Dolina Chocholowska in Tatra Mountains is an unique and breathtaking crocus valley in Poland.
Violet carpet of blooming flowers cover whole valley in April or May depending when Spring comes.
The Valley
Beautiful crocus valley in Poland lies in West Tatras about 10km from Zakopane.
Dolina Chochlowska is the longest and biggest valley in Polish Tatras. The best place to start a 15km long (both ways) walk along the valley is Siwa Polana– leave your car there. You can hike, rent a bike or use a horse and carriage ride.
The Hike
When season comes, and crocuses bloom, best tip from me is GO VERY EARLY even 6AM.
If you start 10.00 or 11.00 you can walk with hundreds of tourists it’s so popular on blooming weekends. If you go early it’s a magnificent experience and you’ll enjoy much more.
This hike takes about two hours up and hour and half down so you can plan it as a half day trip into the Tatra Range.
In eary April there can be still some snow and ice on a trail so mind your mountain gear ( I mean high heels may not be the smartest move).
Once you reach the Chocholowska Clearing about 1100m turn right by the wooden huts and go up the hill till you reach the Chapel.
After maybe 300m there is a big PTTK mountain hut.
A sizable apple pie with blueberries and hot tea in traditional high glass is a good reward for your hike.
After lunch we spent some time around the hut and on grass just enjoying the Sun and this wondereful view of violet meadows covered with crocus flowers.
