We’re happy to present the easiest of Zakopane hikes, with just a bit of physical effort, and a lot of rewarding views: the hike to Schronisko PTTK Hala Kondratowa hut.
Zakopane is one of the prettiest mountain villages in Poland, possibly in Europe. Even though you usually travel to cities (like us) and even though you are not that much into trekking and hiking (like us), if you made it to Zakopane, I think you may be interested in enjoying a day in nature, surrounded by the beautiful Tatra mountains (like us).
It’s worth mentioning that the hikes to the beautiful lakes of Zakopane are more famous: Czarny Staw Gasienicowy, Dolina Pieciu Stawow, and of course Morskie Oko. However, they are longer and harder hikes, which will take a toll on your legs. If you plan more walks during your trips, or simply sightseeing in Krakow, you do not want to destroy your legs on a hike. Keep reading to find out what happened to me!
Are you a couch potato? So are we! Nonetheless, when we do manage to get up from our lovely sofa, we enjoy spending time outdoors. We share our super-easy hikes, stories and adventures on our series “Hiking for couch potatoes“. If we can do it, you can do it too!
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Hala Kondratowa info
When I say that we’re not in a good shape, I mean it. Ok, Darek does exercise and go to the gym, but I (Giulia) move from sitting on the sofa to sitting in the office, all day, every day. I go to a yoga class once a week. I don’t like to sweat, and I’m very lazy.
Nonetheless, just arriving to Zakopane made me want to walk in the woods and enjoy the fresh air. When Darek mentioned that they serve great traditional Polish food at the Hala Kondratowa hut, it was all I needed to know to be convinced.
If you’re anything like us, you’re going to like this easy Zakopane hike. The trail brings you from an open, wide valley to picturesque woods. It was really easy and pleasant, with some relaxing flat parts, and a few uphill stairs made of stone slabs.
Where is Hala Kondratowa?
First of all, some Polish assistance: “Hala Kondratowa” means “Kondratowa valley”; “Schronisko means “hut”; “PTTK” stands for “Polskie Towarzystwo Turystyczno-Krajoznawcze” which means “Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society”. Feeling better now? I certainly do!
So, Schronisko Hala Kondratowa, the Kondratowa valley hut, is located here, 1333 meters above sea level, South of Zakopane, into the Kondratowa valley. It is the second hut on the way to Giewont peak, a popular but difficult hike in Zakopane. Darek did it years ago, and his knees hurt for days afterwards, so thanks but no thanks.
How long does it take from Zakopane to Hala Kondratowa hut?
From the starting point “Kuznice Kolejka” of Kasprowy cable car (in Polish “Kolej linowa Kasprowy Wierch”), it took us 1,5 hours to reach our destination (11.25 – 13.00) and 1 hour to come back (13.50 – 15.00).
How many km is it?
3,5 km one way.
What’s the altitude difference?
Only 330 m. You can do it! The start is quite uphill, then there is a flat part, and then a bit more uphill.
Is hiking gear necessary?
My parents and I were wearing hiking shoes, Darek was wearing simple running shoes. We didn’t need any particular hiking gear.
Is it a crowded hike?
Truly, this is just the first part of the hike to Giewont mountain peak. When we visited at the end of June, it wasn’t particularly crowded. However, since it takes a full day for the Giewont hike, it’s possible that earlier in the day there are more people.
What you need for the hike to Hala Kondratowa
I swear a saw a lady walking up the trail in ballerinas. Don’t be that person. Even though this is an easy hike, you should be prepared.
- CLOTHES: wear layers, because the weather can change really quickly. Use materials that let your skin breathe and absorb sweat. If you don’t own such clothes, it’s still ok. Darek was wearing jeans, he looked a bit funny to me, but it was fine.
- SHOES: hiking boots that protect your ankles are not necessary. Running shoes or similar, as long as they have a good, thick sole, are fine.
- GEAR: unless your knees or ankles are bad, you won’t need walking sticks.
- WATER: there’s a fountain at the cable car station and at the church (see below)
- FOOD: we were aiming to enjoy traditional Polish food at Hala Kondratowa hut, so we didn’t bring anything with us. There are more cafés and restaurants at the cable car station, and also the first hut “Hotel Górski PTTK Kalatówki” serves food.
- WEATHER: obviously, don’t go if the weather forecast is bad. Some rain may make the trail slippery, but not too dangerous. A cloudy day can actually save you from the sun’s heat.
- MAP: this hike is so short and easy that you don’t really need a professional hiking map. But, just in case, take one from your hotel/flat, or take a picture of the large map on the board of the cable car station, at the start.
- COST: You are entering a national park: a symbolic ticket of 1 Zloty is required (that’s 0,25 EUR). You will find the booth (which sells also postcards and souvenirs) shortly after the start of the trail.
- ANIMALS: I don’t think there are any dangerous animals, but I did not check. Same goes for insects, ticks and bugs. That was a bit irresponsible of us.
- BRING WITH YOU: nothing else really. Money (bring some cash!), phone/camera, tissues, and jumper.
Map and stops
From the centre of Zakopane to Kuznice Kolejka 
From Kuznice Kolejka to Hala Kondratowa
The starting place of the hike is Kuznice Kolejka, where the Kasprowy Wierch cable car starts: Google Maps here.
