This circuit track takes you to the Polish side of the Giant Mountains, so don't forget to take your ID card/passport.
Malý Staw is a glacial lake situated in Poland, just 1.5 hour walk distance from Sněžka. This hiking trail towards Malý and Velký Staw (glacial lakes) is quite demanding due to the ascent as well as possibly uncomfortable rocky footpath on the Polish side, so take a cable car to get to the peak of Sněžka. Confident hikers can get to Růžová hora (Pink Mountain) and hike from this point on to the summit. Having reached Sněžka, observe Malý Staw. Malý Staw tarn lies a short distance from Velký Staw tarn, which is visible from the highest mountain in the Czech Republic.
Go downhill on Cesta česko-polského přátelství (The Path of Czech-Polish Friendship) to Slezská bouda chalet, continue along the blue mark on the Polish side of The Giant Mountains.
The blue trail leads towards Strzecha Akademicka chalet – pay attention there – the blue trail runs past the chalet but not along the road, so watch the signposts. You will reach Malý Staw within a couple of minutes. Refresh yourself in a cosy log cabin, relax on the terrace with tarn-gazing opportunities. The trail runs along the lake, then continues through a picturesque valley for 1 km, after that joins the road. Taking it will lead you uphill, back to the ridges to Slezská bouda chalet or you can choose the blue trail exchanged for the green trail to circle Velký Staw tarn.
The finishing part of the route leads from Slezská bouda chalet and descends to Obří důl valley. Approximately on the midway, you can stop at the pumping station called „trkač“ that brought drinking water to the summit of Sněžka in the past.
The way back leads through the beautiful Obří důl valley.
Route map
Route profile
