great Lake, 1,665 m) is the largest, deepest, and the one you see first on descent from Szpiglasowa. The shelter sits at its edge. Clear, cold, dark water reflecting the enclosing peaks.
Mały Staw (Little Lake) is adjacent to Wielki, smaller, a different angle on the surrounding ridges. Przedni Staw, Zadni Staw, and Czarny Staw each have their own position and character within the basin. A walk between them takes 1–2 hours.
The basin functions as a natural amphitheatre — the peaks surround it on three sides, and the fourth opens toward Morskie Oko below. Weather systems are visible developing from the shelter before they arrive, which helps with decision-making about onward routes.
Insider tips
Stay the night. The Pięć Stawów basin as a day hike — 13+ km in, same 13 km out, with maybe 45 minutes at the lake — is not the same experience as arriving in late afternoon, having the basin to yourself as the day visitors leave, waking at dawn, and spending two hours at the lake before walking out. The overnight adds logistics but transforms the visit. Book Murowaniec for the first night, Pięć Stawów for the second — a two-night circuit that covers the best of the central Tatras.
Photography tips
Wielki Staw at dawn — before the day hikers arrive from Morskie Oko — with the Szpiglasowy ridge reflected in still water is one of the most photographed scenes in the Polish mountains. The view from Szpiglasowa Przełęcz looking both ways (toward the Morskie Oko basin south, toward Pięć Stawów north) is exceptional.
Best light: sunrise at the lake (stay overnight); late afternoon light on the southern walls from the basin floor. Best season for photography: late August–September — clear air, possible storm clouds, autumn beginning in the lower forests while the basin remains in summer condition.
Early morning, before walkers arrive over Szpiglasowa from the Morskie Oko side, is the window. Stay overnight if the photograph is the point — it isn't reachable at that hour otherwise.
Safety considerations
This is a serious hiking destination even by Tatra standards. The distance (13–15 km one way) and elevation gain (~900 m) represent a full, demanding day. The Szpiglasowa Przełęcz is exposed and requires solid footwork on loose rocky terrain. Zawrat descent is significantly more serious than Szpiglasowa — chains, steep exposure.
Weather changes at 1,665 m are faster and more severe than at valley level. The shelter fills — if you plan to stay and haven't booked, you may be turned away in peak season. Do not attempt the passes in rain or with afternoon storm forecast building.
Emergency: 601 100 300 (TOPR) or 112. GPS coordinates from RATUNEK app.
Variations and extensions
From Pięć Stawów, Orla Perć — Poland's most demanding marked trail — is accessible via the Zawrat pass. For experienced hikers who have completed the Pięć Stawów approach and want to continue onto the technical ridge, the shelter serves as the natural base. This is a separate undertaking entirely from the valley hike.