You may take a rest at the Church of the Albertine Sisters “Klasztor albertynek na Kalatówkach”: Google Maps here.
The first hut you will find is Hotel Górski PTTK Kalatówki: Google Maps here.
Your destination is the second hut, Schronisko Hala Kondratowa, for lunch, views and rest: Google Maps here.
Be efficient! Save these spots on your Google Maps (and read more efficient advice on our favourite travel apps).
Zakopane hotel/flat to starting point
From the city centre of Zakopane, it takes 50 minutes on foot to reach the starting point of Kuznice Kolejka. It’s approx. 3,5 km uphill with 150 meters ascent. There’s a bus, and even horse carriages that take you there. If you came by car, there’s a parking lot. We suggest walking, because the mountain houses along the road are really pretty, and it’s the perfect warm-up to the hike.
We were staying at Hotel Foluszowy Potok, a gorgeous recently renovated hotel with wonderful wooden furniture, both on the outside and on the inside. It’s also conveniently located halfway between the city centre and Kuznice Kolejka, which makes it a perfect choice! Book directly and contribute to the local economy.
From Kuznice Kolejka to Hotel Górski PTTK Kalatówki
Kuznice Kolejka may be a bit crowded because of the Kasprowy Wierch cable car station. Skip the queue and continue straight, under the cables of the cable car, by following the directions towards Hotel Gorski, or Hala Kondratowa valley, or Giewont peak. The trail here is actually a road, wide and comfortable.
Half-way, on the side, there is a cute little wooden church Church of the Albertine Sisters “Klasztor albertynek na Kalatówkach”. It’s the perfect chance to take a sip at the tiny fountain in front of it, and to admire the local architectural technique up close: they use ropes made of straws to bind together the wooden slabs and beams, and insulate from the heat and the cold.
While chatting and taking pictures, it took us 30 minutes to reach the first hut, Hotel Gorski Kalatowki, which is very large and organized. Back in 2014, we spent a couple of nights here! It was very charming and authentic. There are restrooms and a restaurant with snacks and proper meals.
From Hotel Górski PTTK Kalatówki to Schronisko Hala Kondratowa hut
Here’s where the beautiful forest starts! The trail, paved with large, flat stones, gives you the feeling of stepping into a magical place, fresh and quiet. The trees reach up to the sky, while their huge roots spread around and alter the trail. From time to time, stairs of stones are arranged, still really easy to tackle.
Spontaneous hiking 🙂 
The stairs of stones
In 30-40 minutes, we reached the Hala Kondratowa hut. If you brought lunch with you, it’s time to sit on the grass or on one of the benches! The panorama of the valley to the left is so rewarding. For the best view, walk past the hut along the trail that leads to Giewont peak, one of the popular Zakopane hikes.
Cute hut of Hala Kondratowa 
Gorgeous, peaceful Kondratowa valley
We recommend contributing to the local economy by buying a tasty and affordable lunch at Hala Kondratowa. There are a few tables inside and a few outside on the terrace. It’s absolutely nothing fancy: walk up to the counter, order, pay, and wait. If it’s busy, they may not call you, so make sure you poke your head inside from time to time. The menu will include soups, different types of pierogi dumplings, and cakes. The pierogi were delicious: we tried the Ruskie pierogi with potato filling, and pierogi filled with cabbage. We even shared a portion of chocolate cake!
From Hala Kondratowa to Zakopane
Enough physical activity for today! We walked slowly down and reached the starting point in approximately 1 hour. We could have been faster, but there was a herd of sheep in the grass! How could we not stop and take a million pictures?
Deviation to ski jump and village
If you still have some energies, head to one of the attractions of Zakopane: the ski jump “Wielka Krokiew” (Google maps here).
As you walk down the main road towards Zakopane, take the very first road left. After a few cafés and kiosks, the ski jump will be on your left. It’s quite invisible because it’s set in the grass and surrounded by forest; it doesn’t have the traditional structure you would usually associate with a ski jump. It’s still impressive and steep enough to be chosen for one of the terrifying Red Bull 400 meters race “The worst 400 meters of your life”.
From here, you get the perfect opportunity to get lost in the side streets of Zakopane. We walked approx. 40 minutes to our hotel, admiring the gorgeous wooden houses with steep roofs, carved balconies and colorful flowers.
How we felt the day after
As predicted, my parents and Darek were absolutely fine. Also as predicted, I was sore all over. The most unexpected place of pain was the external sides of my legs and bottom. Clearly, the muscles that pushed me up the trail did not appreciate the attention. It took 2 days for the pain to stop.
To sum up: Should you do this hike in Zakopane?
Absolutely! If I made it, you can make it too. Take it slow, feel part of nature, put away your phone. You’re travelling: enjoy it.
Was this article useful? Did you do any other Zakopane hikes? Let us know in the comments!
What cool series! It so easy to relate! Even though I love hiking, staying in the couch is quite tempting (she writes from a couch xD). I’ll definitely add this to my to do list for the next time I’m in Poland 🙂
Hey Coni! I’m sure you will enjoy the hike. The first time we did it, it was actually very foggy and almost snowing. It was such a magical atmosphere!