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Wieś Kościelisko
Wąwóz Kraków is a rocky side valley branching off the Kościeliska Valley in the Western Tatras, cutting into the slopes of Ciemniak and Upłaziańska Kopa. It is about 3 kilometres long and is regarded as the most beautiful ravine in this part of the Tatras. Administratively it belongs to Kościelisko in the Tatra county.
Many walkers pass by without realising what is hidden a few dozen metres from the main track.
Beyond Hala Pisana an inconspicuous wooden footbridge crosses the stream, and behind it begins a dark path entering between vertical walls. A few steps are enough for the noise of the main valley to fade and for the air to turn cool and damp. It is worth carrying a torch — it comes in very handy in the shaded corners and at the mouths of the rock niches.
The name of the ravine probably comes from the imagination of the highlanders, for whom the narrow, stony passages resembled the streets of Kraków. There are more such associations here: nearby you will find the Town Hall, St Mary’s Church, the Market Square and the Dragon’s Den. Limestone walls, mosses and shade create an atmosphere closer to a fairy tale than to a typical Tatra hike.
Only the lower part of the ravine is open to visitors; the upper sections are under strict protection and remain inaccessible. The ground is stony, damp and slippery in places, so sure footwear and caution are needed. The rules of the Tatra National Park apply, including the ban on bringing dogs and on leaving the marked paths.
